In the vibrant tapestry of Ward 8, Monique Diop stands out as a fierce community advocate, connector, and an ardent friend of Community of Hope. Her journey with us started in 2014, at about the time we moved in, which was a transitional period in her life. Monique had relocated to an affordable home in Ward 8 but soon found herself unemployed. That’s when she discovered the transformative power of Community of Hope.
Joining a workforce development program hosted at the Conway Health and Resource Center, Monique was impressed. “They were paying participants to attend so each week they would give you $25, and I thought that was a great incentive for everyone,” she recalls. During those six weeks, Monique did not just focus on her soft skills; she dedicated time to getting to know her neighbors, forging relationships that endure to this day.
The workforce development program got Monique in our door, but it was the introduction to Conway’s unique suite of services that kept her coming back.
Over the years, Monique has worn many hats within the Community of Hope family. Her personal connections with our services run deep. From ongoing relationships with dentists and primary care providers, to emotional wellness and nutrition assistance, she has experienced the full spectrum of what Community of Hope offers. During stressful times, she found solace in therapy, and received vital assistance with Medicaid coverage when she was unemployed.
Beyond health-related experiences, Monique has also been a community advisory committee member and is currently serving as a board member.
“Having an organization like Community of Hope in this neighborhood means so much to the people here who are looking to grow and build,” Monique expresses. She is quick to dispel the misconception that Ward 8 is all negative, highlighting the multitude of growth-minded, community-focused individuals ready to learn and grow together.
Monique’s dedication goes beyond advocacy; she has actively contributed to community events like the Back-to-School giveaway, which is now one of Community of Hope’s favorite annual events. What resonates with her is the organization’s attentive listening and creating programs tailored to the unique needs of the Bellevue community.
Reflecting on why she advocates passionately for Community of Hope, Monique emphasizes the need for more people to realize the wealth of services available at the Conway location. She plans to continue spreading the word about different services, encouraging others to get involved and stay informed.
As a proud board member, Monique looks forward to contributing more to resource development and fundraising, empowering individuals as Community of Hope empowered her. She believes in the organization’s values of caring for people and wants to see them succeed.
Monique sums up her feelings about Community of Hope, saying, “The staff is nice and helpful, and I know that I can send people there because they will never get turned away.” Looking ahead, Monique hopes to witness the continuation of vital programs, collaborations, and the growth of our community.
In Monique’s words, “We cannot lose Community of Hope in our community.” Community of Hope is an inclusive space open to everyone in the neighborhood, supporting community members, patients, and advocates like Monique. Thank you, Monique, for your unwavering support and the positive impact you have made on our shared journey!
