WASHINGTON, DC, June 20, 2025 – For the eighth time since 2014, Community of Hope has been named one of The Washington Post’s Top Workplaces, reflecting a sustained commitment to staff engagement and wellness, a strong organizational culture, and mission-driven work.
The recognition is based entirely on feedback from Community of Hope’s more than 480 employees through an anonymous third-party survey conducted by Energage, a leading workplace research firm. The organization continues to excel in areas related to values, belonging, strategic direction and inclusion.
“Receiving this honor for the eighth time is deeply meaningful, especially given the pressures on the nonprofit sector over the past five years,” said Kelly Sweeney McShane, President and CEO of Community of Hope. “We have just spent a year listening to staff and community members as we developed our next strategic plan. This recognition reinforces that our staff culture—rooted in care, trust, and accountability—is what enables us to serve our community so effectively. This award reflects the day-to-day commitment of our team to build something bigger than any one of us.”
Kessia Cruz, Chair of the Board of Directors, emphasized the broader implications of the award:
“This recognition speaks volumes about organizational health, which is essential for long-term impact. As a board, we know that sustained change—especially in complex areas like health and housing—requires a team that’s not just skilled, but supported and seen. Culture isn’t separate from mission; it powers it.”
Over the past year, Community of Hope expanded its services to include The Aya, a family shelter site in Ward 6; deepened chronic disease management within its medical offerings; and advanced its maternal and child health focus.
Previously recognized as a Top Workplace in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, and 2024, Community of Hope has also earned national honors from Top Workplaces in 2023 for Nonprofit Industry and Women-led Organizations. In the last decade, the organization has nearly tripled in size, growing from 165 employees in 2014 to about 480 by mid-2025. The organization also just released its 2025-2029 strategic plan with refreshed mission, vision, goals, and objectives.
The Washington Post celebrated honorees at an awards ceremony on Thursday, June 19. View the full list of winners, here.
About Community of Hope
Founded in 1980, the mission of Community of Hope (COH) is to improve health, end homelessness, and partner with communities to make Washington, DC more equitable. We operate three community health centers, a community resource hub, and a Family Success Center. Our health services include medical, dental emotional wellness, and pharmacy services and extensive patient support for 15,716 patients in 2024. We work to end and prevent homelessness by providing housing and supportive services for 1,601 families and individuals in 2024. A Family Success Center connects over 500 people a year to resources. Community of Hope is building a strong and sustainable organization that is caring for families, improving lives, and leading change.
About Energage
Energage is a purpose-driven company that helps organizations turn employee feedback into useful business intelligence and credible employer recognition through Top Workplaces. Built on 18 years of culture research and the results from 27 million employees surveyed across more than 70,000 organizations, Energage delivers the most accurate competitive benchmark available. With access to a unique combination of patented analytic tools and expert guidance, Energage customers lead the competition with an engaged workforce and an opportunity to gain recognition for their people-first approach to culture.
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