This is an exciting time for the organization. Growing the Academy program will allow us to double the number of students we serve next year. Together, we can help more young people unlock their potential and achieve their dreams.
ST. LOUIS, MO. (December 2, 2024) – Boys Hope Girls Hope of St. Louis is pleased to announce the appointment of Michelle Abel as the organization’s Executive Director.
“I am incredibly excited to join the amazing Boys Hope Girls Hope team as I have a passion for the youth in our community and recognize the importance of providing support to students so they can thrive and reach their potential,” said Michelle.
A highly respected senior nonprofit executive, Abel brings a wealth of experience in strategic planning, fundraising, marketing, and team leadership. Most recently, she served as Chief Development Officer at The Little Bit Foundation, where she played a key role in securing $5.7 million in annual revenue and helped achieve a 15% increase in the number of students served.
“We are thrilled to welcome Michelle Abel to Boys Hope Girls Hope of St. Louis,” said Andrea Barry, Board Chair. “Michelle brings a level of energy and passion to the work she does, and we are thrilled to have her on board. Her proven ability to drive growth, build strong relationships, and lead teams with vision and heart made her an ideal choice for this role.”
Boys Hope Girls Hope of St. Louis empowers academically motivated youth from under-resourced communities to achieve their full potential. Through a combination of Residential and Academy programs, the organization provides comprehensive support, including access to quality education, mentorship, life skills development, and emotional support. The Academy pathway provides year-round, out-of-school programming, while Residential adds a primary home with other scholars and round-the-clock care.
Currently, the organization supports 43 scholars and 18 collegians, with an annual revenue of $2.4 million.
Abel looks forward to building on Boys Hope Girls Hope’s 40-year legacy and is especially enthusiastic about expanding the Academy program. “This is an exciting time for the organization,” she said. “Growing the Academy program will allow us to double the number of students we serve next year. Together, we can help more young people unlock their potential and achieve their dreams.”
About Boys Hope Girls Hope
Boys Hope Girls Hope of St. Louis is part of the Boys Hope Girls Hope Network. Through our voluntary, application-based program, we support motivated young people in need through middle to high school, post-secondary education, and career launch. We meet young people where they are; offering out of school time programs, providing physical, emotional, spiritual, and academic support; and, for those who need it, a safe, structured place to live through our residential homes. Boys Hope Girls Hope provides the greatest impact by changing the long- term trajectory for young people, connecting them to opportunities for economic and social mobility they may not otherwise have. For more information visit boyshopegirlshope.org.