About
ABOUT US
Who We Are
H.Y.P.E. — Harnessing Youths’ Potential and Energy — is a mentoring organization based in Marrero, Louisiana, dedicated to equipping young people with the support, skills, and confidence they need to lead lives of purpose. We create safe spaces where youth feel seen, heard, and empowered. Through mentoring, life-skills training, career exploration, and community experiences, we guide youth and their families toward a brighter future — one Saturday, one conversation, one step at a time. At H.Y.P.E., we believe that when young people are surrounded by a village of support, they rise — and so does the entire community.
MISSION
H.Y.P.E.'s mission is to set youths and their families on a course that will allow them to acquire the skills, knowledge and resources needed to accomplish their God given destiny. We will accomplish this by providing tutoring programs, goal setting workshops, time management skills, mentors for youth and adults, workforce development training, life skills, internships, career shadowing opportunities and promoting and hosting amateur athletic events.
vision
HY.P.E.'s vision is to help participants tap into their undiscovered potential by removing hurdles and expanding opportunities. This will position each participant to function and flourish in their community. H.Y.P.E.'s goal is to send successful participants back to their community equipped with the passion and skills necessary to inspire their family, neighbors, and leaders to pursue purpose and success.​
CORE VALUES
H.Y.P.E. Values
At H.Y.P.E., our work is grounded in values that reflect who we are and how we serve. These core principles guide every interaction, every decision, and every effort to uplift the youth and families in our community. They aren’t just words — they’re the standard we hold ourselves to as mentors, leaders, and partners in purpose.
HONESTY
Commitment
Communication
Accountability
OUR PURPOSE
The Need is Real -So is the Solution
In Jefferson Parish and the greater New Orleans area, youth face growing challenges every day — and few safe, structured spaces to turn to. From rising in-school violence to after-hour juvenile crime, the need for pro-social support and guidance has never been greater. Unfortunately, there are few after-school or weekend programs in our community that serve teens and young adults — especially in low- to moderate-income areas. That’s where H.Y.P.E. steps in.
Through our village mentoring model, weekly group sessions, life-skills training, outings, and workshops, we provide the structure, mentorship, and encouragement that our youth need to rise above these challenges. And we're not stopping there. Our vision includes building out a full after-school facility with everything from a computer lab to a S.T.E.A.M. center — giving youth access to every opportunity they deserve.
OUR COMMUNITY
Who We Serve
​H.Y.P.E. proudly serves youth and families in Marrero and the surrounding Westbank communities, with a focus on areas where 51% or more of the population is considered low- to moderate-income (LMI).
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Our target population is youth and young adults ages 8–18 — many of whom are facing barriers to opportunity and lack consistent support systems. For over five years, we’ve walked alongside these young people with mentorship, life coaching, and positive programming that meets them right where they are.
But we know true change doesn’t happen in isolation. That’s why we take a collective responsibility approach — working with families, schools, churches, and community partners to help shape environments that support long-term success.
LEADERSHIP
Board of Directors
H.Y.P.E. is guided by a dedicated board of leaders who are passionate about investing in youth, strengthening communities, and shaping a brighter future. Their wisdom, experience, and commitment help drive our mission forward and ensure we stay rooted in purpose, accountability, and impact.
David Magee, Jr.
FOUNDER/CHAIR
David Magee, Sr.
BOARD MEMBER
Abraham Hamilton, III
VICE CHAIR
Wendy Magee
BOARD MEMBER
Atarah Sevier
Treasurer
Henry Kleckley
BOARD MEMBER
Invest in Youth, Inspire Change
At H.Y.P.E., we believe that every young person deserves the chance to thrive — but we can’t do it without the support of people like you. Your donation helps us create safe, inspiring spaces where youth can grow in confidence, discover their purpose, and build the skills they need for a successful future.
