HOPE Program

10/12/2026

Let’s get it 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾

09/21/2026

Carlos Echols and Marcus Plummer are the founders and instructors of the H.O.P.E. Program (Helping Our People Elevate). Both men were born and raised in Portsmouth, Virginia—specifically in the Midtown, Mt. Hermon, and London Oaks areas.

Growing up in the inner city of Portsmouth, Carlos and Marcus faced significant adversity that led to life-altering decisions and, ultimately, incarceration in the Department of Corrections. However, during their time incarcerated, both men were fortunate to gain valuable skills by becoming certified in the electrical trade.

After his release, Marcus pursued a career in the electrical field, completing a four-year apprenticeship and earning his journeyman electrician license. He went on to start his own business, Reach One Teach One Electrical. Meanwhile, Carlos continued his education in the trade while incarcerated, eventually serving as the head teacher’s aide and tutoring multiple classes over several years. Upon release, he launched his own electrical company, Toppknotch Everything.

Motivated by their life experiences and the desire to uplift others, Carlos and Marcus created the H.O.P.E. Program to give back to their community. Through mentorship, education, and hands-on training, they aim to empower individuals facing similar challenges and help them build brighter futures.

09/18/2026

Today was a great opportunity to be in Richmond for The Virginia Blueprint: A Summit Advancing Boys and Men. It was powerful connecting and networking with other organizations that share the same passion for uplifting our youth and strengthening our communities.

It’s always inspiring to see so many people in one room doing their part, sharing ideas, building relationships, and working toward the same goal. H.O.P.E. (Helping Our People Elevate) & C.U.T.S. (Cleaning Up the Streets) two organizations with a strong partnership and a great relationship, working together to create opportunities and make a positive impact in the lives of our young people.

We’re going to continue showing up, building relationships, making connections, and doing our part in the community. When organizations come together with the same purpose, the impact becomes even greater. The work continues!

09/16/2026

We’re excited to kick off a brand-new year with the H.O.P.E. Program and CUTS! 🙌🏾💙

As CUTS enters its 6th year, we’re grateful to continue growing this partnership and working together to create more opportunities, mentorship, and positive experiences for our youth.

Seeing everyone come through the doors and getting things started is a reminder of why we do what we do. We’re looking forward to another great year of learning, growing, and making an impact together!

H.O.P.E. × CUTS — the work continues! 💪🏾⚡️

09/16/2026

Congratulations fellas

Portsmouth men opening mental health clinic focused on expanding access to Black therapists ⬇️ Details in comments.

09/12/2026

🥊💙 A huge shoutout to Keyshawn Davis for taking the time to come out today and speak with our kids! 🙏🏾

It means so much for our young people to hear words of encouragement from someone who has worked hard, stayed focused, and turned his dreams into reality. Thank you for giving them HOPE, inspiring them to keep pushing, and showing them that their future can be as bright as they’re willing to work for.

This is what it’s all about — PARTNERSHIP, COMMUNITY, and ALL HANDS WORKING TOGETHER to pour into our youth. 💯

When we come together and invest our time into these kids, we help them see that there’s more out there and that they can become anything they put their minds to.

Thank you again, Keyshawn Davis, for showing up for the next generation! 🥊🏆

09/09/2026

Excited for another great year! 💙⚡ H.O.P.E. is proud to continue our partnership with the C.U.T.S. Youth Employment Program. Looking forward to empowering our youth, teaching valuable skills, and making an even bigger impact in our community. The future is bright!

08/22/2026

⚡️ YEAR 2 H.O.P.E. ELECTRICAL SUMMER PROGRAM — OFFICIALLY IN THE BOOKS! ⚡️

Another summer, another successful program! Year 2 of our H.O.P.E. Electrical Summer Program is officially in the books, and we couldn’t be more thankful for everyone who helped make it possible.

To all of our parents, thank you for trusting us with your children and allowing them to spend part of their summer learning the electrical trade.

To our students, we are proud of each and every one of you. Thank you for showing up, putting in the work, getting your hands dirty, asking questions, and being willing to learn a skill that can open doors for your future. The knowledge and experience you gained this summer is something you can carry with you for years to come.

To our community, supporters, partners, and everyone who donated, whether it was your time, materials, food, supplies, transportation, financial support, or simply sharing and supporting our program—THANK YOU! Every contribution played a part in making Year 2 a success.

This program is about more than teaching electrical work. It’s about introducing our youth to opportunities, exposing them to a skilled trade, and giving them knowledge and experience they can build on for their future.

Year 2 is in the books, and we’re just getting started! ⚡️💪🏾

Thank you to everyone who continues to believe in our mission and invest in our youth.

⚡️ H.O.P.E. — Helping Our People Elevate ⚡️
Building skills. Creating opportunities. Investing in our youth.