Destiny of Helping Our People Excel (Destiny of H.O.P.E.) was established in 1998 by citizens who care deeply about empowering Columbia’s children and families to meet challenges they face in all areas of everyday life and succeed, as well. The group is considered a community peace and justice advocacy group, and its volunteers primarily assist children and families in low-income and public housing areas and those who suffer from problems such as alcohol abuse, drug addictions, and violence. The group’s primary objective is to assist those in need in becoming productive and healthy members of society.

Destiny of H.O.P.E. currently operates within the Imani Mission Center facility near Columbia’s downtown, under the direction of Glenn Cobbins, the organization’s President and Community Outreach Director. The volunteers at Destiny of H.O.P.E. and Imani Mission Center collaborate on regularly scheduled programs and services as well as assist one another in general community outreach.

Programs sponsored by Destiny of H.O.P.E. are intended to increase awareness for both children and adults about:

• The risks of substance abuse, violence, and addictive behaviors
• Reduce drug-related crimes throughout the community
• Resolve conflicts among citizens
• Increase individuals’ self-esteem
• Empower community members with resources and support to solve general problems
• Mobilize citizens to solve these problems and aid fellow Columbians in need.

The list of organized Destiny of H.O.P.E. activities includes an annual single-parent banquet, the annual HOOPS for H.O.P.E. basketball event for children 12 and older, and a Boys II Men program that assists boys ages 13-17 develop life skills as they transition to manhood.