Hope mentoring
JANUARY 25,2025
WHAT IS HOPE MENTORING
Hope Mentoring is a faith-based organization established with the desire to give hope and support within the Panola County community through youth intervention. Hope Mentoring will support the social-emotional and cognitive development of youth by providing mentorship through creative awareness, role-modeling, counseling, and fostering unity within their schools and community. This support will positively impact the homes, schools, and communities in which they live. We strive to empower at-risk youth in our community to make positive life choices that enable them to maximize their personal potential.
Hope Mentoring Organization is a partnership of local mentors, who have come together to become mentoring organization. Nine local youth advocates came together to hold a series of community meetings, attended by more than 30 community leaders and concerned parents. This founding board consisted of Terry Townsend, Patrina Townsend, Courtney Pride, Dewayne Chapman, Christopher Townsend Sr, Earl Jones, Marcus Dudley, Dameon Cunningham, Miley Davison, and Jimmy Hines. We formed our organization applied and became a nonprofit IRS 501(c)3 corporation, December 11, 2018, in Batesville, MS. We came together with a common belief that many youth in our community lacked meaningful mentoring and community guidance.
Since opening our doors, Hope Mentoring Organization has forged strong partnerships with the local business community, media, school districts, fraternities, sororities, and other youth–serving organizations in the community. We have been able to use a 12-year mentor program to provide awareness, acknowledge unity and to be active in our community through sports, shared events, and mentoring support. We have provided sports leagues, social events, and a safe place that allow our mentors/mentees to develop into their full potential, to become capable of making informed, and responsible decisions as involved members of our community to. We empower a community in which every youth experiences nurturing one on one relationships and community support, which in turn allows the coach to mentor teen, teen mentor junior high/middle-aged youth.
Hope Mentoring Organization has expanded our vision and scope of program services. We currently offer L.I.F.E. Plan mentor program, tutoring services, literacy reading program, community service, recreational and educational outings. We hold meeting at resource centers at two local church youth centers in Batesville and Sardis. Since our inception, Hope Mentoring Organization has served over 500 youth and is currently expanding its scope of services to include a mentoring program for youth 8–24 in five locations in Panola County. “Iron sharpeneth iron; so, a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” Proverbs 27:17
Terry Townsend: A Life of Service and Mentorship
Terry Townsend is the founder of Hope Mentoring Organization and Pastor of Armstrong Street Church of God. He is married to Patrina Lyle Townsend, and together they have five wonderful children. In December 2018, Terry, Patrina, and nine dedicated local youth mentors transformed a 2010 mentoring program into a nonprofit organization. Their mission is to serve as a beacon of hope for youth and at-risk individuals in the community.
Terry’s life is guided by two Bible verses: Genesis 12:2 (“I will bless you, and you shall be a blessing”) and Proverbs 27:17 (“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another”). These scriptures have shaped his commitment to serving his country, church, and community. His daily goal is to follow Christ’s example, allowing others to encounter Jesus through his words and actions. He passionately invests in the lives of youth and young adults, sharing his enduring faith in Jesus Christ.
Grateful for the impact of Hope Mentoring, Terry recognizes the organization’s role in shaping young lives—just as his own community shaped him. Hope Mentoring offers a literacy plan that provides weekly tutoring and reading camps, helping students strengthen their academic foundation. The identity plan teaches character development and cultural awareness, shaping young minds with purpose and integrity. The finance plan focuses on financial literacy, helping youth understand money management and accountability. Through the empowerment plan, Hope Mentoring connects young people with role models from various career fields, offering real-world exposure and guidance. These initiatives ensure that youth receive the support, education, and mentorship they need to thrive.
Growing up in a neighborhood filled with teachers, principals, lawyers, law enforcement officers, business owners, and community volunteers, Terry was surrounded by role models who inspired his passion for mentorship and service. The “iron” of his neighborhood sharpened him, and now he strives every day to be the iron that shapes, strengthens, and uplifts others. For over four decades, he has dedicated his life to serving his country, community, and the body of Christ—always with a servant’s heart.
THE HOPE MENTORING TEAM
Program Director: Patrina Townsend
Director: Terry Townsend
Board Directors:
Unit Coordinator: Sandria Benson
Tilmus Jackson • Johnathan Joy • Sherwin Bradford • Latara Lawson
Earl Jones • Ernestine Connor • Tony Allen
WE VALUE TEAM HOPE
Literacy
Tiffany Hamilton •Aisha Cosby • Shewanda Rhea • Nykerria Parker• Xavier Lofton
Identity
Johnathan Joy • Shekenna Hankins • Sherwin Bradford Lameisha Wright • Shai’Kiliyiah Parker
Finance
Latara Lawson • Earl Jones • Yvette Jackson • Paris Johnson • Teasi Diggs
Empowerment
Ernestine Connor • Tilmus Jackson • Tony Allen • Danielle Flowers • Carlos Flowers
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Katina Davis, the Founder and Visionary of Wear It Well hails from Belden, Mississippi. She is the proud mother of two daughters: Brittany Holland and Kelsey Holland.
With a Business Administration degree from Mississippi University for Women and a Healthcare Administration & Management and Leadership graduate degree from Liberty University, Katina is also certified in Women's Entrepreneurship and Childcare Director.
With over 40 years of volunteerism, Katina contributes time, talents, and financial support to various organizations. Her commitment to growth is evident through affiliations with groups like the Community Development Foundation, Minority PUL Alliance, and B.O.N.D. Small Business Group. Formerly serving on the executive board of the Tupelo Kiwanis Club, and currently serving on the steering committee for Vitalant Tupelo Community Leadership Council, Black Business Alliance and Health Ambassador for The Partnership for a Healthy Mississippi, Katina actively engages in community service.
Katina's contributions earned recognition, including the Good Seed Sower Award, Black Business Alliance Humanitarian Award, G.I.V.E. (Governor's Initiative for Volunteer Excellence) Award for Outstanding Service in promoting healthy communities, and nominations for Mud & Magnolia Influential Woman. She's featured on the Points of Light Inspiration Honor Roll and in the Voyage ATL Magazine as a Trailblazer, recognized as B.O.N.D. Most Influential Business for Wear It Well, HERprenuers Community Service Award, North Mississippi Health Services Cancer Center Breast Cancer Advocate Award, NAACP Special Recognition Award and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Nu Sigma Omega Chapter Community Servant Award. The TODAY Show featured her as a local hero for Black Heritage Month, showcasing her remarkable achievements.
Motivated by a passion for supporting and empowering individuals, Katina actively utilizes community resources to make a positive impact. Her unwavering dedication inspires meaningful change and uplifts those in need.
CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE
NATIONAL GUARY ARMORY | 705 Keating Rd, Batesville, MS 38606
Gala Emcees: Mrs. LaSherry Irby and Ms. Yolanda Shegog -Wright
Soft Music
Introduction Of Emcees | Ms. Pamela Pope
Invocation | Rev. Zannie Leland, Jr.
Welcome | Minister Xavier Lofton
Occasion| Mrs. Veltis Walton
Entertainment | Mrs. Linda Flowers
Presenting The Lifetime Achievement Awards Mayor Harrell Farrell
Dinner
Introduction Of Speaker| Ms. Sandria Benson
Speaker| Ms. Katrina Davis
Presenting The Honorees
Entertainment | Powell Family
Presenting The Honorees
Words of Thanks | Cameron Griffin and DJ Conner
Special Presentation & Closing Remarks | Reverend Terry Townsend & Rev. Dr. Nehemiah Martin
2025 HONOREES
2025 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Mr. Willie KING
Quote:” We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” -Winston Churchill
2025 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Mr.
DENNIS
HOSKINS
Quote: Galatians 5:13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”
2025 HONOREES
Taniya Clark
Youth Mentor • Academic Scholar • Community Youth Ambassador
Quote: “The best way to predict the future is to create it” - Peter Drucker
Sherria COSBY
Co- Creator of Speak Eazy Podcast • Regional Dialysis Trainer
Dialysis Technician • Entrepreneur
Quote: “My fear is my only courage”-Bob Marley
MANDRA DAVIS
Panola County Youth Advocate • Founder of Panola County Stop the Violence • NAACP Member and Youth Advisor
Quote: "If I can help somebody as I travel along with a word or a song or even doing wrong then my living won't be in vain.” -Mahalia Jackson
Christon Ellis
Youth Mentor • Academic Scholar • Community Youth Ambassador
Quote: "The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it." - Steve Jobs
PAM George
Healthy Youth and Community Ambassador-Advocate
District Director – MS School Nutrition Association
Quote: “Just Believe”
Fred Hentz
Community and Youth Advocate
Co-Founder of Batesville Little Tigers
Quote: “Who you Love”
2025 HONOREES
Markes Jones
Community and Youth Advocate • Entrepreneur
Funeral Director of New Era Funeral Home -Batesville
Quote: “No matter how difficult life becomes, don’t give up- keep pushing forward”
Lakeisha king
Creative Mind of Vancellis King Printing, LLC
Healthcare Operations and Development Professional
Quote: “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men” . -
Colossians 3:23
jOSIE MATHIS
Panola County Community Pillar
Educational Leader and Youth Advocate
Quote: “Success does not lie in results but in efforts, being the best is not so important, doing your best is all that matters”. Unknown Author
Aj Norwood
Broadcast Journalist• Juris Doctorate Candidate
Quote: “Dreams without goals are just dreams, and ultimately, they fuel disappointment. On the road to achieving your dreams, you must apply discipline and most importantly, consistency. Because without commitment, you’ll never start. But without consistency, you’ll never finish”.
Mike price
City Alderman & Vice Mayor of Sardis, MS • Operations and Finance Director • Community Advocate
Quote: “Without struggle, there is no progress”
Shani smith
Co- Creator of Speak Eazy Podcast • Finance Director • Entrepreneur
Quote: “The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do” . - Steve Jobs
“HOPE IS HERE”
BECAUSE OF OUR SPONSORS
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for sponsoring our event. Your valuable support not only helped create a successful event but also made a significant impact towards our mission and vision of empowering at -risk youth within our community.
Ave Sue Flowers Armstrong St Church of God
Allen Catering Service
Draw2You Lab Services
Boothe Event Center
First Security Bank
Hardee’s Cooley Mortuary, Inc
Madi and Michelle Munches
Deshea Townsend
Ny’s Creations and Designs
Butler Transport
GE Aerospace Graves Oil
Joyfull Trucking LLC
JayRoze’s Photography
Panola County Juneteenth Patton Lane Community Center
Parker-Hannifin Corporation
Sardis District Missionary Baptist Association
The Wright Touch by Yolanda Wright
SPHS Class of 1985
Triston’s Turn Vancellis King Printing, LLC
Turner & Turner Contracting, LLC – Alexandria, LA
VANCELLIS KING 9012182211