Hope For New Haven

Hope For New Haven imagines communities transformed by a broad cross-section of people who are guided by the shared values and principled examples of Christ’s life.

Hope’s History and Impact in New Haven

Hope For New Haven was founded with a mission to serve families through Christ-centered care, education, and community transformation. Since our inception in 2001, we have steadfastly pursued a vision of equitable opportunity ensuring that every child, regardless of socioeconomic background, receives nurturing, high-quality early education rooted in biblical principles; that families are equipped with the resources they need to thrive; and that New Haven’s communities gain access to the investments essential for long-term flourishing.

Over the past two decades, our work has grown from a single center into a dynamic, interconnected system of programs that embody our deep commitment to both spiritual formation and social justice. Through our flagship Hope Child Development Center and the statewide CERCLE collaborative, we have impacted the lives of thousands of children and families, expanded economic opportunity for BIPOC-led childcare providers, and emerged as a trusted leader in advancing equity in the State.

Today, our impact is visible in the academic success of our students, the economic self-sufficiency of our provider partners, and the enduring trust we have cultivated throughout New Haven and across Connecticut.

Hope Child Development Center (HCDC)

Operating since 2001, HCDC offers a Christ-centered, developmentally appropriate curriculum to infants through school-aged children. The Center incorporates Connecticut’s early learning standards with biblical principles, emphasizing social, emotional, cognitive, physical development, and spiritual growth. With over two decades of measurable success, HCDC’s graduates consistently demonstrate kindergarten readiness and long-term academic achievement.

CERCLE

Founded in 2014, CERCLE ( Creating Equity & Resiliency for Childcare Leaders & Educators) is an early childhood collaborative improving education outcomes for Black and Latino children in Connecticut by promoting sustainable early care businesses in underinvested communities.

Our programs and initiatives include:

• CERCLE Collab — A Shared Service Alliance supporting 38 provider in early care and education to BIPOC communities.
• CERCLE Strong — Advocating for the transformation of Connecticut’s early childhood education industry.
• CERCLE FRAME (Future-Ready and More Equipped) Workforce Professionals — A workforce development initiative shaping tomorrow’s early childhood educators and business leaders.
• CERCLE Thrive — A business development initiative supporting early childhood enterprise growth and sustainability
• Inside Voices — CERCLE’s platform for conversations about equity and the early childhood education industry.

Through community grants, professional and business development, advocacy, workforce training, and partnerships, CERCLE builds relationships with families, educators, and the community while connecting resources to and deriving solutions from the people most impacted by systemic inequities.