Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Hope Luster-Calhoun.
Hi Dr. Luster-Calhoun, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am originally from Centreville, Illinois. My parents moved me to Houston to attend the High School for the Performing Arts. After graduating high school, my father wanted me to attend college and major in music. I told him that I didn’t want to be a teacher. I laugh now because I served in public education and consulting for over 26 years. I am a visiting professor at Texas Southern University and an adjunct professor at the University of Texas @ El Paso. In addition to my service to education, I am the Executive Director for the Roca Ray of Hope Supervised Independent Living Extended Foster Care Program and the AnnaRoc Youth, Young Adult, and Family Services Non-profit Organization.
I love working with young people. It keeps me youthful and allows me to assist them in moving toward their end goals. As a professor and executive director, I can help young people set goals and be excited about their future while working towards completion. Giving them opportunities for exposure to other places and people is crucial. My clients love taking field trips. I have taken them to Los Angeles and Orlando. We have gone so often; they have requested to go to New York next year, as we are scheduled to go to Orlando in October. We have sessions and events that support our client’s mental health and wellness. One upcoming June session is Cupcakes, Canvas, and Lunch, Oh My! This session provides social and emotional strategies that they can use in life.
Further, we offer additional life skill support such as cooking classes, CPR, etc. I am blessed to have a program director. She is amazing. I also have an excellent board, a circle of friends, and family, from whom I get many ideas to promote healthy living for adults.
Nineteen years ago, I saw the need to begin my journey as a foster parent. As time progressed, I implemented a transitional program to help young adults ages 18–21 in the extended foster care system. I worked to establish Dr. Hope Consulting, Training, and Educational Services, LLC (DHCTES). This organization works with school districts across Texas and provides support in the areas of family engagement and classroom management. Additionally, I offer services to local and state entities using research-based strategies and techniques to benefit young adults who have been forgotten. These young adults must follow the guidelines for completing high school education, college, trade school, or maintaining full-time employment.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it has not been a smooth road. I got pregnant in my freshman year of college with my baby Charity. Wow, that was not my plan at all, and yes, it was a struggle to complete college. That is why I can identify with the young mothers on my campus who are eighteen and in the Roca Ray of Hope SIL program. Roca Ray of Hope also serves men and single women who have signed an extended foster care agreement. I also worked hard to earn my doctoral degree. I thank God that my dad encouraged me to get my doctorate on his deathbed. It was prophetic in that he said that I would need it. I have used this degree to advocate for my young adults and be a consultant in education.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business.
ABOUT
Roca Ray of Hope, Supervised Independent Living Program
Roca Ray of Hope Supervised Independent Living contracts with the State of Texas and is a home for adults aged 18–22. As a provider, we are committed to assisting those aging out of the DFPS system to gain independence in a safe and structured environment. Roca Ray of Hope SIL consists of townhomes that will house five adults each. The townhomes have space for therapy appointments, sessions with case managers, leisure time, resume building, and job searching. Roca Ray of Hope is classified as a shared home setting, where many people live cooperatively as an unrelated family in a large house with an individual or a shared bedroom with a limited number of people.
What sets me apart is that I provide my clients with classes, local and out-of-state field trip opportunities for those in compliance, and access to mentoring support. As a consultant, I provide my services to assist those interested in becoming providers.
About
AnnaRoc Youth, Young Adult, & Family Services
AnnaRoc, Youth, Young Adult, and Family Services is a state- and federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to improving the outcomes for at-risk youth and young adults to prevent homelessness. The goal is to bridge the gap by educating and supporting foster and adoptive families to help youth and young adults in care transition to independence. We seek members globally to assist us with “bridging the gap” for the youth, young adults, and families we serve.
I am most proud that I can establish this partnership with both Roca Ray of Hope SIL and AnnaRoc Youth, Young Adult, and Family Services to support my young adults on campus and now assist those youth and foster families within the community. I hope to provide literacy support and promote mental health and wellness to our youth, young adults, and families that support them in the foster care system.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I am thankful to my supportive husband, Carnell, a retired teacher, for putting up with my long hours and understanding my need for us to vacation often for self-care. My daughter, Charity, is fantastic and has given me a grandson named Arinze Isaiah. I am thankful for my mom, Shirley, and dad, Robert Sr., for whom both businesses are named. My sisters and brothers, La Quetta, Robert Jr., Faith, and Aaron, for encouraging me to continue my quest for youth advocacy. My godmother Clara, Aunt Sonya, and Uncle Craig supported me as a child into adulthood. My sister and friends, Neisha, Dr. Ingrid, Dr. Debborah, Marvis, JD, Stephanie, Kim, Dr. Delilah, Carrie, and LarJuanette, for the countless hours of listening to my dreams and aspirations. Iron definitely sharpens iron. I am grateful to my professors, Dr. Michael Adams, Dr. Claudette Ligons, and Dr. Sumpter Brooks, who have inspired and propelled me toward my dreams. My pastor, Terry K. Anderson, preached a sermon that blessed my heart and caused me to search for my spiritual gifts.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rocarayofhope.com & www.annaroc.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rocarayofhope/
Image Credits
Andre’ Kelly Photography
Memories Photography
