The Dome Of Hope

The Dome of Hope Organization was created and organized by President, Gwendolyn Dailey, in the Summer, 1997. The following year, October 16, 1998, the organization received its tax-exempt status (501c3) and was recognized as a public charitable organization. Initially, the organization mission was to serve the residents of Southeast Stockton, with efforts in education, financial literacy, community resources, empowerment and simply providing help to those who were in need. For decades, the Dome of Hope has gained the respect and earned trust of the residents, throughout the community. Their broad scope of focus was beginning to take effect in the sustainability of the underserved residents. In doing so, several programs were organized to meet the vast need of the people, such as, an Urban Reading Circle, Parental Engagement Team, Mobil Tutorial, Employment Readiness Training Sessions, Resume building practices, Career Expositions, hosting Inspirational programs, teaching life skills courses as well as feeding over 800 homeless residents during their annual Thanksgiving Day Community dinner and more. Since then, the Dome of Hope has restructured, expanded and modified their mission and programs to a regional efforts, in order to meet the increased need and viability of a larger population of residents, throughout the San Joaquin Valley. Their inclusivity practices and structure extend to all ethnicities, ages, genders, and socioeconomic statuses. The renewed mission focus is, to teach independence and interdependence through a balanced lifestyle of E.T.T.A. (Education, Technology, Trade, and Arts). These four foundational pillars of Education, Technology, Trade and Arts, is an acronym of the founder’s mother, Mrs. Etta Mae Ford, who was a community advocate and resource for the Stockton residents. Her example of community and compassion, has allowed the Dome of Hope the structure in which they continue to provide an array of services which will create an opportunity to serve and equip the whole person, families and ultimately produce an effective change of empowerment and elevation in achieving HOPE of a greater self and healthier lifestyle. Moreover, we believe, the strength and stabilization of the community is indicative to the wholeness of each resident and their families. With our community model, we have included a collaborative effort of community partners who shares our same belief and mission of community sustainability. This collective work will enable the Dome of Hope to develop an organic and individualize approach in assessing the needs of the individual and not adopt a systematic “cookie cutter” approach in serving and meeting the essential needs of the community. Our individualized approach affords an opportunity to provide a “leg-up,” and not a “hand out,” mind set, equipping residents with customized tools, necessary in their personal development. Additionally, our methodology inspires and empower our residents in maintaining an independent and productive life, and with Hope, they can successfully transform their communities in making HOPE a REALITY for others.