On Thursday, March 5th, 2026, the RiverBend Growth Association Young Adults Committee visited the Community
Hope Center to provide assistance with cleaning and organization of their facilities. The Community Hope Center is an organization that provides food, clothing, spiritual services, and other resources to families in need around the Riverbend area. Their mission is to connect neighbors through service and partnership to build flourishing lives and communities. Every day that they are open, they serve about 50 families, who come on a biweekly basis. All of the resources offered are donated by local businesses and picked up by volunteers. The Community Hope Center depends on the generosity of nearly 400 volunteers, most of whom are retirees. They strive to create a community overflowing with generosity and compassion, where everyone experiences wholeness and the sustaining hope of Jesus. Although they are a Christian organization, individuals do not need to be Christian in order to receive aid or volunteer.
The Community Hope Center was one of five non-profit organizations selected by the Young Adults Committee after presentations in September 2025. Each of the five participating school districts got the opportunity to select one of these organizations to collaborate with in order to lead a group volunteer experience. This year, student representatives from Alton High School chose the Community Hope Center because of their positive impact on the lives of many families within the community. Alton senior Eden Hough stated that “Volunteering here truly makes a tangible difference in the lives of many families – the Community Hope Center does so much good!”
The Young Adults Committee consists of two juniors and two seniors from each school. For the 2025-2026 school year, juniors Kourtnee Evans and Itzel Sanchez-Cook, along with seniors Eden Hough and Kennedy Lacey, represent Alton High School.
- Eden is an avid member of a variety of clubs at Alton High School, holding leadership roles in Biology Club, Mu Alpha Theta, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She is also a member of the National Honor Society and Physics Club. Outside of school, she volunteers weekly at Meowtown Cat Cafe and is actively involved within her church. Eden is passionate about wildlife and plans to pursue a career as a veterinarian focused on rescue and rehabilitation in college.
- Kennedy is involved in many extracurriculars at Alton High, including Student Council, Upward Bound Trio, Link Crew, Spanish Club, Mu Alpha Theta, Varsity Cheerleading, and the Tatler Program. Her passion for leadership development and social justice led her to become Vice President of the Pathways to Womanhood Program, as well as involvement in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Senior Pearl Youth Group, NAACP, and the National Council of Negro Women Youth Chapter. Looking ahead, Kennedy plans to pursue a degree in Political Science with an emphasis in Public Relations at a Historically Black College or University.
- Itzel is an active and dedicated student involved in several school organizations, including Interact Club, Redbird Nest, Biology Club, Student Council, and Link Crew. She serves as the Social Media Manager for Spanish Club and is on the volleyball team. Outside of school, Itzel participates in her church’s youth group, reflecting a passion for community and service. Itzel aspires to attend college and major in Business to build meaningful connections and make a positive impact.
- Kourtnee is a member of many different groups in her school and around her community. She is involved with Upward Bound, Link Crew, Student Council, AACE, and the National Council of Negro Women Youth Chapter. She is very active within her church and even helped start their youth group. Kourtnee is also on Alton’s Varsity Women’s Basketball team.
During the two-hour timeframe, the committee split into groups to sort through items in the warehouse, repaint walls, and create Easter baskets for local children. By working together as a team, the YAC was able to finish several tasks that may have been strenuous for older volunteers. Committee members greatly enjoyed spending time helping out at the Community Hope Center. Alton junior Itzel Sanchez-Cook describes “I love to see that people that go to Community Hope Center get a lot of variety to choose from. They don’t have someone pick for them or limited options. There’s plenty of clothes and food for people to pick like they’re actually shopping.” Because this organization runs on the generosity of others, they are always in need of donations or volunteers. The RBGA-YAC knows firsthand how vital the Community Hope Center is to the Riverbend area.