Behind every successful Hopeworks youth is our awesome staff helping them succeed! Meet Soley Berrios, College Success Coach working with youth to get into college and reach their academic and life goals. Soley is also a passionate and active member of the Camden community. Born in Puerto Rico, she moved here with her parents when she was four and has been involved in the community in many ways. She attended Camden public schools, and graduated from Camden Academy Charter High School and Rowan University, worked as a Community Organizer for UrbanPromise, and worked in public health at Camden Coalition of Healthcare Providers.
Soley was a client and admirer of Hopeworks before she was a staff member. While working at Urban Promise, she would send groups of volunteers to Hopeworks; while at Camden Coalition, Soley was responsible for bringing Hopeworks trauma training to The Camden Healthy Youth Council. Always interested in Hopeworks’ trauma informed approach to youth development, Soley felt that, “Hopeworks treats youth development as a preventative public health problem.” Now, as our College Success Coach, her proudest moments at Hopeworks center around youth achievement: “It’s not about me here, it’s not. It’s about the youth; it’s about individual change and growth that leads to community growth.”
Soley dismissed those who told her that she needs to “get out of Camden” to be successful, and brings her talents to Camden and improves the community she loves every day: “Camden’s community it so resilient and strong.” She spoke at the first ever Women’s Unity Day here in Camden on April 3rd. Her message of community and unity rang true, and her pride as a first generation Latina community member of Camden was clear as day. She also serves as the Board Secretary of “Around the Way Girl,” a nonprofit organization with a strong mission of providing high quality programming to young women in marginalized communities. Read more about Around the Way Girl here: https://www.atwgirl.org/about/. Soley was also just selected to be a member of the Camden City Planning Committee.
Soley is committed to Camden’s Rising and to Camden’s young people!
Podcast episode transcript Josh: Some nonprofits go beyond relying on donations and grants by generating their own revenue while still driving meaningful social change. Social enterprise nonprofits blend business strategies with social impact, creating a sustainable approach to mission-driven work. But balancing financial sustainability with a nonprofit mission isn’t easy. How do these organizations navigate […]
Over the last 12 years the Camden County Police Department has brought violent crime down to historically low levels in Camden City. The approach has always been to work with the community and look to build bridges wherever we can to create a safer place for residents. Over the years we noticed that we started […]
We’re turning 25, and it’s time to celebrate! Hopeworks is officially a quarter-century strong, and what a journey it’s been. Here’s what we’ve accomplished in 25 years: Opened two locations, doubling the impact for young adults in need.Helped countless young professionals earn degrees, diplomas, and certifications.Prepared young professionals to land living-wage jobs and build brighter […]
