There’s Hope, Maryland!
We exist to ensure that every teen and young adult impacted by foster care knows they are not alone!
We empower Baltimore’s current and former foster youth and young adults through healing-centered support, life skills, mentorship, and workforce pathways — while equipping the caregivers and community partners who stand beside them.
Because every young adult deserves stability, dignity, and a future filled with HOPE.
Programming
Building Stable Foundations
We equip youth impacted by foster care with the life skills, relationships, and consistent support they need to transition into adulthood with confidence and stability.
Strengthening Circle of Care
We empower caregivers, families, and community partners with training and resources so every young person is surrounded by informed, committed support.
Pathways to Purpose
Through mentorship, workforce readiness, and personal development, we create tangible opportunities that lead to independence and long-term success.
Meet the Founder
Alisha N. Sparks serves as the Founder and Executive Director of There’s Hope Maryland, Inc. Founded in 2024, There’s Hope Maryland, Inc.
Alisha’s prior experience includes serving as the Executive Director of the Center for Educational Outreach within the Whiting School of Engineering at Johns Hopkins University as well as various positions within Baltimore City Public Schools, Baltimore Children Defense Fund Freedom School and the Center for Women and Information Technology at the University of Maryland Baltimore County.
In addition to her professional experience, she had done extensive work in her local community and abroad by serving with organizations such as The Greater St. Peter Church of God and True Holiness, Inc., In His Presence Ministries, W. J. Thompson, Jr. Ministries, Girl Scouts of Center Maryland and the International Partnership for Service Learning in Manila, the Philippines.
Her passion is working with young people and helping them to succeed. Alisha firmly believes that "it is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men [and women]" as stated by Frederick Douglas. She is committed to training children in the way that they should go so that when they are old, they will not depart from it as instructed in Proverbs 22:6.
Alisha is a proud alumna of Voorhees University (Denmark, SC) and the University of Maryland Baltimore County (Baltimore, MD), where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Master of Arts in Instructional Systems Development with a concentration in secondary mathematics, respectively. She earned her administration I certification from Notre Dame of Maryland University and holds an Advanced Professional Certification in Secondary Mathematics in the state of Maryland with an administration 1 endorsement.
