About Growing Up With Hope
Who We Are
Growing Up With Hope (GWH) is a community-based nonprofit serving individuals and families in Western Massachusetts who are experiencing homelessness, housing instability, mental health challenges, substance use disorders, domestic violence, and other barriers to stability. Through intensive case management, advocacy, resource navigation, and trusted community partnerships, we help families address urgent needs while working toward long-term stability.
01
Our Mission
Helping Families Build Stability
To provide compassionate, family-centered case management, advocacy, and resource navigation that helps individuals and families address immediate needs and build pathways toward stability, independence, and hope.
02
Our Vision
A Community Where Every Family Can Thrive
We envision a Western Massachusetts community where every family has equitable access to safe housing, supportive services, and opportunities to thrive, regardless of the barriers they face.
03
Our Core Values
Compassion. Dignity. Advocacy. Collaboration. Empowerment. Hope.
We meet people where they are, honor their strengths and choices, and work alongside families and community partners with respect, honesty, and care.
Why We Exist
GWH was created from a shared understanding that families facing crisis are often expected to navigate complicated systems while managing several challenges at once. Our founders bring experience in social work, substance use services, nursing, outreach, and family support. That experience shaped a whole-family, trauma-informed approach grounded in compassion, dignity, practical advocacy, and meeting people where they are.
Meet Our Founders
Growing Up With Hope is guided by leaders whose professional experience and shared commitment to families shape every part of our work.
Fijerique Koffi-Tessio, MSW, LADC I
Founder & Executive Director
Fijerique brings experience in social work, substance use services, outreach, case management, and nonprofit leadership. Her work is grounded in practical advocacy, dignity, and helping families navigate complex systems.
Erin Saunders, RN
Co-Founder
Erin brings a nursing perspective and a strong commitment to family well-being. Her compassionate approach helps shape GWH’s focus on whole-family support, trusted relationships, and responsive community care.