WALKING INTO THE NEW School on Wheels tutoring center, it was impossible not to feel hope for the future. The cozy center was filled with people chattering, brought together for the purpose of providing education to homeless children. Kids were lined up at the computers, playing educational games and talking to their tutors. The air was filled with optimism and a sense of accomplishment, as well as the anticipation of a long road ahead for the children in need. The School on Wheels partnership was conceived last year, when Handing Out Hope decided to work on a project a little closer to home. School on Wheels is an organization based in the greater Los Angeles area whose mission is providing educational opportunities and enhancement for homeless children. Historically, tutors were paired with a child and traveled to wherever the student was staying at the time – hotels, shelters, etc. – so that even though they were not enrolled in school, the children were not falling too far behind in their education. They are expanding their services and identified the South Central part of Los Angeles as an area with the greatest need of a permanent tutoring center. The Learning Center will be a place always open to the area’s children whose lives are in turmoil. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and the work of our volunteers, Handing Out Hope supplied the center with four brand new computers jam-packed with uptodate office software and learning programs. Now, the children visiting the center will have access to the latest technology and learning programs. This is an opportunity for them to develop the skills required to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty. The essential element of Handing Out Hope’s mission is providing opportunities for empowerment and self-reliance; education is a first and necessary step. The School on Wheels Learning Center’s grand opening was a celebration of determination, drive and passion. We believe that this is a great project in part because of the dedication of the School on Wheels staff and the community in which it’s working. Speeches at the event, including one by our President, Frank Rivera, carried a strong message of banding together, the importance of education and community and hope for the future. Some of the kids weren’t paying attention, though – they were too busy using the computers. Their enthusiasm can only grow from here.