H.O.P.E. is a service immersion experience dedicated to helping Stonehill students understand the root causes of social injustices by becoming global citizens. Participants learn how to promote peace and equity by living in solidarity and serving with underserved communities. Students are empowered to create a more just and compassionate world by: educating the mind and spirit, promoting advocacy work, and taking action in the spirit of Holy Cross.
An education of the heart and mind is paramount in the work of a Holy Cross Education. As a result, the H.O.P.E. Service Immersion Program emphasizes student leaders as educators. Over the past decade, the program has transitioned to one of deeper learning for participants in addition to service and justice work. At this critical point in the country’s history, we are moving into greater education on antiracism and the work of belonging both with leader and student formation.
While learning about social justice, our students must also learn about their own identities so they can approach our receiving communities through a lens of learning and growth. Student leaders engage with a variety of educators who offer diversity of perspective and culture.
Support of the H.O.P.E. program means giving students who otherwise might not have the financial means the opportunity to participate in this life-changing experience. It provides a lift and a platform to begin a journey of service, growth, and leadership. Their support helps students pursue what they feel called to do and makes meaningful immersion experiences possible.
Oriana Capella '26 and Lucy Frenette '25
Field of Study: Psychology and Communication Sciences and Disorders
Hometown: Fairhaven, Massachusetts
H.O.P.E. Service Immersion Site Visited: Santiago, Chile – The House of Formation
Social Justice Issue(s) Addressed: Education, Women’s Needs
Why did you get involved with H.O.P.E.?
I got involved with H.O.P.E. because I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone, both figuratively and literally. This was my first time traveling out of the country with a group of people I didn’t know. I wanted to learn how to be a global citizen and hoped to grow academically, spiritually, and personally. This experience was not only educational, but truly transformative.
What is your most memorable H.O.P.E. experience?
My most memorable H.O.P.E. experience was spending time at El Comedor, a soup kitchen run by a woman named Marcella. She operates the kitchen almost entirely on her own with the help of a few volunteers, serving meals to community members several days a week. Despite the language barrier, Marcella and I were able to communicate, and she shared something with the Stonehill students that deeply impacted me: “The only difference between us and them is the door.” That statement made me reflect on how similar we all are—we all need food, safety, and care. Her humility and gratitude inspired me to want to pay it forward and give back to both my hometown and the Stonehill community.
What are some of the lasting impacts from your H.O.P.E. experience?
This experience changed how I see myself and my role in the world. I was challenged to confront my own assumptions and grew both emotionally and spiritually. Through this growth, I gained confidence and a deeper sense of humility that I hope to carry with me back home and throughout my time at Stonehill.
Field of Study: Communications
Hometown: Canton, Massachusetts
H.O.P.E. Service Immersion Site Visited: The Encuentro Project, El Paso, TX
Social Justice Issue(s) Addressed: Immigration
What Does Donor Support for H.O.P.E. Mean to You?
When donors support the H.O.P.E. program, it means giving students who otherwise might not have the financial means the opportunity to participate in this life-changing experience. It provides a lift and a platform to begin a journey of service, growth, and leadership. Their support helps students pursue what they feel called to do and makes meaningful immersion experiences possible.
Why did you get involved with H.O.P.E.?
I got involved with H.O.P.E. because I was drawn to the ministry aspect of the program. I’m inspired by groups of students going out into the world and ministering to others. I was also excited about the opportunity to serve while fully immersing myself in the culture of the community where I was staying.
What is your most memorable H.O.P.E. experience?
My most memorable H.O.P.E. experience was hiking up Mount Cristo Rey and having a conversation with Hector, who worked with the Encuentro Project. We talked about God and faith, and we helped each other learn by speaking in different languages—he spoke to me in English, and I responded in Spanish. That shared exchange made the experience even more meaningful, as we were not only connecting spiritually but also learning from one another.
What are some of the lasting impacts from your H.O.P.E. experience?
One lasting impact of my H.O.P.E. experience was gaining a deeper understanding of immigration and the many perspectives surrounding it. I also learned the importance of unplugging from distractions and being fully present with the people around me. The trip reminded me how valuable genuine human connection can be.
Field of Study: Elementary Education and Psychology
Hometown: Harwich Port, Massachusetts
H.O.P.E. Service Immersion Site Visited: Fresh Air Farm, Wheeling, WV
Social Justice Issue(s) Addressed: Environmental impact on the coal mining industry and workers’ union rights; rural poverty
What is your most memorable H.O.P.E. experience?
A memorable experience during H.O.P.E. was one of the last days of the trip when we visited a convent for retired sisters and helped with various service tasks. Afterward, we shared lunch with the sisters. This experience stood out to me because everyone there was so kind and welcoming. Their warmth and gratitude made the day especially meaningful.
What are some of the lasting impacts from your H.O.P.E. experience?
A lasting impact from my H.O.P.E. experience was gaining a stronger sense of place in the world and recognizing how much struggle exists around us. Through this experience, I realized that I want to continue doing service in my own community and in others to help people who are struggling. Not having my phone during the trip also helped me become more present and feel a deeper sense of peace. Being fully in the moment was something I truly appreciated and hope to carry with me.
What was a challenge you had to overcome on your H.O.P.E. trip?
A challenge I had to overcome was that this was my first service trip, and I didn’t really know what to expect. Nightly reflection was also difficult for me at first because it was a completely new experience. It took time to open up and feel comfortable having deep, meaningful conversations with my group, but that growth became an important part of the experience.
Field of Study: Environmental Science
Hometown: Beverly, Massachusetts
H.O.P.E. Service Immersion Site Visited: The Center at Mariandale, New York
Social Justice Issue(s) Addressed: Hunger, Homelessness, and Environmental Sustainability
Why did you get involved with H.O.P.E.?
I originally got involved with H.O.P.E. because I wanted to meet new people and make friends who share a passion for service. After my first H.O.P.E. experience, I knew I wanted to continue participating throughout my time at Stonehill because it was both heartwarming and impactful. I also realized how much service can be done in the world, and I wanted to be a part of it.
What is your most memorable H.O.P.E. experience?
The midnight run was my most memorable H.O.P.E. experience because it completely changed my perspective on individuals experiencing homelessness. I realized that people who are unhoused often face circumstances beyond their control. It challenged the assumptions I had been taught—that they were dangerous—and instead I saw how kind and approachable they are.
What are some of the lasting impacts from your H.O.P.E. experience?
Some lasting impacts from H.O.P.E. are that I now view people who are unhoused differently. I recognize their humanity and kindness, and speaking with them made me reflect on my own privilege. It has shaped how I approach social justice and empathy in my everyday life.
Gifts to the H.O.P.E. program help reduce program costs so that student participants can focus on the deeper purpose of the service experience.
