CarePoint Graduation | Children's HopeChest

What is CarePoint Graduation?

CarePoint Graduation is...

A CarePoint Graduation is a monumental milestone in the journey of a community becoming fully self-sufficient.

It’s the moment when a CarePoint graduates from receiving financial support from Children’s HopeChest to becoming an independent, community-led organization.

The Path to Graduation

Graduating a CarePoint is a long-term process built on years of collaboration, growth, and empowerment. It doesn’t mean the end of HopeChest’s relationship with a community—it means the community is now fully equipped to carry the work forward.

From the very beginning, each CarePoint is launched with a vision for long-term sustainability. CarePoint Graduation happens when a community is ready to take full ownership of its CarePoint—managing resources, programs, and development initiatives independently, without ongoing external support.

How Communities Are Preparing for Graduation

Launching Business

Creating income-generating ventures to sustain impact after HopeChest’s financial support ends.

Raising Up
Leaders

Investing in youth and young adults through leadership development programs to shape tomorrow’s change-makers.

Transitioning Leadership

Equipping the management committee—the team that will lead the community forward—with the tools and training they need.

Savings Groups

Establishing VSLAs (Village Savings and Loan Associations) to promote financial independence.

Skills Training

Providing practical skills to empower individuals and families.

Building Relationships

Building deep, meaningful connections that spark hope and drive change.

Why CarePoint Graduation is Essential

At HopeChest, we believe that true transformation happens when a community no longer relies on external support but instead thrives on its own. CarePoint graduation is that milestone that signifies a community’s self-sufficiency, marking the moment they are fully equipped to lead their own development.

Fostering Independence Over Reliance: While our support helps build the foundation, graduation means the community is no longer reliant on external help. This is the ultimate goal—self-sufficiency. It’s not about maintaining an ongoing dependency; it’s about equipping communities with everything they need to thrive on their own.
HopeChest’s Purpose: To Work Ourselves Out of a Job: We don’t see our work as an endless commitment. Our purpose is to support communities until they are fully capable of leading their own initiatives. When a community graduates, it signifies that HopeChest’s mission has been accomplished—creating lasting, self-sustaining change without the need for ongoing support. This is how we measure success.

Why CarePoint Graduation is Essential

Why Graduation Matters:

Fostering Independence Over Reliance: While our support helps build the foundation, graduation means the community is no longer reliant on external help. This is the ultimate goal—self-sufficiency. It’s not about maintaining an ongoing dependency; it’s about equipping communities with everything they need to thrive on their own.
Sustainable, Long-Term Impact: When a community graduates, it means that the impact of our work will continue for generations. We’ve built a model of sustainability that ensures the community can carry the work forward. Our involvement may end, but the positive changes will remain.
HopeChest’s Purpose: To Work Ourselves Out of a Job: We don’t see our work as an endless commitment. Our purpose is to support communities until they are fully capable of leading their own initiatives. When a community graduates, it signifies that HopeChest’s mission has been accomplished—creating lasting, self-sustaining change without the need for ongoing support. This is how we measure success.
Sustainability Means Real, Lasting Change: True sustainability is achieved when a community can solve problems from within—without the need for continual external intervention. Graduation is a sign that the community is leading its own growth and development, not dependent on HopeChest or any other organization.

Igniting Hope

Our role is simple: to ignite hope. We plant seeds of possibility, but it’s the community that nurtures them into change. The strength, resilience, and resources were always there—HopeChest simply came alongside, fostering the belief that transformation is not only possible, but within reach. What starts as a ignition of hope grows into a chain reaction—one that’s powered by the community’s own spirit and drive.

The Life Cycle of a CarePoint

Phase One:
Build Foundation
(3-5 Years)

What Happens

CarePoint is established.
Community relationships are built and the groundwork is laid.
Vision and goals are defined.
Programs are launched, providing essential needs.

Why it Matters

This phase sets the foundation for the CarePoint, ensuring that communities are equipped with the tools they need to succeed.

Phase Two:
Growth & Development (4-8 Years)

What Happens

Training, education, and leadership skills are enhanced.
Savings groups and income-generating activities are supported and strengthened.

Why it Matters

During this phase, communities grow more independent, developing the skills, knowledge, and tools necessary to thrive without external assistance.

Phase Three:
Prepare for Independence
(3-4 Years)

What Happens

Transition to local leadership is initiated.
Plans for HopeChest’s exit are finalized.
CarePoint is made self-sustaining.

This Phase Ends in Graduation!

Why it Matters

This is the final stage before graduation—where communities take full ownership and responsibility. The community is ready to thrive independently.

What Does This Mean for the Community?

The transition to a self-sustaining CarePoint is a huge win. It means:

Self-Sufficiency: The community has developed the tools and systems to thrive without outside help.
Lasting Change: Many children who were once part of the program have grown into self-sufficient young adults, helping their families and communities move beyond poverty.
Hope for the Future: Communities know they can face challenges and find solutions from within, rather than relying on external resources.

CarePoint Graduation is a powerful step in breaking the cycle of generational poverty—it’s the beginning of a new chapter where communities continue to succeed on their own terms.

Build Foundation

Growth & Development

Preparing for Independence

Graduation

You might be asking...

When will the first CarePoint graduation occur?

The first CarePoints are expected to graduate in 2026, including communities in Ethiopia and Uganda.

How is success measured for a CarePoint?

HopeChest uses both organization-wide standards and country-specific indicators to track impact and readiness for graduation.

7 Vital Metrics (Tracked Annually)

Each CarePoint sets annual targets in these seven key areas:

Youth successfully exiting the program
Registered community members engaged in economic activities
Non-registered community members engaged in economic activities
Youth and adults enrolled in the Leadership Development Program (LDP)
LDP graduates
Capital projects completed
People impacted by capital projects

5 Core Focus Areas

To ensure long-term sustainability, we also measure progress in:

Education – Highest education level achieved by program graduates
Leadership Development – Participation and outcomes in LDPs
Community Infrastructure – Completed projects and community-owned assets
Economic Development – Involvement in savings groups and local businesses
Health & Nutrition – Ongoing development of health indicators across countries

We’re also building improved systems for monitoring and evaluation so that our field teams can track progress in real-time and make data-driven decisions. Together, these metrics help us determine when a CarePoint is ready to graduate!

Who takes over leadership once a CarePoint graduates?

After graduation, leadership transitions to the CarePoint Management Committee, a group of local leaders and community members trained by HopeChest to oversee the CarePoint’s operations. They receive ongoing support through mentorship and workshops to ensure a smooth transition.

Community stakeholder meetings are also key in phase 3 of the CarePoint’s lifecycle. These town-hall-style gatherings bring together government officials, parents, guardians, and other community members to collaborate on the CarePoint’s future. This fosters shared ownership and decision-making, ensuring long-term sustainability and success while building excitement for what’s to come!

What does a CarePoint look like once it's graduated?

After graduation, a CarePoint transitions to being a Community-Based Organization (CBO). The CarePoint Management Committee, made up of local leaders, will vote on a new name for the organization, symbolizing its new chapter. This name is decided by the leadership team, reflecting the community’s ownership and the CarePoint’s continued impact on local children and families. The CBO will continue to operate, focusing on sustainable, locally-driven solutions, with the community taking full responsibility for its future.

How will the CarePoint maintain revenue after HopeChest’s support ends?

After graduation, the CarePoint, or Community-Based Organization, will maintain revenue through revenue-generating businesses that support its ongoing programs. These businesses, such as a computer lab, skills center, or even a hotel, will provide income to ensure the CBO can continue running and supporting the community. These initiatives are designed to be self-sustaining, empowering the local leadership to fund the CBO’s operations and create a lasting impact for the children and families involved.

What support does HopeChest provide after graduation?

Our commitment to these communities doesn’t disappear; it evolves into a lasting relationship that supports their ongoing success! Here’s what our support may look like:

Monitoring & Check-Ins—In-country staff may conduct post-graduation follow-ups to assess how the CarePoint is operating independently. These light-touch check-ins help identify wins, address emerging challenges, and determine if temporary re-engagement is needed.

Continued Relationship—Graduation doesn’t mean goodbye. If unexpected needs or crises arise, country teams may collaborate with the CarePoint to identify local solutions—or, in rare cases, provide short-term support.

Cheering from the Sidelines—Even after a CarePoint graduates, HopeChest remains a committed encourager—celebrating successes, sharing stories, networks, ideas, and standing ready to support when needed.

What will a CarePoint graduation ceremony look like?

CarePoint graduations are expected to be joyful, community-wide celebrations marking a powerful milestone! While each one will be unique, they may include:

Speeches from local leaders taking on CarePoint leadership
Stories from children and families sharing their journeys
Recognition of U.S. partners and long-term relationships
Cultural performances and community activities
A documentary of the CarePoint’s transformation
A symbolic handover to the local leadership team
A shared community feast to celebrate what’s ahead

These ceremonies will honor growth, partnership, and a bright future led by the local community.

CarePoint Graduation is...

The Path to Graduation

How Communities Are Preparing for Graduation