Empowering At-Risk Youth in the Texas Panhandle

Mentorship and support for children of incarcerated parents

AbouT ROAD TO HOPE

Our Story

My name is Natalie Woods, Founder of Road to Hope. An answered prayer and generosity from my employer, Bank of America, opened the door for R2H to begin in 2019. In 2020, we began awarding financial assistance to students impacted by parental incarceration.

At any point in time, the U.S. is home to 2.7 million children who have a parent in prison and another 5 million children who have had a parent in prison at some point in their young life. Parental incarceration disrupts families and creates challenges for children. These children are at risk of living in poverty, experiencing food insecurity, and often reside with other family members. Overwhelming feelings of shame, inadequacy and stigma can be difficult to overcome.

R2H is dedicated to empowering these students via financial aid and mentorship for post high school education and job training. We strive to break the cycle of adversity through education, advocacy and community engagement in an effort to foster hope and skills for a successful future.

Student Outreach

In 2024, R2H was designated a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and we began our Student Outreach Programs. While our scholarship funds are restricted for students impacted by parental incarceration, the scope of our Student Outreach Program is broader reaching and simple. We aim to provide hope for all at risk students we encounter. We are all the product of others' investments in us. We provide friendly encouragement, a smile and small acts of kindness.

2024/2025 School Year Activities

Paid Orchestra Fees for 5th graders at Hamlet and Rogers Elementary schools.
Lunch Buddies - volunteers have lunch once a month with 3rd, 4th or 5th graders at Hamlet and Rogers Elementary schools.
Sponsored the Winter Bash at Hamlet Elementary School.
Provided STAAR Test treat bags for Reading, Science and Math tests for students at Rogers Elementary School.

Volunteer Opportunities

We need volunteers to expand our work! Reach out to see how you can get involved.

WHAT WE DO

SCHOLARSHIPS

OTHER STUDENT OUTREACH

LUNCH BUDDIES

R2H provides financial aid for post high school education and job training for students who have or have had an incarcerated parent

LUNCH BUDDIES

OTHER STUDENT OUTREACH

LUNCH BUDDIES

Lunch Buddies is an opportunity for volunteers to join 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students for lunch once a month during the school year with the goal of providing positive encouragement and a smile.

OTHER STUDENT OUTREACH

Other Student Outreach includes paying Orchestra fees for 5th grade students, providing STAAR Test encouraging message treat bags, snacks for open houses and holiday bashes.

Empowering At-Risk Youth in the Texas Panhandle