HOPE Springs Eternal

Despite Resignations, Agency Works To Continue Services

By Italia Gregory, Southside Messenger Staff
On Tuesday, July 23, the Governing Board of HOPE Community Services held a special emergency meeting at the Farmville/Prince Edward Community Library to discuss the future of the HOPE services in the area.

The HOPE Community Services Board of Directors gathered days in advance of their annual meeting, which is scheduled for Thursday, July 25, to focus on the next direction for HOPE Community Services (primarily receiving nominations) in light of the recent events that have taken place surrounding the organization.

The meeting was called to order and it was noted that at this time, two letters of resignation from the HOPE Community Services Board have been received. Additionally, two other members have vocally voiced their plans to resign, but no official notification has been documented.

Although the board is facing the possible loss of four members, all efforts are being made to fill the available slots in order for the organization to continue operation based on the guidelines under the Virginia Code (Article 13) for non-stock corporations. At the time of press, six people have been recommended to fill vacant slots on the board, as 18-51 members are necessary. However, it is necessary that the nominating committee review nominee applications before selecting new members.

Currently, the HOPE Community Services Board only has a total of eight members. Eight members must be present in order to constitute a quorum, but according to the Code of Virginia, business can still be conducted if there are not eight members present.

At this meeting, the focus was placed on filling those vacant positions and getting a minimum of three people per surrounding county on the board. These members are to be public officials, business/civic people or community persons. For the last year, the board hasn’t met the 18 member requirement. “People are interested, they want to help out,” stated Jasper Hendricks III, who is a member of the nominating committee. “We’re on the right track; there are people that are reaching out to offer help.” It is the goal of the board to present a full slate of nominations by Thursday’s regularly scheduled meeting. Dr. Henry Featherston, Interim Executive Director, stated that after Thursday there will be a new board and things are going to be done in the proper manner.

HOPE is a community action agency and they are working to bring back services within the next two weeks. The HOPE Community Services annual meeting will be held Thursday, July 25 at 6 p.m. in the SCOPE building.