Mission Statement

Our mission is to increase community awareness and serve as an advocate for families affected by Sickle Cell Disease. We aim to accomplish this through comprehensive programs, education initiatives, and support for finding a cure, with the ultimate goal of improving the quality of life for families struggling with this condition.

We strive to empower community-based organizations to maximize quality of life for those affected by Sickle Cell Disease while raising public consciousness and advancing the search for a universal cure. Our focus areas include:

Raising awareness of Sickle Cell support organizations through medical fair attendance
Providing patient support outreach

Our comprehensive approach includes counseling, education, and information services. We provide Sickle Cell counseling to clients and educate families about the variants of the disease, equipping them with strategies to effectively collaborate with teachers, doctors, and extended family members for the benefit of the patient.

To improve the quality of life for individuals and families affected by Sickle Cell syndrome and related genetic disorders, we offer various support services, including:

Coordinating trips to medical centers
Providing direct financial assistance to client families for food, utility bills, rental assistance, and medication purchases
Conducting intensive follow-up care for newborns with Sickle Cell Disease
Offering educational programs in eight counties, targeting clients, family and friends, health professionals, and teachers

As supporters of families with Sickle Cell Disease, our mission is to increase self-efficacy and improve the overall quality of life for patients impacted by Sickle Cell Disease and its inherited disorders and traits (such as thalassemia and CC disease) within the state of Florida. We aim to achieve this through systemic changes in patient care, disability policies, education, family support, economic self-sufficiency, awareness, and advocacy.

In 2013 Hands of Hope - SCA was founded on May 15
Our name changed to Hands of Hope - Sickle Cell Awareness Foundation Inc. on August 14, 2014
Current name approved by the Florida Department of State Division of Corporations March 16, 2015
On July 31, 2015 we gained approval from the Internal Revenue Service and were granted 501 (c) (3) non profit status
On August 28, 2015 the Hillsborough County School District approved our organization for students to earn community hours

Hands of Hope does not, and shall not, discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender orientation, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, and vendors.