Holy Cross Student Creates Hope for Children in his Community

Many people want to help others, but few know how. The logistics and obstacles that go into helping the community can be overwhelming, but senior Kenny Acquah from the Bronx, N.Y., a linebacker on the Holy Cross football team, has not let those challenges prevent him from making a difference in the community in which he was raised.

Acquah is the founder and president of Hope for Us Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in New York City that is dedicated to assisting youth with sickle cell anemia and children living in low-income communities. Founded in July 2013, the mission statement for Hope for Us is to enhance and improve the quality of life for youth living in low-income communities and children with sickle cell anemia. The “Us” in Hope for Us stands for underprivileged and sickle cell.

A participant in community service in his hometown since age 14, Acquah has always volunteered at different organizations. Upon coming to Holy Cross, Acquah found that he felt disconnected from the Bronx. “I have a deep love for the inner-city,” Acquah said. “I still wanted to be able to do something for my community when I go back home, so I decided that I would go ahead and create my own nonprofit organization back in 2013.”

Acquah decided to focus on children who are suffering from sickle cell anemia because he has friends and family members who have struggled with the disease. “When you have it really bad, you can’t participate in a lot of strenuous activities, a lot of sports,” Acquah said. “I had a cousin who tried to be a cheerleader in high school, but even that type of activity landed her in the hospital.”

Acquah believes that these children still need recreational actives to do when growing up. Therefore, he decided to create an arts program within his organization that takes place every Saturday. Hope for Us has its own certified art teacher who has been directing the program since last year. “The kids are really enjoying it,” Acquah said. “When I think to myself, what is one thing I would love to do apart from sports, it’s art. I wish I could draw and paint, so from that standpoint, it is me living through them in a way.”