Background

Vision and Hope Build Communities LLC was originally formed by the late educator Lois E. Cooper in October 1995 when Hope United Methodist Church and The Marion-Franklin Civic Association joined together to address the needs of the children and you in the Marion Franklin area.  As community residents, there was concern when youth were observed in the Summer of 1995 congregating in groups on street corners.  It was then that she had a vision.  VHBC eventually grew to serve hundreds of youth through tutoring, afterschool, college tours and several other unique opportunities while also receiving local and global recognition.

After the passing away of program founder Mrs. Lois  Cooper in 2002, her daughter Andrea Cooper continued the program for three years before deciding to take the time to increase her own knowledge and skills of what students need to excel, as well as developing leadership skills for successful out of school time programs. Andrea has a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education from The Ohio State University and  Master's Degree in Education with a focus in Curriculum and Instruction from Ashland University. Andrea has gained experience of over 12 years as a certified teacher and 15 years experience as a School Age Out of School time Specialist.  She has also guided the start-up of several after school programs around central Ohio. She then went on as the founder of the first independently run 21st Century Community Learning Program of Columbus City Schools providing quality youth development and educational services.   VHBC is here to provide a variety of educational services that meet the ultimate goal of helping our children succeed.