At CeCe’s Hope Center, every milestone is more than just a step forward — it’s a victory over fear, trauma, and the obstacles life has placed in the way.

As 2025 unfolds, we’re thrilled to share the powerful stories of courage, community, and new beginnings taking shape right here — because of your unwavering support.

Dee’s Journey: Trading Fear for Freedom

In the quiet moments before graduation, Dee felt a flood of emotions. Excitement for the future. Fear of the unknown. Gratitude for the safe haven she had found at CeCe’s Hope Center.

“What if I’m not ready? Can I really do this on my own?”
The questions echoed in her heart, as they do for so many survivors preparing to step into independence.

But Dee wasn’t alone.

With steady encouragement from her mentor and the CeCe’s team, she began to push past her fears. Dee has come so far — from holding a stable job, enrolling in college, securing transportation, to saving enough for a housing down payment.

Today, Dee is carefully weighing whether to rent or buy, planning how to balance her work and studies — steps of responsibility and hope that would have once felt impossible.

Because of you — our Hope Ambassadors — Dee walks into this next chapter not with fear, but with faith in her future.

Building Bridges of Hope at the Women Empowered Expo

This year’s 2025 Women Empowered Expo – “Let’s Thrive in ’25” was more than just an event.
It was a living testament to the power of shared stories and community connection.

Thanks to the generosity of Gilbert Women’s Leadership, CeCe’s Hope Center was honored as the featured community nonprofit.
As we shared stories of transformation, something beautiful happened:
A woman in the audience approached us — a survivor herself — and offered to become a Hope Ambassador and mentor for one of our participants.

Her journey of resilience has now become part of the bridge we are building for others to heal, grow, and reclaim their futures.

We also forged new bonds with incredible women business leaders — mentors, allies, and champions who are already stepping up to support our Annual Gala on October 25, 2025, and beyond.

Together, we are turning connection into action — and action into lasting change.

Help Us Share the Light

Our mission shines brightest when it’s shared.

If you know a community, organization, church, or company looking to partner with a cause that’s changing lives, we’d love to connect.
Through speaking engagements, community events, and networking opportunities, we can bring hope to even more young women.

📩 Reach out to us anytime at [email protected].

Welcoming Council Member Berdetta Hodge to Our Board

We are thrilled to announce that Council Member Berdetta Hodge of Tempe, AZ, has joined CeCe’s Hope Center’s Board of Directors!

A trailblazer and fierce advocate, Berdetta became the first Black woman elected to the Tempe City Council. Her leadership in education, equity, and opportunity perfectly aligns with our mission to uplift and empower survivors.

Berdetta’s dedication to creating pathways for youth, families, and marginalized communities brings new strength and vision to our organization.
We are honored to welcome her, and we can’t wait to see the impact her guidance will have as we continue to grow.

Please join us in celebrating Council Member Berdetta Hodge — and the brighter future we are building together!

Together, We Move Forward with Hope

At CeCe’s Hope Center, every life transformed, every dream pursued, every fear conquered — is possible because of you.

Your mentorship, advocacy, donations, and prayers make healing a reality for the women we serve.
You are the reason survivors like Dee have the courage to step boldly into independence.

Thank you for standing with us.
Thank you for believing in hope.

Together, we are creating a future where survivors heal, thrive, and build the lives they deserve.

– Lea Benson
Co-Founder & CEO, CeCe’s Hope Center