LYNN — Centerboard has wrapped up its end-of-the-year project Hope Hero, which was designed to uplift the community.
Hope Hero came together in late October, when Centerboard’s marketing team started brainstorming a campaign to strengthen the message of hope during times of hardship. They then created the idea of an 80s-inspired superhero who flies around the office to deliver inspirational messages to Centerboard staff and participants.
Richie Warren, a mentor for Centerboard’s T.R.U.E youth program, stepped into the role of Hope Hero, while Centerboard Marketing Director Jessie Nocella and Development Assistant Kylie Thomas-Spinney edited the video series that can now be seen on Centerboard’s social media pages.
Nocella explained Centerboard’s motivation behind the Hope Hero concept.
“In a time when so many changes and transitions are going on in the world, we wanted to give our audiences, donors, and community a positive and fun, engaging campaign that gives people a sense of hope, happiness, and maybe even some childhood nostalgia,” Nocella said.
They added, “Working in a field that often supports families and youth during their most difficult moments, it can be easy to focus solely on crisis and hardship. Through Hope Hero, we learned that intentionally using our platform to highlight hope, resilience, and moments of joy not only uplifts the people we serve, but also strengthens how our message is received by the broader community.”
Nocella also praised Warren’s commitment to bringing Hope Hero to life.
“When the idea for Hope Hero emerged, there was no question that Richie was the right person to bring it to life. Richie has consistently brought positivity, energy, and encouragement into our workplace,” they said.
They added, “From greeting staff with high-fives to building meaningful, trusting relationships with youth, he shows up every day with genuine care and enthusiasm. He was also the only person we knew for sure would run around the office in a cape.”
Warren shared his enthusiasm for portraying Hope Hero in the video series.
“Growing up, I always wanted to be on TV, either it was sports or movies. When I was asked to be the Hope Hero and knew the role would be to support a good cause, hands down I was ready and was excited for the opportunity,” Warren said.
He added, “Almost every employee that I’ve talked to the last few weeks is calling me the Hope Hero. It’s made me feel good being able to help others feel good also.”
Meanwhile, Nocella shed light on Hope Hero’s ultimate goal for the community.
“We want people to understand that you don’t need to be a superhero, or wear a cape, to make a difference. Small acts of kindness can create powerful ripple effects. Sometimes, hope is as simple as offering a helping hand or taking the time to listen. Every day, Centerboard staff do exactly that for youth and families in our community, and Hope Hero reflects that reality,” they said.
