I have been fortunate to me on the team to document Operation Hope events for 5 years. Their programs are a tremendous resource in the Oakland community. Most recently, Tyrone Cosey, North Western Regional Vice President for Operation Hope, contacted me to photograph their Financial Freedom Fair at East Bay Church of Religious Science. It was a full day of information and networking running from 8-2pm.
Renee Tucker and Walter Brown on Credit Repair Panel
It was great to see two of my Executive Portrait Clients, Renee Tucker and Walter Brown sharing valuable tips on improving your credit score. Renee, a former Operation Hope employee spoke about the impact the organization has had on her career.
And who says there is no free lunch? Not only was registration free for this valuable event, morning refreshments and lunch was included at no additional charge. The greatest thing about lunch, is that it was catered by Sweet Tooth Bakery. It’s owner, Princess Paulmerie was the very first Pitch Contest winner in Operation Hope’s Business In A Box Program, and is still in middle school.
I also met Jamal White and Anthony Mata, co-owners of The Bay All Day. Like Princess, they started their baseball cap company while attending Westlake Middle School and participating in Business In A Box. Check out their website to order caps in your favorite Bay Area team colors.
Panels discussed and answered questions on a variety of topics including:
Improve your credit
Reduce your debt
Become a homeowner (Trusted lenders & realtors on site)
Get access to mortgage assistance & matching grant programs
Be pre-approved for a loan specifically for first time homebuyers
Become your own boss & start your own small business
Learn how to obtain a small business loan
Increase your savings & investments
Farmer’s Insurance Agent Kim McGuire Reed
Kim McGuire Reed was one of the many helpful exhibitors on hand to share information with guest at The Financial Fair. It is always fun to see our Business Portrait Clients out running their businesses.
The Oakland Operation Hope offices are located inside The Bank of The West in The Fruitvale Shopping Center. Check there often for helpful workshops and assistance with credit repair, home buying and entrepreneurship.
Needles to say, I learned a lot while I was there taking photographs. Nothing like On The Job benefits!
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