Our Mission
Hope and Hire is dedicated to empowering individuals with second chances through workforce readiness and meaningful employment opportunities. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to build a stable and fulfilling career.
Our Story
Hope and Hire was founded in March of 2025 by a group of professionals who recognized the significant barriers to employment faced by individuals with justice involvement, gaps in employment history, and other challenges.
What began as a small volunteer initiative has grown into a comprehensive program that connects job seekers with volunteer professionals, supportive employers, and community resources.
Today, Hope and Hire serves hundreds of job seekers annually, providing resume assistance, interview coaching, career counseling, and job matching services to help individuals build sustainable careers.
The Hope and Hire rehabilitation program was created by the charitable nonprofit Protecting San Francisco, an organization formed by deputy sheriffs and community members dedicated to giving back to San Francisco and enhancing public safety. Our mission with Hope and Hire is to assist incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals in successfully re-entering society by providing pathways to employment. By supporting job readiness and placement, we help participants reintegrate productively and lawfully, reducing recidivism and strengthening our community.
Our Values
Dignity and Respect
We believe in treating every individual with dignity and respect, recognizing their inherent worth and potential regardless of their past experiences or current circumstances.
Opportunity and Growth
We are committed to creating opportunities for growth and development, empowering individuals to build skills, confidence, and connections that lead to sustainable employment.
Community and Collaboration
We believe in the power of community and collaboration, working together with volunteers, employers, organizations, and job seekers to create pathways to meaningful employment.
Our Team
Ken Lomba
Executive Director
Ken is a seasoned union leader with over 10 years of workforce development experience. He rebuilt a struggling union into a powerful force and has led successful nonprofit efforts to expand job opportunities for underserved communities.
Mark Lu
Director of Employer Relations
Mark brings extensive experience in corporate partnerships and job placement, helping to build our network of employer partners.
Terry Uyeda
Volunteer Program Manager
Terry, a military veteran and community advocate, coordinates our volunteer program to ensure job seekers receive compassionate, effective support. He's dedicated to public safety and helping others build better futures.
Open
Career Services Director
We are seeking a dedicated professional to oversee our career services programs, bringing expertise in career counseling and job readiness training.
Our Impact
Since our founding, Hope and Hire has made a significant impact in the lives of job seekers and the broader community.
3,250+
Resumes created and optimized
1,875+
Mock interviews conducted
925+
Successful job placements