Telling Our Story: Preserving History, Building Community
2026 Fundraising Campaign for Hope Community
The Anna T. Jeanes School Restoration Project
Every community is shaped by the stories it chooses to preserve. This year, Hope Community is embarking on our most meaningful chapter yet, and we need your help to write it.
Our 2026 fundraiser is a vital $250,000 campaign to breathe new life into the historic Anna T. Jeanes School, transforming it into a vibrant community hub while safely sustaining Hope Community’s daily operations and local neighborhood outreach.
Restoring the Foundation
To build a space for the future, we must first protect the structures of the past. The funds raised during this campaign will immediately go toward essential exterior and structural restoration to secure the landmark’s future, including:
- Structural Integrity: A complete new roof and modern ceiling insulation
- Beautification & Access: Period-appropriate window replacements, extensive stucco restoration, and fully ADA-compliant entrances
- Comfort & Longevity: The installation of a modern, energy-efficient HVAC system
A Vision for Generations to Come
Once renovations are complete, the Anna T. Jeanes School will be transformed into a true community anchor. Our blueprints for the space include:
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An Expansive Gathering Hall: Complete with a stage for community events, performances, and celebrations
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A Dedicated African-American History Museum: A permanent space to honor, preserve, and celebrate the rich legacies of Anna T. Jeanes, Houstonville, and Fairhope South
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Versatile Classrooms: Dedicated spaces to host local educational and community programming
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Our Permanent Main Office: A central headquarters to promote Hope Community’s growth and operations for years to come
Invest in History. Empower Our Future.
Your tax-deductible contribution directly protects local history and expands vital community outreach. Choose an amount below to write your piece of our story.
If you would like to deepen your impact, we invite you to become a volunteer, attend one of our events, or help spread the word by sharing our mission with your friends and family. Every conversation and every act of support helps bring this vision to life.
Thank you for being part of our story. Together, we are preserving history and building community.
With gratitude,
The Hope Community Team
About Hope Community:
Hope Community is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Fairhope, Alabama, dedicated to nurturing unity and relationships through food, healing, and education. By revitalizing the historic Anna T. Jeanes School (ATJ) property, the organization is creating a vital hub that combines a teaching farm, community gardens, and educational facilities to address local food insecurity and foster cultural enrichment. Through these efforts, Hope Community preserves the rich African American history of Baldwin County while actively empowering residents and strengthening the fabric of the local community.
About Anna T. Jeanes School Property:
This property is not just land; it is a cornerstone of Fairhope’s African American history. From its construction in 1908, the Anna T. Jeanes School was a vital institution for the community, providing a source of education and hope during the era of segregation. As one of the few schools in the South for Black children, it was a testament to the resilience and dedication of a community determined to provide a better future for its youth. It served as a place of learning and a hub for community life, a legacy that we are committed to honoring and rebuilding.
