Host Jeremy C. Park talks with David Jordan, President and CEO of Agape Child & Family Services, who highlights the organization’s 54-year mission to fight poverty through a two-generational model and faith-based support for families in Memphis. David details Agape’s evidence-based approach and success in helping families improve their economic situations and educational outcomes, while also discussing their implementation of the “Science of Hope” initiative which has shown positive results in increasing hope levels among both adults and youth. The interview concludes with information about an effort to rebrand Memphis as a “City of Hope,” including plans for a Hope Summit on November 13, 2025, that has gained support from many organizations across the city.
Agape’s Faith-Based Poverty Alleviation – David Jordan, President and CEO of Agape Child & Family Services, highlights the Memphis, Tennessee-based, faith-based nonprofit celebrating its 54th year. David explains that Agape’s mission is to fight poverty through God for families to flourish, with a two-generational model serving both parents and children in communities like Fraser, Whitehaven, and Hickory Hill. He shares that their evidence-based approach has helped nearly a third of families increase their income and enabled 95% of high school students to graduate, with many pursuing further education or employment.
Agape’s Comprehensive Family Support Model – David discusses Agape Child & Family Services’ mission to support families in need, focusing on addressing root causes of issues rather than just providing Band-Aid solutions. He explains that the organization has evolved from its initial focus on foster care and adoption to a more comprehensive approach that includes poverty fighting work, education support, job placement, transitional housing, and mental health services. David emphasizes the importance of listening to families and communities to determine their needs, and highlights the organization’s use of a “no wrong door” approach to provide holistic support. He also describes Agape’s network of staff, volunteers, and partners, as well as their plans to expand their reach to help 10,000 in the future.
Hope Initiative Shows Positive Results – David discusses the implementation of the “Science of Hope” initiative, which is based on 2,500 research studies showing that higher levels of hope lead to better outcomes in various areas of life. He explains that Agape has been using this approach with families for two years, focusing on goal-setting and building hope through collaborative support. The program has shown success, with over half of adults and 65% of youth experiencing increased hope levels and achieving their goals. David also mentions that the State of Oklahoma has adopted this approach, with Governor Stitt implementing it in various state departments, including the Tennessee Department of Human Services and the Oklahoma Department of Children’s Services, which saw cost savings from reduced staff turnover.
Memphis Hope Initiative Launch – David discusses the initiative to rebrand Memphis as a “City of Hope,” which he presented to Mayor Young and Mayor Harris in March and April. The project has gained support from over 30 organizations, including faith, corporate, and philanthropic groups. A Hope Summit is planned for November 13th at the University of Memphis, where leaders will discuss implementing collective hope on the ground through hope navigators. The event will be free to attend, and more information can be found on agapemeanslove.org or by calling (901) 323-3600.
Visit https://agapemeanslove.org to learn more about Agape Child & Family Services and the upcoming Hope Summit on November 13, 2025.
