Mix and Mingle at Networking Event that Highlights the Benefits of Mentoring

In 2023, the City of Virginia established the H.O.P.E. Initiative — Helping Our People Excel — to unite and empower individuals and organizations to make Virginia Beach an even better place to live, work and thrive. Together, we can build strong connections and create opportunities that transform lives. 

Mentor, Mix & Mingle

The next H.O.P.E. networking event features a focus on mentoring, one of the pillars of the initiative. Mentor, Mix & Mingle will be 6-8 p.m., Feb. 19, in the second-floor lobby of City Hall, 2401 Courthouse Drive. 

The event will include: 

• Welcome remarks from Mayor Robert M. "Bobby" Dyer
• Spotlight on the Mayors Youth Leaders in Action 
• Spotlight on the Blue Link Police Department Mentoring Program  
• Spotlight on Communities in Schools 
• Insights on Mentor Virginia 
• Conversations on the power of mentoring 
• Networking opportunities with nonprofits, businesses and community leaders 

To attend the event, which is free and open to the public, individuals are asked to sign up online by Feb. 18. 

Helping Our People Excel

Mayor Dyer established the H.O.P.E. Initiative in 2023 to connect individuals, businesses and organizations to create a strong network of support that recognizes those who are doing great things and identifies those who need a hand from others.  

The initiative became a City of Virginia Beach program under the City Council’s FY24-25 Focused Action Plan to embrace comprehensive well-being by fostering a clean, inspiring and vibrant environment, where people feel safe and have access to amenities and services that support a high quality of life.  

The first H.O.P.E. Networking Event in February 2024 focused on health, wellness, housing assistance, financial literacy, job training, ministry, mentoring, arts and culture and more.  
  
In May 2024, Councilmember Michael Berlucchi hosted a H.O.P.E. Mental Health and Wellness Resource Fair in which more than 85 professionals shared resources with the public.   

The Aug. 11, 2025, the THRIVE HERE event focused on workforce development and provided opportunities for nonprofits, businesses and community partners to learn how the City of Virginia Beach is preparing and equipping residents to thrive.  

More events are planned for 2026. 

Be a Part of H.O.P.E.

Local individuals, businesses and organizations interested in receiving information about participation in future H.O.P.E. events can register online at VirginiaBeach.gov/HOPE. For questions regarding the Feb. 19 H.O.P.E. event, contact HOPE@vbgov.com or 757-385-4722. 

• Register to Attend
• H.O.P.E.