Networking Event to Highlight Benefits of Mentoring

An event for the public will focus on promoting mentoring and fostering connections with community leaders this month. Virginia Beach H.O.P.E. (Helping Our People Excel) 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 free event, individuals are asked to sign up online by Feb. 18. 

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. 

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.