About Us
Who we are
It Started with One Act of Kindness.
In 2025, friends, family and community came together to support a friend in her fight against cancer. What began as a car show fundraiser quickly became something bigger – a reminder of how powerful community can be when we unite for good.
Accelerating Hope grew out of one community’s act of compassion and has become a movement dedicated to spreading that same hope to others. Every event, every fundraiser, every act of giving continues the ripple effect of kindness that started it all.
Our Approach
Our Mission
Accelerating Hope exists to inspire generosity and bring people together through community events that raise funds and awareness for causes that matter most.
We ensure families facing medical or personal hardships receive swift support, including financial relief, emotional encouragement, community partnerships, and direct assistance. We meet each family exactly where they are, and every act of generosity helps create a stronger, more supported path forward.
Our Vision
We envision a world where no family faces hardship alone, and communities come together to provide care, encouragement, and meaningful support.
We strive to build a community where support arrives quickly, compassion answers fear, and every person has access to the help they deserve. Our vision is to cultivate a lasting foundation of care — one that empowers our community to respond with compassion whenever a family needs support.
Our Work in Motion
Families in crisis need someone to call.
We make sure that someone is us.
When stability breaks, hope can break too.
We help families rebuild both.
Every day, families face impossible choices.
We’re here so they never have to face them alone.
Sometimes a single setback can unravel a family’s stability.
We provide the steady ground they can stand on again.
Our Board of Directors & Charity Staff
Amy Dodge
Chair
Amy is the Chair of Accelerating Hope and Vice President of Accounting and Payments at People Driven Credit Union. She brings decades of financial experience and a commitment to community-focused work. Amy helps ensure the charity’s mission thrives and reaches those who need it most.
Jennifer Caminidi
Secretary
Jennifer serves as Secretary and leads a team at Bank of America, while also enjoying sports and road trips. She combines her expertise in organization and governance with a heart for service. Jennifer ensures the charity runs smoothly and effectively, supporting its work to make a difference.
Jesse Forrester
Treasurer
Jesse serves as Treasurer of Accelerating Hope and is a CPA and Controller at Jay Works. He combines his financial expertise with a passion for building strong, supported communities. Jesse guides the charity’s mission with care, ensuring resources are used to make the greatest impact.
Niko Kannapell
Board Member
Niko is a Board Member of Accelerating Hope and works as an Estimator at Jay Works, with a love for art, music, and connecting with people. He enjoys helping plan and organize community events across Detroit. Niko believes in the power of bringing people together to create meaningful change.
Amanda Taft
Director of Development
