WHO
ARE
WE?
Emiija’s Hope Center is a resource, community wellness, and empowerment hub that provides behavioral
health support, care management, youth mentorship, one-on-one mental health services, and comprehensive wraparound assistance for youth, adults, families, and communities.
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We address essential basic needs, including food, hygiene items, clothing, emergency shelter, transportation, utilities, medical support, and other immediate needs that support personal well-being and stability. We meet people where
they are by offering services in community settings, reducing barriers to care, and ensuring all residents
have equitable access to our full range of wellness and support services.
We also lead community
engagement and wellness initiatives that strengthen leadership, civic participation, and overall community
resilience.
Dr. Tashanna Ellis, AAS, BS, MS, DHS
Founder and Executive Director, Emiija’s Hope Center
Dr. Tashanna Ellis is a seasoned Community Healing Architect, community wellness innovator, and organizational leadership expert with more than 20 years of experience advancing behavioral health coordination, trauma-responsive support, and community-based systems of care. Her work centers on designing and strengthening services that promote collective healing, stability, and people-centered solutions for individuals and families.
Emiija’s Hope Center was founded in honor of Dr. Ellis’s daughter, Emiija, whose life journey inspired the mission behind the organization. Becoming a mother at age 14 reshaped Dr. Ellis’s life and purpose. Determined to become everything she did not have, she pursued education, leadership, and advocacy not only for herself, but for her daughter and her community.
Today, Emiija is a thriving college student pursuing a degree in law, representing the hope, resilience, and future that gave birth to Emiija’s Hope Center.
Dr. Ellis holds an Associate’s degree, a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling and Human Services, and a Doctorate in Human Services with a specialization in Organizational Management and Leadership. This academic foundation equips her with both deep clinical understanding and strategic executive leadership.
Throughout her career, Dr. Ellis has integrated evidence-based practices, culturally responsive approaches, and compassionate leadership to elevate community well-being. She is known for her innovative program development, collaborative partnerships, and unwavering commitment to creating environments where children, families, and communities can heal and thrive.
Emiija’s Hope Center stands as a testament to what is possible when love becomes leadership and purpose becomes action.
Emiija’s Hope Center is a community-based resource, wellness and empowerment hub providing care navigation, mental health support, mentoring, and wraparound services for youth, adults, and families.