Jeanette Hammond serves as HopeNet’s BridgesICT Getting Ahead Lead. After retiring five years ago, Jeanette began praying for meaningful volunteer work where she could continue serving others and making an impact in her community. Already deeply involved in her church and region, she felt called toward a greater purpose. In 2024, during a prayer group, she learned about the Getting Ahead program and immediately felt drawn to its mission. What began as volunteer involvement quickly became a passion, as she helped plan facilitator gatherings and the Getting Ahead Reunion. In 2025, Jeanette joined HopeNet part time as the Getting Ahead Lead before transitioning into the role full time in 2026. She believes her work at HopeNet is both God-given and deeply purposeful, allowing her to help individuals recognize barriers to stability while connecting them to the resources and support needed to move forward.
Jeanette earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Friends University and completed an Education for Ministry Course of Study through the School of Theology at The University of the South.
Passionate about justice and opportunity for all people, Jeanette has spent much of her life advocating for individuals facing difficult circumstances beyond their control. She believes everyone deserves access to a high quality of life and the knowledge and resources necessary to achieve stability. Through the Getting Ahead program, she works to empower participants to build stronger futures and become well in all their resources. To Jeanette, Getting Ahead is more than a program—it is a movement she feels truly blessed to be part of.
Outside of work, Jeanette enjoys dreaming big and embracing creativity. If she could instantly learn any skill, it would be to sing effortlessly and powerfully like the greatest vocalists of all time—with flawless pitch and no technology needed.