The Mission
What is Activism?
Activism is love in action. It is the belief that change is possible — and the courage to make it happen.
Our Definition
Activism Defined
Activism is the practice of taking direct, intentional action to bring about social, political, or community change. It is not passive — it is a commitment to showing up, speaking out, and standing alongside those who have been overlooked, underserved, or left behind.
At Destiny of H.O.P.E., activism is not just a word. It is the foundation of everything we do. From our street outreach workers walking the neighborhoods to our board members advocating in the halls of power, every action we take is rooted in the belief that people deserve better — and that we have a responsibility to help make it so.
"Change is inevitable. Growth is Intentional."
— Destiny of H.O.P.E., Inc.
Our Roots
Born Out of Community Activism
Destiny of H.O.P.E. was founded in Columbia, Missouri by community leaders Glenn Cobbins, Sr. and Judy Hubbard. Their vision was simple but powerful: create a grassroots movement dedicated to helping and supporting individuals in need — especially those the system had failed.
Columbia's history of community organizing runs deep. From civil rights advocates who fought for equal access to education and housing, to neighborhood leaders who refused to let their communities be forgotten, the spirit of activism has always lived here. Destiny of H.O.P.E. is a direct continuation of that legacy.
Over more than 25 years, we have grown from a small grassroots effort into a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit — co-founding the P.E.A.C.E. and H.O.P.E. Center for Youth, launching the C.A.P.R.E. reentry program, building the Coalition Against Community Violence, and standing with families through some of their hardest moments.
Grassroots origins in Columbia, MO by Glenn Cobbins, Sr. & Judy Hubbard
Serving youth, families, and the formerly incarcerated in Boone County
P.E.A.C.E. and H.O.P.E. Center for Youth — a separate 501(c)(3)
Built the Coalition Against Community Violence (CACV) across Boone County
What We Stand For
Activism Looks Like This
Love
Every program, every outreach, every conversation starts with genuine love for the people we serve. Activism without love is just noise.
Action
We do not wait for change to come to us. We go to the neighborhoods, the courtrooms, the classrooms — wherever the need is.
Community
No one is saved alone. We build networks of support, accountability, and belonging so that everyone has somewhere to turn.
Justice
We advocate for systems that are fair, equitable, and humane — especially for those who have been most harmed by injustice.
Hope
We believe in the potential of every person, no matter their past. Hope is not wishful thinking — it is a practice.
Persistence
Real change takes time. We show up year after year, decade after decade, because the work is never finished.
Join the Movement
Be the Change
Activism is not reserved for the few. It belongs to anyone willing to show up for their community. Whether you volunteer, donate, advocate, or simply spread the word — you are part of this movement.