About Us

Executive Summary

Helping Important People Succeed (H.I.P.S.) was born in 2008 out of a dream by Mary Harden Johnson to see that young girls in Grand Rapids, Michigan between the ages of 11 and 17 have the opportunity, resources and support to grow into independent, healthy, happy, productive and responsible young women.

H.I.P.S., since its inception, has relied on the contributions and sponsorships of individuals and organizations to host an annual "Failure Is Not An Option" event reaching up to 100 young girls, the only one of its kind. Over three days, young girls actively participate in character building workshops, and a wide variety of social, educational, and spiritual activities.

H.I.P.S. and its unique event is now widely recognized and lauded for its dedication to empowering young girls to make positive life choices and motivating them to work hard to achieve success by completing school, going to college, loving God, and family, being active in their church and community, and exemplifying the values of compassion, commitment, competency and citizenship.

H.I.P.S has reached an exciting and challenging new stage in its own development. Not only has it obtained its legal status as a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation, it has now generated and adopted an unprecedented, ambitious and visionary three year strategic plan to guide and facilitate its future growth and development.

H.I.P.S., being propelled by a powerful and purposeful new mission statement, a compelling vision statement and a venerable set of core values, will aspire to achieve the goals and objectives articulated herein to strengthen itself organizationally, financially, programmatically and otherwise to engender an indelible impact on the lives of young girls and the Grand Rapids community of which they are part.

Core Values

Where We Are Going

Connecting With the Greater Grand Rapids Communities