Our founder
The Blue Hope Foundation believes in creating lasting hope for children. Meet the founder dedicated to empowering youth with the support and resources they need to thrive, feel confident, and reach their fullest potential.
Cissy Watkins
“I believe every child deserves to be seen, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive.”— Cissy Watkins
Blue Hope Foundation was born from a calling that began more than a decade ago.
Long before the foundation was established, Cissy Watkins was already serving students in her community. She began by helping high school seniors who were facing financial hardships, ensuring they could fully experience one of life's most important milestones. Whether it was helping cover the cost of a cap and gown, senior fees, or other graduation expenses, Cissy worked closely with local schools to identify students in need so they could celebrate graduation with dignity and confidence.
As her relationships with schools grew, so did her commitment to serving students and families. Cissy began volunteering in schools, assisting teachers, supporting parents, mentoring students, and creating outreach opportunities that encouraged young people to believe in themselves and their future.
Over time, God placed a new vision on her heart.
While she remained passionate about helping graduating seniors transition to college, she realized that many of the challenges students faced began much earlier. She felt called to focus on Title I elementary schools, where providing support at a younger age could help remove barriers before they became obstacles to learning and success.
That vision led to the founding of Blue Hope Foundation in 2024.
Today, Blue Hope Foundation partners with Union County Title I elementary schools to provide school supplies, hygiene essentials, food support, clothing, classroom resources, and emergency assistance, while also leading seasonal initiatives such as Back-to-School, Thanksgiving outreach, and the Books & Blankets program. Every initiative is designed to ensure children feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.
As the owner of Cissy's Indian Trail Pack 'N' Post, Cissy has woven community service into her entrepreneurial journey, using her business as another avenue to build partnerships, give back, and strengthen the community she proudly serves.
Guided by her faith and inspired by Jeremiah 29:11, Cissy believes hope is more than a feeling—it is something we give through compassion, service, and opportunity. Her mission is to build a lasting legacy where every child knows they are valued, every family feels supported, and every school has a community standing beside them.