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A Second Chance in Memphis, TN

August 23rd, 2017   

Nobody would make a loan to James Knauss for his new lawn business after he was released from prison. Nobody, but HOPE. James discovered HOPE through Economic Opportunity, a skills training program for formerly incarcerated people. “I’m an ex-felon. I had a lot of issues when I graduated from the program. I couldn’t get my driver’s license because I owed fines,” says James, who applied and was approved for a HOPE Borrow and Save Loan. James used the money to open a savings account and pay his debts. He eventually started his own landscaping business, and used another loan from HOPE to purchase equipment. James attributes his “opportunity for a second chance” to Economic Opportunities and HOPE.