Hope Alive 845, a community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting youth, families and historically underserved communities in the Hudson Valley, is publicly expressing concern over the lack of response from the office of Gov. Kathy Hochul after multiple documented attempts to request a meeting. 

Over the past several months, Hope Alive 845 has made repeated efforts to engage the governor’s office through phone calls, certified letters and public outreach via social media. These efforts were made in good faith and with the singular goal of discussing ways the State of New York can support and partner with grassroots organizations working directly with communities most in need. “To date, we have not received a response,” said Domingo Ramos, founder of Hope Alive 845. “We want to be clear—this statement comes from a place of respect, not hostility. However, silence from our state’s highest office is deeply concerning, especially when organizations like ours are doing the frontline work that state policy is meant to support.” 

Hope Alive 845 has consistently aligned its mission with New York State priorities, including youth development, violence prevention, mental health supports, educational equity and economic opportunity. The organization has a strong track record of community engagement and outcomes, built through trust, lived experience and sustained presence.

“Gov. Hochul has spoken publicly about equity, inclusion and investing in communities that have historically been overlooked,” Ramos continued. “We are asking for the opportunity to be part of that conversation. A meeting is not an unreasonable request—it is a necessary step toward meaningful collaboration.” 

The organization emphasizes that its outreach is not about politics, but about people. “When grassroots organizations are ignored, it sends a message—intentional or not—that the voices of the communities we serve are not a priority,” said Ramos. “We believe New York can do better, and we still believe the governor’s office can choose engagement over distance.” 

Hope Alive 845 remains open and hopeful that Gov. Hochul or her staff will respond and schedule a meeting to discuss shared goals and potential partnerships that benefit the residents of Sullivan County and the greater Hudson Valley. “Our door has always been open,” Ramos concluded. “We simply ask that the door to state leadership be opened as well.”

Hope Alive 845
Monticello, NY