WPD helps give HOPE to Hillcrest

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Folks from a Wilmington community are one step closer to taking their neighborhood back.

About a dozen Hillcrest residents graduated today from HOPE Academy. The program organized by the Wilmington Police Department educates residents on topics like gangs in hopes neighbors can be leaders in their community.

“I learned today that we should be positive role models for the younger generation,” graduate Oliver Kibby said. “By taking that responsibility I’m going to do more volunteer work and try harder for community in order to see a better result.”

The HOPE Academy graduates said the main thing they want to accomplish is to improve their neighborhood, changing the public’s perception of it.