ABOUT US
At Soymilk & Hope, we are committed to making hygiene essentials accessible for every student & their family in Wake, Durham, and Johnston counties (NC). We believe that proper hygiene is the pathway to improving physical health, self-confidence, mental wellbeing, social interactions, and academic success. The goal is simple: to promote wellness, protect dignity, and offer care to our community, one care package at a time!
Together, we are Soymilk & Hope: Supporting Our Young Mothers Involving Leaders with Knowledge & Helping Others Prepare for Education. Simply put, It’s who we are! If you would like to assist in our efforts as a leader with knowledge (finances, daily life skills, healthy hygiene habits, etc), please contact us!
Our Founder
SOYMILK & HOPE was founded in 2016 by Portia Ashe Hargrove. She grew up in a community where “village mothers” helped to nurture the children in the neighborhood; her mother, Gwendolyn, and grandmother, Mattie, included.A mother of 3, Portia followed in the footsteps of the village mothers, helping young women in need. As an empty nester, she found herself sending care packages to her children attending college. She discovered that many students did not have a village to support them. As a result, SOYMILK & HOPE was birthed!
Our Board of Directors
Jasper Riley is driven by a deep commitment to helping others. He built his career around service—whether supporting customers, guiding patients through complex healthcare systems, or strengthening the community through nonprofit work. His professional journey began in customer service, where he learned the power of empathy, clear communication, and problem‑solving. Those early experiences shaped his belief that every interaction is an opportunity to make someone’s day easier.
Gwen Moilanen is a senior executive with extensive experience in technology leadership, governance, and organizational transformation. As a board member of Soymilk & Hope, she brings a practical, mission-focused approach to helping the organization build strong operational foundations that support sustainable impact.
Robin Howard's commitment to service began through her early work with the United Way, where she supported community‑strengthening initiatives and helped connect families with essential resources. That experience grounded her in the values of collaboration, compassion, and ensuring that every individual has access to the support they need to succeed.