
Supporting Wilmington’s At-Risk Youth Since 1998
Duffy’s Hope, Inc., founded in 1998 by Allen “Duffy” Samuels, is a nonprofit service provider for at-risk and hard-to-reach youth ages 12-17 with DOCUMENTED proof of success. Located in the heart of Wilmington, Delaware, Duffy’s Hope has helped improve the quality of life for over 4,500 youth. Duffy’s Hope uses a HOLISTIC approach that includes 10 Core Components that not only determine the root causes of problems in the lives of at-risk youth but also address – and more importantly – help to rectify those issues.
Meet the Founder
Born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware, Allen “Duffy” Samuels attended Glasgow High School. As a high school basketball all-star, Duffy had the opportunity to not become a statistic. After graduating from high school in 1992, he earned an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from Hagerstown Junior College in Maryland. With an avid aspiration to continue his education, Duffy transferred to Old Dominion University where he was awarded a Division I Basketball Scholarship. Basketball was his ticket to travel throughout the U.S. and abroad as a collegiate and professional player. Duffy excelled as a star player and determined student; he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services and Counseling. Upon graduation from college, Duffy played professional basketball in Europe. While overseas, he had the opportunity to play with teams representing several different countries on the professional circuit. After six years of a grueling tour schedule, he returned to the United States where he played with the Harlem Globetrotters for one year…
10 Core Components to Duffy’s Hope Programming

One-on-One Mentoring

Parent & Family Participation

School & Home Visits

“Reality Check” Day Trips

Tutoring

& More
Duffy’s Hope, Inc. provides intellectual, emotional and interpersonal growth opportunities for youth and their families through advocacy, education, mentoring and community outreach.
Our Mission Statement
Duffy’s Hope, Inc. envisions communities that engage school-aged youth with out-of-school activities providing academic help, hands-on community service, and well roundedness through athletic involvement and health education enrichment. Duffy’s Hope, Inc. fills the gaps between home and school for youth at-promise and motivates youth to develop to their full potential.
Our Values Statement
Duffy’s Hope, Inc. envisions a world where youth take control of their lives by empowering themselves through positive thoughts and goal setting, making good choices and a perpetual desire to make the world a better place for everyone.
Our Vision Statement
Success Stories

Diamond D.
After a Friday night Franklin Institute visit where teens were able to express their innermost concerns about their community, I was introduced to Miss Candice of the police dept…

Renasia T.
Before Duffy’s Hope I was a sassy mouth girl. I didn’t want to listen to anything that anyone said. I did not communicate very well. I did not really talk to my mom or had a relationship with my mom…

Ada B. & Duane
Duane is my grandson. My son has had many problems with the legal system due to his own choices. Before Duffy’s Hope, Duane had less of a chance to be as focused on success…

info@duffyshopeinc.org

Phone Number
(302) 652-3532

Address
Community Service Building
100 W. 10th Street, Suite 9
Wilmington, DE 19801