ABOUT US
OUR STORY
Hope4Family Autism foundation was born out of the need to give back to my home country, Nigeria. After spending 17 years in the public education system, here in the United States; in 2019, I began to sense a profound nudge – which I believe was the Holy Spirit – telling me, I have a different task for you now!
At the time, I wasn’t sure what that assignment was, but I knew something was changing.
During a trip to Nigeria in 2019, the clarity I had been seeking arrived. It became abundantly clear that I was being called to serve as an ambassador of hope for families raising children with special needs, including the professionals who work with this community.
Therefore, after I got back to the United States, in January of 2020, I began to research programs in Special education. My search led me to applied behavior analysis (ABA). At the time, I wasn’t sure what ABA was, but after a meeting with the program coordinator at the University of Memphis, everything clicked. I applied for a doctoral degree in ABA, and in fall of 2020, I started my journey to becoming a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and a doctor of Applied Behavior Analysis.
Today, I am a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst -Doctoral (BCBA-D).
Prior to graduating with my EdD in December of 2024, I began laying the foundation for Hope4Family Autism Foundation. We registered the nonprofit both in Nigeria and the United States, launched our website: Hope4familiesautism.com, and started reaching out to families, offering support and training, even on a small scale.
During my graduation in December, my advisor, Dr. Delgado, came up to me and whispered, “Josephine, now that you’ve finished school, it’s time to really focus on your nonprofit. No matter how small, just start!” Her words hit me like brick. When I returned to Dallas, I knew it was time for Hope4Family Autism Foundation to “go steady.”
So far, this year we’ve hosted three events! Each one has been an opportunity to learn, share, and connect with families. Our first event focused on “Navigating the Public School System: What Parents Need to Know.” We had a special education specialist speak on the topic. We also featured another guest— a mother raising a 19-year-old son with autism—who shared her experiences, successes, challenges, and invaluable lessons learned along the way. Her story was a powerful encouragement for the parents present.
In February, we hosted Part 2 of “Navigating the Public School System,” and I also spoke on “Why Does My Child Behave the Way They Do? What Parents Can Do to Help.” Our third event this year included a large Q & A session, allowing parents to share their challenges and ask questions about raising children with special needs.
We are slowly but surely building a network of families within our community, and we are excited to take a group of professionals to Nigeria before the end of this year, God willing!
Our Mission statement is: To empower and support caregivers—families and educators—of children with autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities. We aim to raise awareness, promote understanding, and reduce the stigma associated with autism diagnoses.
Our Appeal: The work ahead is vast, and we are trusting in God’s guidance to bring this vision to fruition. We know we can’t do it alone, and we humbly ask for the support of our friends and family.
Your financial contributions and professional resources are crucial to helping us move forward and create a lasting impact for children with special needs and their caregivers.
OUR TEAM
Baretta McKinney
Baretta McKinney is a Transition Consulting Teacher for the Department of Exceptional Children and Health Services, Memphis Shelby County Schools. Prior to this position, she was a Functional Skills High School Teacher. Ms. McKinney is also a dedicated parent of a young adult with special needs. She volunteers with Madonna Learning Center as a Parent Alumni Coordinator and with Hope Church Special Needs Day Program as a Board Member.
Ms. McKinney attended the University of Arkansas – Fayetteville, AR, Lane College – Jackson, TN, and the University of Memphis, Memphis, TN where she obtained a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and several special education endorsements. She is also a graduate of the State of Tennessee Partners in Policymaking Program. Currently, she is taking post graduate courses in Special Education Leadership.
During her free time, she enjoys making memories with her family.
Albert Tope-Ojo (Topman)
Topman, is a dynamic force in the world of ministry and relationships. With a rich history of serving in Christian leadership roles from a young age, his extensive experience spans local, national, and international platforms. He is a renowned Public Speaker, Relationship Expert, Pastor, and Certified Pastoral Counselor. His remarkable journey along his wife, Josephine Temitope, began in 1990, and together, they have nurtured both their family and their ministry. TopMan’s commitment extends to nurturing and sustaining healthy relationships in all aspects of life.
Jacqueline Smith
Jacqueline came to know Christ in 1974, and she has since then served in various roles in the kingdom of God. 39 years ago, she got married to Rufus Smith, the senior pastor of Hope Church Memphis. She occupies the position of a full-time helpmate to her husband, at home, in ministry, and business. She is the mother of three adult children, Ruth Abigail Smith-Gardner, Rufus Smith, V, and Rhoda Anna Smith. She is also the grandmother of two boys, Malachi (13) and Shiloh (2.5). Since 2010, she has been actively engaged in writing Bible studies and her autobiography/memoir.
Margaret Isabel
Margaret was born in Lagos State, Nigeria to William and Ibiere Benibo of Obonoma in Rivers State, Nigeria. She, along with her siblings travelled with their father, a career Diplomat on his various postings to Hong Kong, Switzerland and Ethiopia.
Her Father’s return to Nigeria brought the family back to their homeland where she began to learn so much about her family, roots and culture. Her brief visit to the UK brought her into contact with a native Memphian, Charles Isabel who would later become her husband.
Months later, she returned to Nigeria with Charles to introduce him to her parents and the rest of her family, and got married, Customarily and in the Church. Almost 2 years later, their son Charles Henry Isabel III was born in Memphis, TN in 2005.
As parents, they began to notice some developmental milestones that their son Charles was lacking at his age. An appointment with a Pediatric Neurologist informed them that Charles was diagnosed with autism. Though the news was both shocking and devastating, Margaret sprung into action to find ways to help Charles with speech, physical and occupational therapies. She connects with other mothers of Special Needs children in her Church and various places to encourage, share and pray with them about their children.