About Us

Our History

Since 2003, Dorothea Bernique founder of Increasing H.O.P.E (Helping Others Prosper Economically) has been providing financial literacy educational opportunities to the local community. Increasing H.O.P.E was birth out of a passion to see individuals and families become educated, enriched and empowered in the area of personal finance. In order to have a greater impact on the communities served Increasing H.O.P.E has become a community-based 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Summerville, South Carolina. H.O.P.E provides financial literacy educational services throughout the tri-county area for children and adults.

Our Mission and Vision

Our mission is creating financial freedom for families in South Carolina.

Our vision is to position Increasing H.O.P.E. as a leader in the development and delivery of innovative financial literacy resources, building self-sufficiency in the community.

Our Values

Innovation	Creative responses to community needs.
Integrity:	We deliver what we promise.
Respect:	Honor people as individuals.
Passion:	For quality and excellence.
Collaboration:	Fostering relationships, building partnerships and establishing leadership.

Biography of Mrs. Dorothea Bernique

As the Founder and Executive Director of Increasing H.O.P.E (Helping Others Prosper Economically) Dorothea teaches and trains individuals on how to implement money management skills and strategies. This training improves financial literacy among individuals of all ages, within the local community and will result in a more productive life for individuals and families.

Dorothea is dedicated and committed to seeing others become educated and empowered in the area of finances especially women. Mrs. Bernique is a business partner with schools in the local area and spends time in the classroom teaching and instructing young people. Her time and talents are also given to local non-profit organizations as well as churches. She spends time giving out to others whenever given the opportunity and is honored to have the opportunity to be a part of the U.S Department of Labors financial literacy program, Wi$e Up for Women. She is also certified as a Housing Counselor and Biblical Stewardship Instructor.

She presently serves the body of Christ in the area of Finances at Faith Assembly of God (Summerville, SC) under the leadership of Pastors Larry and Tania Burgbacher. Mrs. Bernique wrote and published her first book in September 2007. Her vision is Increasing H.O.P.E (Helping Others Prosper Economically), by giving (H.O.P.E) in the area of their finances by establishing a foundation of stewardship principles in the lives of individuals which will create a life of debt free living and financial independence.

She has been married to her loving husband Christopher for 26 years and has two wonderful children Stephanie and Stephen and three grandchildren Breanna, Xaiver and Christopher.

Upcoming Seminars