Derek Graffeo:
What started as a few students showing up to volunteer turned into something much bigger.
When my classmates; Cooper Steinberg and Dylan Jonisch, and I began spending time at the Edenwald Pleasantville Cottage Campus, we noticed something almost immediately: basketball brought people together. On the court, everyone had a role. Everyone belonged.
It was enough for us to start Hoops for Hope.
The idea was simple—use basketball to create consistency, teamwork, and trust. But the impact went far beyond the game. Tournaments weren’t just about winning or losing; they were about showing up, supporting teammates, and feeling connected.
Hoops provides structure, teamwork, and stability. With JCCA, we were able to give back and help improve the place where kids spend so much of their time.
The first HFH tournament took place in March and brought together more than 20 young people from the Edenwald campus. The energy was high, the competition was friendly, and something real was happening on the court.
A second tournament followed in December with players from the Pleasantville Cottage Campus basketball team—and this time, the funds raised helped buy basketball shoes so everyone could play on equal footing.
After the games ended, the impact stuck. The youth shared that they felt closer to their teammates and more connected to one another. For many, Hoops for Hope wasn’t just an event—it was a reminder that they’re part of a team, both on and off the court.
HFH shows what’s possible when young people lead with heart and purpose. It’s proof that sometimes, all it takes is a ball, a court, and someone who believes in you to make a difference.
Derek Graffeo, Cooper Steinberg, and Dylan Jonisch are high school students and founders of Hoops for Hope, a student-run initiative that uses basketball as a tool to build community, connection, and opportunity for young people. They are passionate about service, leadership, and creating positive change beyond the court.