A Legacy of Compassion

About Nicholas & Cecilia Shoko

Nicholas and Cecilia Shoko. Nicholas wearing a graduation grown. Cecilia wearing a blue suit. Smiling at the camera

Lives Transformed, One Person, & One Home at a Time

At the Nicholas and Cecilia House of Hope Foundation, our profound mission is inspired by the spiritual essence of Nicholas, a visionary who, through the power of love, sought to change communities, one person, and one home at a time. Grounded in his unwavering passion to empower and instill hope in the hearts of those grappling with adversity, our foundation emerges as a testament to the transformative force of faith and compassion.

The Nicholas and Cecilia House of Hope Foundation was founded out of a deep passion and desire by the immigrant couple from Zimbabwe to help individuals and communities facing struggles and lacking opportunities in life around them. Nicholas received his education in accounting and economics from Zimbabwe and American universities and Early in his career he worked for the United Nations under UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) where they strive to improve the lives of every child through health, education, while encouraging protection and respect for all children (UNICEF, 2023). Nicholas traveled to many nations around the world studying the economic development systems and challenges in those communities. He became a mentor to many from all parts of the world on economic crises, offering guidance on systems and economic development. Many of those he mentored went on to achieve great success in their careers.

A Lifetime of Meaningful Solutions

Motivated by compassion, Nicholas delved into unemployment statistics, which highlighted a growing trend of younger generations falling into addictive practices due to limited job prospects. Recognizing the challenges faced by college graduates in their community who resorted to illicit substances due to joblessness, Nicholas, supported by his wife Cicelia, called a community meeting which sought to create meaningful projects within communities. Together they used their personal funds to help create community groups, supporting initiatives like farming, rabbit, pig, and poultry farms, and startup businesses, even extending their support to rural communities. In the midst of an economic depression with alarmingly low employment rates in their country, Nicholas and Cicelia aimed to address the root causes and provide meaningful solutions.

Support Beyond Financial Assistance

In his church community Nicholas, supported by Cicelia, opted for empowering proactive approaches, suggesting stock rearing and selling as a means to generate funds instead of simply providing monetary aid. Known as the go-to people in their family and community, Nicholas and Cecilia extended their support beyond financial assistance, providing transportation using their own vehicle for medical emergencies, offering emotional support, and prayers for those in need.

Cecilia, inspired by her own painful family history, witnessed her mother endure abuse in a marriage she stayed in for the sake of her children. Cecilia’s passion and empathy led her to counsel and support women facing domestic violence, and together with Nicholas they provided shelter in their home for battered women until they were safe and ready to leave. Having observed the traumatic experiences of her mother, Cecilia dedicated herself to empowering and encouraging women in similar situations and sought to coach and empower the girl child to rise above adversity through using their hands to start self sustaining projects.

The Legacy Continues through Nicholas & Cecilia’s House of Hope Foundation

Nicholas and Cecilia embraced countless immediate and extended families over the course of their lives. Through nurturing care, they not only provided shelter but also empowered those facing life’s challenges by emphasizing the importance of education. From my earliest memories, their home was a sanctuary for anyone encountering hardships, young and old, male and female, and many they guided and supported went on to achieve success in their lives. Sadly, Nicholas passed in 2020 due to illness, and as he passed on the baton, his desire was to leave a mark that will impact generations. His legacy now lives on as Nicholas & Cecilia’s House of Hope Foundation now aims to provide the same impact on every life that comes through the hands of this organization.