Katlin is a mother, advocate, college professional, recovery supporter, and someone who has survived more than she ever thought she would have to. Her life has been shaped by experiences with addiction, domestic violence, trauma, mental health struggles, homelessness, loss, and the long, messy process of rebuilding. Those experiences didn't just change her...they gave her a deep understanding of what it feels like to be at your lowest and wonder if anyone sees you.
The truth is, she didn't start Hustle for Hope because her life was easy. She started it because it wasn't.
She sat in courtrooms, hospital rooms, treatment centers, shelters, and waiting rooms. She watched people fight for their lives, their recovery, their children, and their futures. She's seen incredible people fall through the cracks simply because they didn't have support, resources, or someone willing to believe in them when they couldn't believe in themselves.
Hustle for Hope was born from the belief that everyone deserves that chance.
What started as a simple idea has grown into a mission focused on supporting individuals and families impacted by addiction, domestic violence, mental health challenges, homelessness, and other life circumstances that can leave people feeling isolated and hopeless.
Through advocacy, community outreach, resource connections, fundraising efforts, and acts of kindness, our goal is simple: meet people where they are and remind them they are not alone.
The name "Hustle for Hope" reflects something Katlin believes with her whole heart: hope isn't always something you find. Sometimes it's something you fight for. Sometimes it's something you build one day, one choice, and one step at a time.
Her story is far from perfect, and she doesn't pretend to have all the answers.
What she does have is a passion for helping others, a refusal to give up on people, and a commitment to turning pain into purpose.
If you're here, whether you're struggling, supporting someone you love, or looking for a way to make a difference, welcome.
We're glad you're here.
Together, we hustle. Together, we heal. Together, we create hope. 💜💚
Founder
Katlin Bosworth
Co-Founder
Jessica
Griffin
For Jess Griffin, Hustle for Hope is more than a community organization, it is a reflection of her unwavering belief that every person deserves to be seen, heard, supported, and given the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their circumstances.
Jess brings a unique perspective to her work that has been shaped by a lifetime of lived experience. Growing up as a ward of the state and spending her childhood in the custody of DCF, she experienced firsthand the challenges, uncertainty, and systemic barriers that many vulnerable individuals and families face. While it is a journey she would never wish on anyone, it gave her a level of understanding, resilience, and insight that many are fortunate enough never to need. Because of her experiences, Jess knows what it feels like to need someone in your corner and she is passionate about being that person for others.
Drawing from both her personal experiences and the obstacles she has overcome, Jess understands how life-changing it can be when someone takes the time to listen, believe in you, and help you navigate difficult moments. Those experiences ignited a lifelong passion for advocacy, service, and creating meaningful change within her community.
Jess has a special passion for working with youth. Having navigated her own challenges growing up, she understands the unique struggles many young people face and the profound impact that positive mentorship, support, and encouragement can have on a person's future. She is dedicated to helping young people recognize their value, build resilience, and understand that their circumstances do not determine their potential.
Her commitment to advocacy extends beyond community outreach. Jess is currently pursuing a law degree with the goal of further expanding her ability to advocate for those who often find themselves without a voice. She believes that everyone deserves access to fair representation, compassionate support, and someone willing to stand beside them during life's most difficult moments. Through her education, she is working toward becoming an even stronger advocate for individuals, families, and communities in need.
As a Co-Founder of Hustle for Hope Community Connection Coalition, Jess plays an instrumental role in building partnerships, fostering community connections, and ensuring that individuals have access to the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive. Her authenticity, compassion, and fierce dedication to helping others embody the very heart of Hustle for Hope's mission.
Jess believes that hope is not something we simply wait for, it is something we create together through connection, compassion, advocacy, and community. Every day, she works to ensure that no one feels alone in their journey and that every person knows their story matters.
When we invest in people, believe in them, and meet them where they are, we create the possibility for lasting change. 💜💚
Jerry
Filmore
Founder of
Whats Up Worcester
&
Our Fiscal
Sponsor
Hustle for Hope Community Connection Coalition would not be where it is today without the support, guidance, and belief of our fiscal sponsor, What's Up Worcester.
More than just a community organization, What's Up Worcester is a community-driven nonprofit dedicated to amplifying local voices, highlighting the work of grassroots organizations, and creating meaningful connections throughout Worcester County. Their commitment to community storytelling, collaboration, and civic engagement aligns perfectly with the mission and values of Hustle for Hope.
As our fiscal sponsor, What's Up Worcester provides the infrastructure and support that allows us to focus on what matters most: meeting people where they are, breaking down barriers, and ensuring individuals have access to the resources they need to survive, heal, and thrive.
Their partnership has allowed us to grow our outreach efforts, build stronger community relationships, and continue serving some of our most vulnerable neighbors with dignity and compassion.
About Jerry Filmore
Behind What's Up Worcester is Jerry Filmore, a community leader whose passion for Worcester and its people is evident in everything he does.
As Founder and Editor-in-Chief of What's Up Worcester, Jerry has dedicated himself to creating a platform that highlights the people, organizations, businesses, and stories that make Worcester County such a vibrant and resilient community. His work is rooted in the belief that every voice matters and that strong communities are built through connection, collaboration, and service.
What sets Jerry apart is his unwavering commitment to lifting others up. Whether he's spotlighting grassroots initiatives, supporting local nonprofits, mentoring emerging leaders, or creating opportunities for community organizations to grow, he consistently works behind the scenes to ensure others have the resources and visibility they need to succeed.
For Hustle for Hope, Jerry has been more than a fiscal sponsor, he has been a supporter, advocate, and believer in our mission from the beginning. His willingness to invest in community-driven solutions and empower organizations like ours has helped make a tangible difference in the lives of countless individuals throughout the region.
We are incredibly grateful for Jerry's leadership, partnership, and dedication to building a stronger, more connected community.
Together, we are proving that when organizations collaborate instead of compete, incredible things happen.
Thank you, Jerry. Thank you, What's Up Worcester. & thank you for helping us bring hope to our community every single day.
💜💚
"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much."