Ambassador Andrew Young Joins Operation Hope as Its National Spokesman.

LOS ANGELES -- Ambassador Andrew Young -- the former civil rights leader, advisor to the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., two-term mayor of Atlanta, congressional representative, United Nations Ambassador, co-chairman of the Atlanta Olympic Games, and international statesman for peace -- agreed to serve as the national spokesman for Operation HOPE, Inc. (OHI).

On his decision to join the Operation HOPE movement as its new National Spokesman, Ambassador Young noted, "Operation HOPE's track record of achieving economic empowerment for youth and their families in low-wealth communities throughout the country, by educating them in financial literacy, is extraordinary; and I have nothing but great enthusiasm to now be playing a role in the growth of this top-tier organization. Furthermore, I strongly believe that the work of Operation HOPE and other organizations like it are in fact continuing the work of the civil rights movement, or as John Bryant would say, the `silver rights' movement. Dr. King, myself and a whole host of others succeeded in integrating the lunch counter, and the public buildings, but we failed to ultimately integrate the dollar, and this is what HOPE is all about. Bryant believes that financial literacy is America's first silver right, in the 21st century, and I happen to agree with him." In a related note to John Bryant about his work as founder of Operation HOPE, he added, "... thanks for your leadership and vision. Dr. King would be proud that you're continuing the march to end poverty. Living in a capitalist society with no access to capital is just a sophisticated form of slavery."

Ambassador Young's public appearances, speaking and other related activities on behalf of Operation HOPE will begin as early as mid-December 2004. Operation HOPE's founder, chairman and CEO John Bryant, on the appointment of Ambassador Young as our spokesman said, "We are very appreciative and in fact honored by Ambassador Young's commitment to serve our organization and to support our vision, mission and purpose. I am personally humbled by his commitment, inasmuch as I am a personal fan of both Ambassador Young and Dr. King. It simply does not get any better than this ..." Mr. Bryant continued, "Ambassador Young's participation is a real motivation to our board, and shot in the arm to our staff to raise the bar on our level of service to our communities."

Ambassador Young is chairman of Goodworks International, a specialty consulting group based in Atlanta, Georgia, that provides strategic services to corporations and governments operating in the global economy. He formerly served as a member of the boards of directors of numerous organizations and businesses including Delta Airlines, Argus, Host Marriott Corporation, Archer Daniels Midland, and Thomas Nelson Publishers. Ambassador Young currently serves as a member of the board of directors for numerous organizations and businesses including Cox Communications, Atlanta Falcons, DiversaPack and America's Mart.

Ambassador Young also served as President of National Council of Churches, and is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ. He has published two books, "A Way Out of No Way," Thomas Nelson; and "An Easy Burden," Harper Collins. His awards include the Presidential Medal of Freedom and many honorary degrees. He served three terms in the US Congress from the 5th district of Georgia. In 1977, President Jimmy Carter named him Ambassador to the United Nations. He served two terms as Mayor of Atlanta and was Co-Chairman of the Centennial Olympic Games in 1996.

Ambassador Young was a top aide to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the civil rights movement, was involved in its inception, and served as Vice-President of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

About Operation HOPE, Inc.

Operation HOPE, Inc. (OHI), is America's first nonprofit social investment bank and a national provider of financial literacy and economic empowerment programs. Through ongoing collaborations and long-term partnerships with leading government, private sector, and community interests, OHI works to bring self-sufficiency and a sustained spirit of revitalization to America's inner-city communities. OHI's HOPE Centers, a growing network of inner-city banking centers, have created more than 800 new homeowners and small business owners, more than $125 million in funded loans, and more than $210 million in commitments for homeownership and small business loans from their 250 bank and corporate partners. OHI's Banking on Our Future program has delivered financial literacy education and related services to more than 139,000 children across the country. In partnership with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and a network of private and community partners, OHI's HOPE Coalition America has provided free financial counseling and casework services to Americans affected by natural disasters and national emergencies in 125 cities in 35 states to date. Taken together, these programs make Operation HOPE the national leader in economic empowerment tools and services for the under-served in America. OHI and its programs can be found online at www.operationhope.org, www.bankingonourfuture.org, and www.hopecoalitionamerica.org.