How HopeTree Helped a Determined Youth Reach Ole Miss

In a time where many struggle to find their footing, Rocky Belcher’s story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of opportunity. Today, Rocky walks the campus of the University of Mississippi as a pre-law student, thanks in large part to the unwavering support he received from HopeTree. His journey, however, began with immense challenges.

Growing up in Franklin County, Virginia, Rocky’s childhood was marked by instability. Raised in a single-parent household, he faced hardships that many would find insurmountable. At just ten years old, he and his siblings were taken from their mother due to unsafe living conditions and entered the foster care system. “Life wasn’t good,” Rocky shared, reflecting on his early years. Despite being uprooted multiple times, he clung to football and school—his only constants.

HopeTree came into Rocky’s life during one of his darkest periods. After struggling with depression and a suicide attempt, Rocky found himself with nowhere to turn. Enter HopeTree, which not only provided him with a safe place to stay but also gave him the tools and support he needed to start addressing his trauma. “One of the great things that HopeTree does is show kids it’s okay to talk about what’s happened to them,” he said. “They create a space where you feel cared for and listened to.”

“Every step I take on campus…wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of HopeTree and its supporters. You’re not just changing my life; you’re changing the lives of so many others like me.“

– Rocky Belcher

While at HopeTree, Rocky’s resilience began to shine. He achieved “level four” in the organization’s therapeutic system, a recognition voted on by peers and staff that celebrated his growth and maturity. This milestone symbolized his ability to overcome his past and embrace his potential.

But Rocky didn’t stop there. Despite being the first in his family to pursue higher education, he didn’t let the daunting application process deter him. His dream of attending Ole Miss became reality, inspired in part by watching The Blind Side. When financial barriers threatened his future, HopeTree stepped in again, providing a critical scholarship that covered a significant portion of his tuition.

“Every step I take on campus is a step in the right direction,” Rocky reflected. “It’s a step that wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of HopeTree and its supporters. You’re not just changing my life; you’re changing the lives of so many others like me.”

Today, Rocky is on a mission. His experiences have inspired him to pursue a career in law, with hopes of advocating for others who feel voiceless. “Kids like me need someone who believes in them,” he explained. “If someone believes in you, it can change everything.”

Looking to the future, Rocky envisions starting a nonprofit to support at-risk youth, providing resources such as tutoring, clothing, and funding for college essentials like computers. “There are so many kids out there with all the potential in the world. They just need an opportunity,” he said.

Rocky’s story is more than a tale of personal triumph; it’s a reminder of the incredible impact a community can have when it invests in its young people. For donors, supporters, and friends of HopeTree, his journey is proof that your contributions create ripples of hope and transformation.

As Rocky works toward his law degree, he carries with him the lessons learned at HopeTree: that everyone has worth, every dream is valid, and every step forward—no matter how small—is a victory.