480 News Coverage :

https://www.localdvm.com/sports/480-club-founder-joseph-hooks-hoping-to-build-on-foundation-of-program-and-make-positive-impact-in-community/

 

Joseph is an emerging leader, small business minority business owner, program specialist, community advocate and coach. He is Director that subcontracts at Watkins Mill High School Wellness center and Gaithersburg High School partnered with Identity Inc. offering coordinated medical care, quality counseling, positive youth development, health education, and case management in a confidential and culturally sensitive manner. 480 Club has a contract with Montgomery County Recreation Excel Beyond the Bell program providing positive role model coaches to teach fundamental team sports with a PYD approach to keep youth safe, build self-confidence and gain healthy relationships in a safe space after school at local middle schools and elementary schools. 

Joseph began his career as a recreation specialist for Montgomery Village Foundation, Department of Juvenile Services, and National Center for Children and Families. Working on the front line of those organizations, he coordinated many programs, recreational activities, teen center programming, and special events. Also, as a MCPS educator and School Liaison, he worked in many classrooms providing academic supports from grades K-12. He most recently comes from working with the Montgomery County States Attorney Office as a Truancy Prevention Coordinator working with local middle school students and families to re-engage an connect them back to higher education and promotion of a growth mindset. Joseph has a deep knowledge of counseling, trauma-informed care, mentoring and positive youth development practices.