February 3rd, 2012
 Kenny is a 16-year old boy with big brown eyes and a wonderful smile. He loves to make new friends.
But Kenny has struggled with moderate cognitive impairment, ADHD and Seizure Disorder-Landau Kleiffer Syndrome for most of his young life. Verbal communication is very difficult for him.
When Kenny was 7 years old, his mother noticed an increase in his aggression – he cried, yelled, hit and kicked when he was angry or if he didn’t get his way. He was asked to leave his school because of his behavior. He often ran away.
Every day, Kenny’s mother worried about his . . . → Read More: Kenny’s Story of Hope
February 3rd, 2012
 The Hope School Learning Center Bulldogs are headed to the Special Olympics Illinois State Basketball Tournament in March. The Bulldogs qualified for the tournament with consecutive victories at the district tournament on January 29th.
The State Basketball Tournament runs March 16-18, 2012 in Bloomington-Normal
More details are available here.
. . . → Read More: Hope Bulldogs head to state basketball tournament
February 3rd, 2012
 Chicago Public Schools officials joined Chicago Blackhawks President and CEO John McDonough and Right Wing and 14-year National Hockey League Veteran Jamal Mayers at the dedication of the Chicago Blackhawks Sensory Gym at The Hope Institute Learning Academy on Monday, January 23rd.
The sensory gym was made possible through a generous grant from Chicago Blackhawks Charities. The Chicago Blackhawks Sensory Gym provides a safe and sensory-enriched environment in which students may calm themselves, refocus their energies on their studies, and prepare to return to the classroom. The gym may also be used for physical and . . . → Read More: The Chicago Blackhawks’ dedicate new sensory gym at HILA
January 10th, 2012
 View Hope’s virtual Valentine and send your Valentine wish to Hope’s children. . . . → Read More: A Virtual Valentine for Hope’s Children
January 5th, 2012
In a lot of ways, Allison is a typical teenage girl. She likes watching movies, shopping and eating fast food.
But Allison also struggles with autism and severe cognitive impairment.
For years, Allison’s family worked tirelessly to keep her safe at home. But when Allison’s physical aggression and tendency to run away became too dangerous, they knew they needed help.
Her mother explains, “Allison’s aggressive behavior was taking a toll on all of us and I noticed that she was regressing in some of her basic skills. Mostly, I was terrified about what would happen if she wandered towards the . . . → Read More: Allison’s Story of Hope
January 4th, 2012
 In December, Laura Sandrolini’s classroom sponsored a Christmas party for residents of Heritage Manor in Springfield. Leading up the the annual outing, Hope’s children planned the entertainment, selected and wrapped gift packages for residents.
Ms. Sandrolini’s class visits Heritage Manor several times each year to spend time with residents, play Bingo and teach the value of volunteering.
WICS News Channel 20 was on hand to cover the event and be sure to check out our photo gallery below. . . . → Read More: Hope students spread holiday cheer
January 3rd, 2012
 On December 15th, Hope’s children celebrated the holidays with Hope’s Annual Polar Express Party. The celebration included holiday-themed games, activities, a movie and a visit from Santa & Mrs. Clause!
After the celebration, youth received a special gift: 5flavors Catering and Signature Event Rental delivered a present to each the Hope School Learning Center’s 180 children. We would like to thank Josh Sonneborn, Christy Hood and the entire staff of 5flavors for making this year’s Polar Express Party a memorable event!
. . . → Read More: The 5flavors of Polar Express
January 3rd, 2012
 The Hope Institute Learning Academy celebrated the holiday season with a Winter Wonderland Festival on Friday, December 16th. The festivities were part of the HILA P.R.I.D.E. incentive in which students earned PRIDE Points throughout the month by showing Preparation, Responsibility, Integrity, Dedication and Effort. HILA students enjoyed an afternoon full of arts and crafts, holiday movies, and a Wii dance party.
Children also participated in a Winter Wonderland Assembly on Friday, December 23rd. Friends and family enjoyed performances by classes of all grade levels singing, dancing, rapping, and rhyming. Students sang and danced to holiday classics including “Baby . . . → Read More: HILA’s Winter Wonderland
January 2nd, 2012
 Be sure to mark your calendars for Central Illinois’ social event of the season!
The Hope Institute’s 7th Annual
Style of Hope Fashion Show
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Hilton Hotel, Downtown
Springfield, Illinois . . . → Read More: Save The Date: 7th Annual Style of Hope Fashion Show
December 29th, 2011
 Dear Friend of Hope,
The year is drawing to a close quickly. That means there are only 2 days left for you to support Hope’s special needs children while also benefitting from a tax deduction in 2011.
Can we count on your support?
Your . . . → Read More: Only 48 hours left to make your year-end gift!
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