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
 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
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!
December 16th, 2011
 Dear Friend of Hope,
You make the holidays a special, joyful season for Hope’s children and, for that, I am very grateful.
Because you care, The Hope Institute for Children and Families is able to make this a magical and festive time for so many children struggling with autism and developmental disabilities.
Your ongoing support provides our girls and boys with the individualized educational . . . . . . → Read More: Announcing Hope’s 2011 holiday card artist…
December 2nd, 2011
 Rachel is a beautiful girl with big blue eyes and the friendliest smile you’ve ever seen. But her diagnoses include autism, cerebral palsy and cognitive impairment so every day presents new challenges.
Rachel’s mother lovingly cared for her daughter at home for many years. But as Rachel grew older and stronger, her frequent outbursts of kicking, biting and banging her head on the floor became difficult to control.
Her mother realized that, regardless of
. . . → Read More: Rachel’s Story of Hope
November 2nd, 2011
 Jon-Jon’s parents were overjoyed when he was born. He was the little baby boy they’d waited so long for.
But when he was only 2 days old, Jon-Jon suffered a devastating stroke which left him to struggle with Cerebral Palsy, severe cognitive limitations and blindness for the rest of his life.
Doctors told his parents that he wouldn’t live to his first birthday.
His mother and father were heartbroken and deeply worried. But they loved Jon-Jon dearly and resolved to help him live his life to the fullest, one day at a time.
Jon-Jon’s journey hasn’t been easy. He can’t speak . . . → Read More: Jon-Jon’s Story of Hope
September 29th, 2011
 You can see the love and promise in a child’s smile.
Loni and Jim have seen it in James’ smile from the first day they met him. In fact, it was his smile that started them on a five year mission – a mission to ensure their son’s hopeful future.
“James had hold of us from day one,” his mother, Loni, says. “We couldn’t imagine life without him.”
James came to his adoptive parents at the age of two. He had been diagnosed with Down Syndrome, so they knew their son would have special needs as he grew.
But James seemed . . . → Read More: James’ Story of Hope
September 4th, 2011
 Carlie joined our Hope Institute family almost two years ago. She’s a beautiful girl with a bubbly personality. She lights up a room with her smile.
But because Carlie lives with Cerebral Palsy, autism and cognitive impairments, each day presents considerable challenges for her.
Carlie was born almost 5 months premature. She weighed less than 2 pounds and measured only 10 inches long. She needed round-the-clock care when she came home from the hospital.
“I was afraid when I realized what was ahead of us,” her mother, Tammy, explains. “But as Carlie grew, and her diagnoses became more complicated, our whole . . . → Read More: Carlie’s Story of Hope
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