Stories of Hope

 

Allison’s Story

In a lot of ways, Allison is a typical teenage girl.  This pretty, eighteen year old enjoys watching movies, going shopping, rollerblading and eating fast food.  She especially loves to swim and spends endless hours hanging out at the local pool. 

But Allison also struggles with autism and severe cognitive challenges.   

For years, Allison’s mother, brother and grandmother worked tirelessly to take care of her and 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 stated, “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 water near our house.” 

You can imagine the worry in this mother’s heart as she thought about Allison’s future. Naturally, she wanted her daughter to grow up happy, secure, and to live as independently as possible. 

She didn’t know where to turn … until she found The Hope School Learning Center. 

“Hope has made such a remarkable difference in Allison’s life – we see it every time we visit,” her mother told us.  “She responds very positively to her individualized routine.  And Hope’s caring staff worked with her to understand the meaning of ‘stop’ so she doesn’t run off anymore.  In fact, Allison’s been doing so well at The Hope School that she now has a job at a restaurant near campus!” 

This gift of joy was given to Allison and her family, because of our community’s support of The Hope Institute.  And for that, we are forever grateful. 

The Hope School Learning Center has been caring for children like Allison since 1957.  Over the years, Hope has evolved into a unique day school and residential facility that combines customized, one on one education and state-of-the-art technology allowing each of our students to achieve their maximum potential.                                                                                   

The Hope Institute for Children and Families offers true hope to children and families facing extraordinary challenges, but we could never make this critical difference without the help of generous and caring people like you. 

Your gifts offer children like Allison, who struggle with multiple disabilities, their best hope for independence and happiness. 

Thank you for caring about Hope’s children.

Click here to give a tax-deductible, Gift of Hope

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Ryan’s Story

This is the season for making wonderful memories.

When Ryan was born, he was just like any other baby. But then something went wrong. His brain stopped growing.

Neurologists from across the country have been unable to determine what happened. “Ryan is waiting for medical science to catch up,” says his dad, Scott.

Ryan doesn’t speak. “He had a couple of words at age three, but then they left,” his mom, Julie explains. His significant physical disabilities had relegated him to a wheelchair.

His parents tapped into every possible resource to help Ryan develop to the best of his abilities, but as he grew, so did their worries.

They became concerned for Ryan’s physical safety. “We had to be with him all the time for his own protection,” Julie admits. Ryan’s complicated educational needs were also taxing his school’s resources.

When Ryan was 8 years old, his parents came to a heartbreaking realization: he needed more help than their family and community could provide.

“Placing Ryan at Hope was a tough decision for our family,” Scott remembers. “But having him at Hope gives us tremendous peace of mind. We know he’s getting the best education from experts who are trained to help children with his type of challenges.”

Hope’s occupational, physical and speech therapists are helping Ryan develop basic self-care skills. And success is coming in small steps, thanks in large part, to caring donors like you.

Today, Ryan lives in a community home and rides the bus to Hope’s school campus. Through therapy, he’s started walking with standby assistance. He’s interacting with classmates and participating in activities.

We’re proud to tell you he is developing into an independent and self-assured young man.

You can ensure the brightest future possible for Ryan and hundreds of children like him, struggling with multiple, severe disabilities.

Click here to give a tax-deductible, Gift of Hope

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Kenny’s Story

Kenny was initially admitted to Hope School in late 2003. Although the decision to place him was difficult, his mother felt it was best for Kenny. Kenny was experiencing an increase in behaviors both at school and at home. He would cry, yell, hit and kick when he was angry, if he did not get his way or was told to wait. His mother was concerned for his safety.  As a single mother, she knew Kenny needed more structure than she was able to provide for him. Since arriving at Hope, Kenny’s behavior has improved greatly!

Kenny is a 13-year old boy with big brown eyes and an infectious smile. Kenny is very friendly and greets everyone. Kenny has a diagnosis of Moderate Mental Retardation, ADHD and Seizure Disorder-Landau Kleiffer Syndrome.

Kenny is very social and loves to participate in the many activities offered to him. He is a member of the Boy Scouts, the Hope baseball team and was also elected Vice President of the Youth Council by his peers. He also participated in the American Heart Association Heart Walk last summer.

Kenny had been living on campus, but recently transitioned to one of Hope’s group homes. He and his family are very excited about this move! His family is very involved in his life and he enjoys making frequent visits home and spending time with his family.

Do you know a child that could benefit from the successful program at The Hope Institute?  Call Admissions Coordinator Amy Chase today at 217-585-5182.

More Stories of Hope Coming Each Month