The Spring 2012 issue

1. Celebrating the lives of children
with developmental disabilities
Spring 2012
Heart of Hope
Contents One child’s journey to a life well lived has become the hope of
Angels of Hope.............................. 2 thousands more with developmental disabilities.
Will You Be an Angel?
Learning........................................ 3 Judith Ann was born in 1946 with multiple disabilities. Her parents
Zoo Animals Open Jacqari’s World believed their daughter, like any child, deserved an education. They
Living ............................................ 4 searched the world for a school that could manage her disabilities and
Andy’s Mom Goes to War help her learn. They found none.
Taking Care ................................... 5 So Judy’s parents started a school in a small house on a tree-lined
Alesha Ventures Into Adulthood
street. They called it “Hope.” Their goal – to help Judy live a quality life
Discovering Hope.......................... 6 – remains Hope’s goal today.
Wilma is a Familiar Face at HILA
Hope’s Children Depend on You .... 7 That small house has evolved into a 25-acre campus. And the school
Become an Angel of Hope has evolved into a statewide Institute that offers not only educational
Giving the Gift of Hope ................. 7 but also residential, health care and therapeutic services – all designed
Leave a Legacy of Hope especially for children who, like Judy, have multiple and complex
Gifts at Work ................................. 8 developmental disabilities.
Community Gets Healthy for Hope
Children come to Hope to learn how to live to the very best of their
abilities.
Some of Hope’s young ladies soon will transition to our first on-
campus, single-family home. The “Nyre Home,” named in honor of
Dr. Joseph E. Nyre, former Hope president/CEO, replaces an outdated,
dormitory-style residence. These young women now have a street
address and a kitchen, family room and backyard to call their own.
Providing loving homes for children on Hope’s campus and
throughout the community is just one part of the journey we share
with them.
Our connection starts before they arrive at Hope and does not end
when they leave. Parents like Jennifer – called to duty in Iraq with no
one to care for her son – rely on us in crises. Alesha has moved to an
adult home but Hope staff stay connected to ensure all is well. Their
heartfelt stories are in this issue.
A big world awaits the children of Hope. They are taking careful steps
toward independence.
With your support, more children will have new homes to call their
Interim President/CEO Clint Paul, right, own and friends with whom to share their inspiring journeys toward
reviews the design of Hope’s first on-
campus, single-family home with Board
adulthood.
Director John Jordan, whose parents
started Hope in 1957 for his sister Judy.
A publication of The Hope Institute for Children and Families
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2. Angels of Hope
Our Children Need So Much Love and Care
Could you be their Angel of Hope?
Angels of Hope are dedicated friends help Hope effectively budget for the
who ensure the best possible care for care of our boys and girls for years to
Hope’s special needs children. come. Your Angel of Hope commitment
will give them the promise of joyous,
By making a monthly gift of $10, $5 or
independent futures.
whatever you can afford, you can bring
the finest living, learning and wellness Hope’s children need the loving support
services The Hope Institute offers to of Angels in their lives. Their challenges
children who need and deserve them and struggles are truly considerable –
the most. but their determination and courage
are inspiring beyond words.
As an Angel of Hope, you will join a
compassionate family of donors who Help us make hopeful futures for
children with disabilities. Become
an Angel of Hope today. Just fill out
the reply card on page 7 and mail
it with your first gift. Or, visit www.
thehopeinstitute.us to donate online.
Thank you for being an Angel to Hope’s
wonderful children!
Brittany celebrates
success at the
bowling alley, one
of Hope children’s
favorite outings.
To refer a child
for services
offered by
The Hope Institute
me is a publication of The Hope Institute for Children and
or to learn more
Families. For inquiries or comments, please contact us at
(217) 585-5119, www.thehopeinstitute.us or about Hope services,
PO Box 2817, Springfield, IL 62708-2817. please call
217-585-5437.
Writer/Editor: Courtney Reed
Contributor: Will Jamison
Photographers: Kimberly Smoot and Suzanne Plunkett
2 Spring 2012
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3. Learning
HILA’s Partnership With Zoo Opens World for Jacqari
Jacqari is a happy 7-year-old who loves animals. He is a lot like his friends at
The Hope Institute Learning Academy (HILA) in Chicago. But Jacqari has a form
of autism affecting his speech and language skills, and expressing himself can be
a challenge.
This changed in part through HILA’s transitioning from speaking a few words at
innovative partnership with Chicago’s a time to conversational sentences.
Lincoln Park Zoo. Zoo educators visited
“He became a sponge in his first-grade
students to teach them about wild
classroom at HILA,” Rashaun says. “He
animals. What Jacqari absorbed in the
was exposed to so many new things and
classroom he applied when he visited
began making friends. Group outings, like
the zoo. During HILA’s first Family Day
to Lincoln Park Zoo, have broadened his
at Lincoln Park Zoo, attended by 300
world view.”
children, family members and friends,
Jacqari demonstrated his knowledge to Learning about wild animals and visiting
his mom, Rashaun. the zoo has given Jacqari an experience
that helps him connect with others.
“He clearly knew the animals and their
habitats and how to navigate the zoo,” “Now he tells us about his day at school,”
she says. Rashaun says. “He’s a little rough on my
houseplants, where he creates habitats
Later he told the story of his visit by
for his animal toys … but this shows me
drawing a large zoo map. That he did so
Jacqari is learning at HILA and I couldn’t
from memory delighted Rashaun.
be happier.”
Like many parents of
children with autism,
Jacqari’s mom and
dad struggled to find
support after he was
diagnosed at age
three. He progressed
academically and
socially in the Head Start
Program but regressed
in kindergarten without
access to autism-focused
special needs services.
That story shifted last
year when he came
to HILA. Attending
both special needs
and general education
classes, Jacqari began
Jacqari, relaxing at HILA with his mom, loves to visit the animals at Lincoln
Park Zoo.
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4. Living
When Andy’s Mom Faced Deployment, Hope Was His Last Hope
What would happen to Andy, who has severe developmental disabilities, if his
only parent were called to war? So began his mom’s most important battle.
Panic was setting in. Jennifer, a nurse Soon, Jennifer’s crisis hit. She was
and Captain in the National Guard, called to Iraq with less than a month’s
knew deployment was around the notice. But by then she had won her
corner. She knew no one who could first battle, gaining the state’s approval
care for 17-year-old Andy and the state to place Andy at Hope if she were to
would not admit him to a residential deploy. She and Andy said goodbye.
care facility. Three days later she was 5,000 miles
away, assigned to an intensive care
“The state requires a family to be in
unit.
‘crisis’ to receive residential placement,”
Jennifer says. “By their standards, our “I felt like I was leaving him in the care
situation was not a crisis.” of strangers,” Jennifer says. “I cried
myself to sleep for weeks.”
To Jennifer, it was. If she were
ordered to deploy and did not have Andy’s Hope caregivers quickly
a military-required care plan for became like family. After four months
Andy, she would be discharged and of serving her country, Jennifer is
lose everything: her income, military home now and at peace with her son’s
housing and all benefits. new life.
“He needs to stay at Hope
because I’m still deployable,”
Jennifer says. “More
importantly, he’s gaining
independence and excelling.”
Andy keeps his mom close to
his heart. Every morning, with
his hand over his heart, Andy
recites the Pledge of Allegiance
to the best of his ability. This
makes Jennifer proud.
“Andy is doing what all kids
are supposed to do,” she says.
“He’s growing up, going to
prom, working and belonging.
He’s happy.”
“Although it’s bittersweet for me, I know
Hope is where my son is supposed to
be,” says Jennifer, Andy’s mom.
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5. Taking Care
Alesha Ventures Into Adulthood Fully Prepared
Getting around Hope’s campus took time for Alesha, not because she uses a
wheelchair but because her irresistible smile and open arms invited hugs from
everyone in her path.
Hope is a protected, safe environment Saying goodbye to Alesha was hard.
where hugs happen daily. But Alesha But she and her Hope team had worked
was moving toward adulthood and life toward that moment for nine years. Now
in the larger world. As a 20-year-old she has successfully transitioned to a
woman made vulnerable by profound new home she shares with other adult
cognitive disabilities and cerebral palsy, women with disabilities. Alesha rides
she needed to learn other ways to the bus daily to work in a sheltered
socialize with people. workshop and enjoys regular outings
with her peers.
So her Hope team began teaching
Alesha that giving high fives and waving Hope staff stay connected – as they do
are fun, too. for each young adult leaving Hope – to
ensure all is well.
“Every skill our children have when they
reach adulthood increases their chances “The way Hope children experience life
of living happily,” says Maria Millburg, changes from season to season. We will
Hope Case Manager. “Our focus from always be here for them,” Maria says.
day one was on building Alesha’s
basic life skills.”
This is true for all Hope children,
who have unique education
plans identifying independent
living skills they must develop.
Alesha learned such skills as
interacting with adults and
strangers in age-appropriate
ways; participating in household
activities, such as sorting
silverware; and maneuvering her
wheelchair.
“Every school day Alesha
practiced pushing away from the
walls when her wheelchair got
stuck,” says Christen Shelton,
her teacher. “When staff from
her new adult home came to
Hope to meet Alesha, they were
very impressed that she could
move around so well by herself.”
Alesha participated in her last Prom Grand March at Hope with
escort Mike Twist, a Job Coach in Hope’s Vocational Program.
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6. Discovering Hope
“Volunteer Lady” Wilma Models Compassion at HILA
Hundreds of students, teachers and parents gather in the courtyard of The Hope
Institute Learning Academy (HILA) in Chicago when the dismissal bell rings.
Wilma Gibson greets them all. She is a volunteer who is a familiar and much-
appreciated face at the school.
“Parents and teachers call me the HILA relies on the good will of family
volunteer lady,” says Wilma. “They ask and friends to assist the complex
me, ‘Can you help?’ And I help.” job of educating 100 children with
special needs alongside 300 typically
Wilma’s connection to HILA is her
developing children in grades K-5.
grandson Daveion, a fourth grader who
Unlike any other public school, HILA
follows his grandmother’s example.
provides highly tailored services within
Like Wilma, he serves food to the
a general education environment to
hungry at his church. He relishes
children of all abilities.
helping at school, too.
Volunteers read to children, don
“Everybody in my class has a job,”
gloves and help open food packages
Daveion says. “I hand out books and
in the cafeteria, guide students
pencils … I get to help everybody.”
during morning arrival and between
classes, and maintain a quiet hallway
environment.
Wilma does it all with an affectionate
demeanor and quiet voice that draws
in and calms HILA’s young girls and
boys. She knows they are watching her
show compassion to and acceptance of
all people – and she feels joy watching
them come into their own.
“My best memory is walking a boy with
disabilities to his vision and hearing
screening at the Health and Wellness
Center at school,” Wilma says. “He
struggled to walk but tried so hard. At
the year-end assembly, I cried watching
him jump and laugh with other children
on stage.”
Wilma has a message for anyone
wishing to help HILA children, typically
developing or not: “With patience, you
will see the difference you make in
their lives.”
Wilma’s calm and steadfast presence is a comfort
to her grandson Daveion and all HILA students.
6 Spring 2012
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7. Hope’s Children Depend on You
Suppor t Our Special Boys and Girls by Making a Gift Today
Thank you for inviting me to become an Angel of Hope by offering The Hope Institute my committed financial support.
K I accept your invitation and will do my best to give a gift of $_________ K Monthly K Every other month K Quarterly
K I prefer to charge my gift to The Hope Institute and have filled out the credit card information below.
K I prefer not to make a commitment, but offer my support today with a gift of K $25 K $15 K $_________.
K Please charge $_________________ to my credit card on a one-time basis. I have filled out the credit card information below.
Credit Card Information:
K Please charge my K Visa K MasterCard K American Express
Account Number: ––– Expiration Date: ______/______
Printed name as it appears on your card: _______________________________________________________________________
Signature: ___________________________________________________Cell phone/telephone: ___________________________
Email: __________________________________________________________________________________________________
Would you like to become an Ambassador of Hope?
K Please contact me about becoming an Ambassador of Hope.
Create a Legacy of Hope for the Children of The Hope Institute
K I have remembered The Hope Institute in my will.
Thank you for your generous tax-deductible gift. Please make checks payable to The Hope Institute.
PO Box 2817 • Springfield, IL 62708-2817
Please remove reply at perforation, fold and enclose it with your gift in the envelope provided. Thank you!
Giving the Gift of Hope
Create a Legacy of Hope
When you remember The Hope Institute in your will or estate plans, you create a
lasting legacy of hope for children who need so much.
A bequest to The Hope Institute for Children and Families is a wonderful way to
remember the special needs of Hope’s boys and girls far into the future. And it is a
most meaningful way for you to be remembered.
We wish to acknowledge the generosity of the following friends who have made
bequests in their estate plans to benefit the future of Hope’s children:
Francis E. Albus Falisevac Family Hilda Padgett
Richard V. Bernard Clara A. Hamilton Alfreda J. Schueler
Kathleen Crowe Lillian P Heimler
. Bernard Soffer
Ruth M. Davis Katherine B. Hunter Anthony P Sortisio, Sr.
.
Waldo E. Davis Helen S. Jarvis Paul Underberg
Dominick F. De Nardo Don Libert William Von Dell
Marie A. Elphick Angelina Maldarelli
For more information about how to include The Hope Institute in your estate plans,
please call Tom LeClair at (217) 585-5119.
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8. NON PROFIT
The US POSTAGE
Hfor Children and Families
OPE INSTITUTE PAID
SOUTH SUBURBAN
PERMIT NO 799
15 East Hazel Dell Lane
PO Box 2817
Springfield, IL 62708-2817
Gifts At Work
Donors Turn Passion for Health Into Help for Hope
The Chiapetto family considers its good health a gift. Each year the family puts this
gift to work helping the children of Hope.
The “Rochester 5K Fun Run and Walk” is say. “We see firsthand how happy and healthy
a summer highlight in the Chiapetto’s Hope children are.”
community. Mark and Cheryl Chiapetto
Each July, over 150 people heed the call to
founded this event to raise awareness of
fitness and run, race-walk or simply walk. Those
health and fitness. Enthusiastic participation
crossing the line first are not the only winners.
turned it into an annual event and inspired
The race gives away major raffle prizes donated
the family to choose a local organization to
by local businesses and then donates 100% of
benefit. They
proceeds to The Hope Institute. Hope counts
chose Hope.
on this annual gift to fund recreational and
“Supporting fitness activities that support the health and
Hope drives wellness of Hope children.
home the
“I am so proud of all the people who come out
event’s key
for this event,” the Chiapettos say. “They’re
message …
taking care of themselves and, whether they
live a healthy
realize it or not, children in this community
life,” Mark
who need us.”
and Cheryl
5K participants get ready to run and walk for Hope children.
(Photo courtesy of the Chiapetto family.)
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