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.

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