JP's Story of HopeWhat would you do if your eleven-year old son was asked not to return to school because his extreme behaviors were putting the teachers and other children at risk? Where would you turn for help if your son was so aggressive to his siblings that you...

Cameron’s Story of Hope
When one walks into Noll Café, it can be expected that you will see dedicated staff, hard-working students, and plenty of smiles to go around. It is not hard to notice all the work put into the café’s operations, and it is especially nice to see new...

Michael’s Story of Hope
Noll Café at The Hope Institute has great food and great service. The students from Hope that work in the café are always making sure there is an upbeat atmosphere. Michael, 15, one of those students who works at Noll Café is thriving not...

Kyle’s Story of Hope
If you ever need help, Kyle is definitely the right person to ask. Kyle is always willing to lend a hand when needed and volunteers whenever possible. He can often be found holding doors open for people and having a polite and friendly...

Alyssa Finds Her Voice… At Hope!
A few weeks ago, senior students at The Hope School Learning Center in Springfield celebrated graduation. This ceremony, a rite of passage for so many teens, is no less so for our students with autism and other developmental disabilities....

A Young Scholar… Thanks to Hope!
Camden Martin might have been one of the youngest people in the room for the Carson Scholars but his future shines bright. On April 25, Martin, a 5th grader at Hope Institute Learning Academy and the son of Vaneika Martin, attended the award...

Aric’s Story of Hope
Aric has a knack for overcoming challenges. As an infant, he battled a respiratory virus and was later diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at age 2 after his family noticed he had trouble talking and making eye contact. He was met with...

Rocking the Runway… A Story of Hope
Joe is a 16-year-old boy with autism who uses sign language to communicate his wants and needs. However, later this month he’ll rock the runway and let his legs do the talking. Joe is one of eight Hope students who will take part in the...

Delilah and Sophia’s Story of Hope
Six-year-old twins Delilah and Sophia share a lot of similarities, including their bright smiles and curly hair. However, they also have some significant differences. Both girls were diagnosed at age 3 with an autism spectrum disorder. While...

Zachary’s Story of Hope
Zachary has a joy-filled smile that lights up every room he enters. The 13-year-old boy loves sports and continues to improve communicating his wants and needs, though autism and cognitive impairment have made speaking a challenge. “He...