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Introducing Our Monthly ENewsletter
As I have gotten to know HOPe and its community over the past few months, it never ceases to amaze me how many great things happen here at The House every day. One of the organizational goals we have identified is to create deeper connections through more meaningful communications with our entire community. And so I'd like to introduce you to
Happenings at The House
, our new monthly newsletter designed to give everyone here at The House a platform to share special events, milestones, client success stories, and more. We also want to provide our community members with current information about what we're doing and where we're headed -- we hope you'll find even greater connection in knowing the latest about HOPe and we welcome any feedback you may have to make Happenings even better.
In keeping with our theme of connections, we're pleased to be holding a series of Parent Dinner Meetings in the month of September. They will offer a forum for discussion among our parents, our staff, and members of the Board. Thank you to all who have already RSVP'd; if you did not receive information on these events and would like to attend, please contact Mike Sanderson.
Each month, in addition to providing important updates, I will use this space to share with you a Mission Moment -- something that has happened, a comment from a client or parent, an observation by a staff member -- that affirms for all us who support this organization why we give of ourselves for HOPe's mission. This month, I want to share with you a special project that one of our clients, Evelyn, is working on with a member of our staff, Steve Murphy.
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Evelyn and Steve are two of the most outgoing members of our HOPe family, and it comes as no surprise to anyone who knows them that they got to chatting. Evelyn and Steve became fast friends, and Steve came to learn a great deal about her experiences as someone diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and developmental delays, and was most struck by her indomitable positivity and strong will to be as independent as possible. When he learned that Evelyn often goes, on her own, to speak to 4
th
graders at a number of local schools, he felt compelled to help Evelyn reach more people with her amazing story.
Steve's father was a writer, and clearly the Murphys have an eye for what makes compelling literature. He suggested Evelyn put her story on paper, and she couldn't wait to get started, immediately asking if he'd be willing to be her editor. That conversation sparked what has become a Monday afternoon tradition - Steve and Evelyn spend 30 minutes every Monday working on the book together. Evelyn's vision for the book is twofold; for one, she wants to help children be more aware and accepting of people living with Cerebral Palsy and developmental challenges, and see that once you get to know them, they really are not so different from anyone else. Evelyn also feels that her philosophy on life is something everyone could learn from - there is no challenge that can't be overcome with hard work and a positive attitude, as long as you never stop trying to move forward.
Steve remarked that whether or not the book ends up getting published, he is incredibly thankful to Evelyn for reminding us all what makes the HOPe house feel like home to so many - the great times we share, the memories we make, and the friendships we treasure. Evelyn and Steve, from everyone at HOPe, thank you for taking our mission to heart; we are all better for it.
And thank you to all of you for your involvement with HOPe.
Sincerely,
Kim Comart, Interim Executive Director
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Furry Friends Visit HOPe
HOPe had some very special visitors on August 22nd when the
Barn Babies traveling petting zoo came by to meet everyone in our Adult DayHab program. There were nothing but smiles from wall to wall as our staff and clients alike got quality cuddling time with our adorable animal friends. The traveling menagerie included baby goats, cats, ducklings, rabbits and even a baby pig! There was something for all animal lovers to enjoy. Barn Babies are happy to accommodate anything from birthday or grad parties, school events, work functions, or even in-home therapy, so give them a call if you're looking to get smiles like these at your next event!
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A Day at the Park for Adventure Club
Last weekend, the Children's Program Adventure Club had a day to remember when they visited the
Noah's Place Playground in New Bedford. Located on Pope's Island, Noah's Place is the
largest inclusive playground in New England where children of all abilities can come together and play. The park is complete with freestanding and sensory panel playground equipment, embankment slides, swings that can attach to wheelchairs, and anything else a typical playground might have - and it's all handicap accessible. The children had fun playing for hours, and even got some ice cream on the way back to the HOPe house. Between the playground and the sugar rush, our staff certainly had their hands full containing everyone's excitement and we wouldn't want it any other way!
For more information on our Children's Programs, including an upcoming trip to the pumpkin patch, visit the
Scheduled Programs page on our website.
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Team HOPe is Ready to Ride
Team HOPe is getting ready to represent HOPe in the 2018 Rodman Ride for Kids on September 22nd! There's still time to join us on a 25, 50 or 100 mile ride -- register online or contact Mike Sanderson.
Not a rider but want to show your support? S
top by Race Headquarters on September 22nd and cheer on Team HOPe before and after their rides. We will have a table designated for HOPe and will be handing out special-edition HOPe water bottles to all who come to support the team.
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HOPe joins the Maker Movement with a New Space Coming Soon!
Thanks in part to a donation by the Massachusetts State Council Knights of Columbus, construction is underway to repurpose a space on the second floor into a Maker Space. The new space will inspire creativity and learning-by-doing among our clients as they imagine, make, and create projects. From arts and crafts to tinkering stations, Lego robotics, Minecraft worlds and more, the spirit and resources of this room will give our clients the opportunity to benefit from a hands-on experimental maker environment in a social setting.
Interested in helping to purchase resources for the Maker Space? Contact
Katie Terino.
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Welcome to New Staff
This past month, we welcomed two new staff members to the HOPe community -- Anthony and Katie.
Anthony Ogunleye recently joined our Adult Day Program team. As a Certified Nursing Assistant, Anthony brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to HOPe. Prior to joining HOPe, Anthony worked at the Wingate Residences in Norton for 7 years, and he holds a Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy and a Master's Degree in Professional Communication. In his free time, Anthony enjoys watching Soccer, and while he doesn't make it to the movie theater as often as he'd like these days, he is an avid Science Fiction fan. Anthony's warm and caring nature makes him a wonderful addition to our team. As he put it, "When you work in the midst of such good people, you want to do more."
Katie Terino has joined our administrative team in the role of Interim Director of Advancement. Katie has served on the Board of Directors for over two years, as well as a volunteer and advisor to our administration. We are thrilled that she is available to step in and lead our Development and Marketing efforts during the upcoming year and bridge these initiatives for our Interim Executive Director and future leadership. Katie joins HOPe with over a decade of combined Marketing, Development, and non-profit experience. She looks forward to connecting with many members of our community in the coming months, and can be reached at
[email protected].
Welcome aboard, Katie and Anthony!
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