Dear Friends,
The holidays are a time of joy and celebration. They are also a time to reflect on the past year and to look forward to the coming year. 2018 has been a year of significant change for the House of Possibilities. With the retirement of our founder Paula Kavolius in August, HOPe began a new phase in the life of the organization. Much of our focus has been on securing the gains that HOPe achieved over the past decade and laying the groundwork for long-term sustainability and expanded services to children and adults with developmental disabilities. The work we have been doing behind the scenes has been designed to diversify our funding sources; improve our communications; modernize our technology; improve our program evaluation systems; and develop a strategic plan and roadmap to guide our future. I am pleased to report that we are making great strides on all these fronts. One of the more visible components of this work has been our increased communication with our families through parent meetings, our monthly
Happenings at the House newsletter, regular outreach regarding our Children’s Programs, and increased contact between our program staff and families.
As we look forward to 2019, we will continue to strengthen HOPe’s programs and operations with an eye toward sustainability, program growth, and increased impact. In doing this work, we depend on the combined talents and teamwork of our staff, volunteers, and program partners, all working together to enable our clients to enjoy their day, develop new skills and self-esteem, and achieve their full potential.
Of course, we also depend on charitable support. I hope you received our Annual Appeal in the past few days and that you took the opportunity to read it. (
You can also view it on our website.) The appeal aims to give you a window into life at HOPe – the quality of our programs and the extraordinary work our direct care staff are doing every day to enrich lives. For HOPe staff, working here is not just a job. It’s about love and service.
With only 45% of our costs covered by government funding, we must raise the balance of our funds from individual donors, foundation and corporate grants, and sponsorships. That is where you come in! You provide the fuel and the sustenance for all of this work to happen.
Every dollar you give to HOPe represents a direct investment in an individual who is living with a disability. Your dollar achieves an enormous return on investment by producing small and large miracles every day with the children and adults we serve.
Please give as generously as you can. Thank you for your friendship and support.
Happy Holidays,
Kim Comart
Interim Executive Director
