Rodman Ride for Kids Supports HOPe

When Walpole parent Paula Kavolius sought programming for her developmentally disabled son, she couldn’t find any. So armed with passion and determination, she corralled friends and acquaintances, raised funds, and created House of Possibilities (HOPe), a home-like setting on the grounds of Stonehill College in Easton. Since 2009, HOPe has been providing top quality care and exceptional programming to children and adults with developmental challenges.

One of her early supporters was Canton’s Don Rodman. “When Paula came to me with her idea, I thought she could never make it happen,” he said. “But she is a rare breed; she has determination and a passion to help those less fortunate. Her House of Possibilities now provides services that are not available any place else.”

Don Rodman is still a staunch supporter. On June 23, HOPe’s Annual Gala will be held at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro. Tickets are $150 per person; proceeds will be matched 5% by Rodman Ride for Kids, of which Don Rodman is president.

More than 1,000 children and 3,000 extended family members in 75 communities have been served by HOPe, which offers critically needed support and a space where all can work towards achieving their highest potential. It is the only place of its kind in Massachusetts.

HOPe’s hallmark program is Overnight Respite (ONR), which gives caregivers much needed respite while their children and young adults (ages 8-21) enjoy a Saturday overnight with their friends. ONR is free of charge to families.

HOPe offers integrated programs of activities and therapies on weekdays for adults and a variety of social programs on the weekends for children. HOPe programs bring clients into the larger community for skill building, integration and recreational opportunities.

One of HOPe’s community partners is St. Gerard Majella Parish in Canton. Its youth group members volunteer at HOPe and participate in its social programs and day habilitation programs for adults and teens.

Paula Kavolius, the Founder/President of HOPe, emphasizes that these programs are not self-sustaining and that HOPe needs additional support to enable it to carry out its mission and continue to build its community of hope.

Paula will be co-chairing the June 23 Endless Possibilities Gala. Hosted by Fox 25 Morning News anchor Gene Lavanchy, the Gala will begin at 6:00 pm with a cocktail reception, followed by dinner and silent and live auctions. Keynote speaker will be Dr. Ronan Tynan, world-renowned Irish tenor, physician, recording artist and paralympian.

All proceeds will go towards HOPe’s programming to foster the physical, emotional and social wellbeing of each person who comes through its doors.

For more information on House of Possibilities, go to www.houseofpossibilities.org.

For Gala information, contact Karen Santo at 508-205-0555 or k.santo@houseofpossibilities.org.