Dedham Families Benefit from HOPe

“HOPe has given my son confidence and skills,” stated Dedham parent Nancy Greeley. “It is a joy to see him happy and enjoying a social life.” HOPe is the House of Possibilities in Easton, where Greeley’s 15-year-old son Aidan, who has developmental disabilities, participates in weekend programming.

Since 2009, HOPe has been providing top quality care and exceptional programming to children and adults with developmental challenges. The home-like setting on the grounds of the Stonehill College Campus in Easton 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.

Aidan first participated in Adventure Club, which takes children, teens and young adults (ages 8-21) on a variety of outings and exploration. Then he tried Overnight Respite (ONR), HOPe’s hallmark program. Offered free of charge to families, ONR gives caregivers much needed respite while their children enjoy a Saturday overnight with their friends.

“The first time Aidan went to Overnight Respite, there was a blizzard and he was initially hesitant,” his mother said. “But he absolutely loved it and couldn’t wait to go again. He has made friends, he likes all the activities and he is open to trying things.”

Now Aidan has the confidence and skills to participate on the track team at Dedham High School and to volunteer at NewBridge on the Charles, assisting elderly people who have mobility issues. “Aidan is very engaged in the outside world,” said Nancy Greeley. “Seeing him happy makes me happy. We are very lucky to have HOPe.”

The Greeley family is one of many in Massachusetts that has been positively affected by HOPe. Since its inception, HOPe has served over 1000 children and supported some 3,000 family members. In addition to respite care, HOPe offers daily integrated programs of activities and therapies on weekdays for adults and a variety of social programs on the weekends for children. HOPe programs also bring clients into the larger community for skill building, integration and recreational opportunities.

Founder and President Paula Kavolius emphasizes that these programs are not self-sustaining and that HOPe needs support to enable it to carry out its mission and continue to build its community of hope. She will be co-chairing Endless Possibilities, HOPe’s Annual Gala, to be held on Thursday, June 23, at 6:00 pm at Gillette Stadium. Tickets are $150 per person; 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.