Roslindale Families Benefit from HOPe

“HOPe is an amazing program,” stated Roslindale parent Kathy Brucker. “I don’t know what we would do without it.” HOPe is the House of Possibilities, where Brucker’s 16-year-old son Ja’kahrie, 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 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.

Ja’kahrie has participated in Adventure Club, which takes children, teens and young adults (ages 8-21) on a variety of outings, and Camp HOPe, which offers recreational activities during school vacation weeks. He also goes to 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.

“Respite care is an invaluable service for families,” Brucker emphasized. “It allows us to have a break from our usual schedule, to go to a movie or have a quiet dinner, and to be spontaneous while knowing that our son is being cared for by an amazing staff.”

The Brucker family is one of several in the Roslindale area currently benefitting from HOPe’s programs, which now reach people in 75 Massachusetts communities. Since its inception, HOPe has served over 1000 children and supported some 3,000 family members. In addition to weekend programming for children, HOPe offers daily integrated programs of activities and therapies on weekdays for adults. HOPe programs bring clients into the larger community for skill building, integration and recreational opportunities.

HOPe’s Founder and President Paula Kavolius emphasizes that these programs are not self-sustaining and that the organization 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.

As Roslindale parent Kathy Brucker points out: “HOPe is a unique, one of a kind place that meets so many needs for families with children who have special needs. HOPe gives our son his own community where he can thrive on weekends. If not for HOPe, he would have nowhere else to go.”

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.