Walpole Mother Creates 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.

More than 1,000 children and 3,000 extended family members 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.

“There is a huge need for this type of programming,” stated Rebecca Foti of Walpole, whose 16-year-old son participates in ONR as well as other HOPe activities. “It is a great feeling to know that HOPe is there and that your child is with people you can depend upon who will care for him the same as his parents do.”

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.

Paula Kavolius, now HOPe’s CEO, was honored last year by the Friends of St. Patrick in Walpole for her efforts in making a difference in the lives of those dealing with developmental challenges. She 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 Endless Possibilities, HOPe’s Annual Gala, to be held on Thursday, June 23, at 6:00 pm at Gillette Stadium. Hosted by Fox 25 Morning News anchor Gene Lavanchy, the Gala will include a cocktail reception, dinner, and silent and live auctions. Keynote speaker will be Dr. Ronan Tynan, world-renowned Irish tenor, physician, recording artist and paralympian.

Tickets are $150 per person; 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.