Agency helps individuals with developmental disabilities
HOPE Services hosted an open house Wednesday to share the types
of programs they offer throughout the Bay Area, specifically in San
Benito County.
The program started originally in 1952 when a group of parents
of children with developmental disabilities who believed their
children deserved the same opportunities enjoyed by their siblings
and friends opened one of the first preschools for children with
special needs.
Agency helps individuals with developmental disabilities
HOPE Services hosted an open house Wednesday to share the types of programs they offer throughout the Bay Area, specifically in San Benito County.
The program started originally in 1952 when a group of parents of children with developmental disabilities who believed their children deserved the same opportunities enjoyed by their siblings and friends opened one of the first preschools for children with special needs.
HOPE Services has expanded to include many more services. They work with more than 2,800 individuals with developmental disabilities including autism spectrum disorders, mental retardation, Down’s syndrome and other related conditions in six Bay Area counties.
HOPE lists their goals as trifold. One is to reduce unemployment for individuals with developmental disabilities by providing employment opportunities and job skills training. Another is to reduce isolation of individuals with developmental disabilities by promoting inclusion in the community through classes, volunteer work and other activities. The last is to reduce the severity of developmental delays in children by providing early childhood interventions that greatly enhance the child’s capacity.
More than 75 clients of HOPE are involved in the work activity program, where they contract with such businesses as MA-Com Inc., Sakata Seeds America, Marich, Logo Design and Arrowcopter. Others work with the community employment program at Charles River Laboratories, Safeway, Mc Electronics and Save Mart.
HOPE also provides support and independent living services, including finding a home, teaching daily life skills, and strengthening the individual’s ability to live successfully in an independent environment. Nearly 25 clients are using the resources.
Staff also provide the Homestart Program, which serves 23 children in Hollister, from birth to 3 years of age with early intervention programs.
Some of the other programs include children’s services, school to work transition, community employment, client-owned businesses, community life activities, supported housing, mental health support and more.
One of the goals of HOPE Services is to provide “community membership” to their clients through typical life experiences. Locally, HOPE staff paired up with the Hollister Downtown Association to offer their clients help in keeping the downtown flower baskets watered. Once a week, HOPE clients, along with the help of a staff member can be seen on San Benito Street watering the plants.
HOPE Services Hollister is located at 650 San Benito St., Ste. 120, in Hollister. For more information on services and programs, call 638-6851.
