Welcome to Homes of Hope!
We are glad you stopped by!
For over 30 years, Homes of Hope (HoH) has been dedicated to empowering adults with intellectual disabilities by integrating them into our vibrant community. Our aim is to provide support, opportunities, and a sense of belonging through meaningful employment, engaging activities, and community involvement. Whether it’s through theater, sports, volunteering, or finding fulfilling jobs, we believe in the potential of every individual to contribute and thrive. Join us in making a difference and celebrating the unique talents of our community members.
Did you know that HoH was started by a group of local moms right here in Bloomington-Normal? You can read more about that under our “About Us” tab.
Supporting adults with intellectual disabilities since 1995
In simple terms, CILA (Community Integrated Living Arrangement) has replaced what was once known as a group home. At Homes of Hope, residents must be at least 18 years old and have a documented intellectual disability that began before adulthood. CILA homes are designed to foster independence, dignity, and a true sense of community for each resident. They live in shared homes with other unrelated adults and receive support from our compassionate, professionally trained staff.
In 2023, Homes of Hope was honored to receive the Under Our Wing (UOW) Grant—a generous gift that allowed us to document and preserve an important piece of our history. Thanks to this grant, we were able to capture the heartfelt story of one of our Founding Mothers, Carolyn Penn. Click play to hear from Carolyn and others who helped shape the Homes of Hope journey.
There’s more to our story–some of it you might not have heard yet. Learn about the origins of Homes of Hope by clicking here or visiting the About Us section and selecting History of Homes of Hope.
Our Mission, Vision and Values
The mission of Homes of Hope is to serve and support adults with intellectual disabilities in a manner inspired by God’s call.
The vision of Homes of Hope is to advocate for those we serve in our homes; providing a lifetime of meaningful opportunities to achieve their dreams in an atmosphere of compassion, dignity, and self-determination.
The values of Homes of Hope include:
Respect-We nurture an environment that acknowledges the unique worth of individuals served through all stages of life, while being sensitive to differing viewpoints. This value extends to interactions with employees, families, friends, local community members and other organizations.
Integrity- We stay true to our mission through openness and honesty in all situations, making ethical choices while adhering to all laws and regulations.
Safety- We use safe practices to ensure the well-being of those we serve while encouraging their independence.
Individualization- We tailor services to meet the unique abilities, strengths, skills, goals, desires, and choices of each person serve. We honor personal preferences and promote meaningful opportunities for community inclusion and connection.
Self-Determination- We promote independence, decision-making, self-advocacy, and community involvement. We encourage and assist individuals in achieving their goals, dreams, and their chosen spiritual direction.
Adaptability- We anticipate and adapt to the evolving needs of our residents across different life experiences and stages of help needed. We ensure support develops in step with the people we serve.
Excellence- We are proud of our professional, empathetic, and supportive staff. We strive to achieve excellence in not only our service to residents but also as a workplace. We attract highly qualified professionals for all levels of the organization.
What We Do
We provide around the clock care and services for up to 25 individuals in McLean County. We have six single-family homes that look like any other home on the block. Each resident has their own bedroom and common spaces to share. Our well-trained staff are on site 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Funding is provided by the Department of Human Services (DHS). Individuals must be 18 or older with a diagnosis of an intellectual disability before that age.
Supported Living Program: Our Supportive Living Program provides residential homes with 24-hour care and support services for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD). Residents in this program live in homes shared with three to five other nonrelated I/DD individuals. HoH provides a meaningful day experience which allows the residents to work on functional skills including:
Hygiene, Med Training, Cooking, Personal Finances, Living Well, Cleaning, Community Activities, Crafts, and more.
Community Integration: At HoH, we are committed to ensuring that all residents live their fullest life. We provide a wide range of opportunities tailored to their interests and passions, including employment, volunteering, sports, theater, and various hobbies. By supporting their personal goals and fostering a sense of belonging, we help each individual thrive and contribute meaningfully to our thriving community.
Provide Meaningful Lives: HoH fosters independence by tailoring resident led Person-Centered Plans (PCP) to the individual’s abilities and interests. We encourage self-advocacy by helping them develop communication skills to express their needs and make informed decisions about their lives. We assist them in building life skills with a focus on personal care, household management, financial literacy and more. We enhance well-being by encouraging self-expression through art, music or writing to help them process emotions and build a positive self-image.
Promote Social Inclusion: We encourage social interaction to help facilitate participation in community activities and programs to build social skills and relationships. We assist with creating supportive networks through friendships and community members who can provide additional support.
Why It Matters
Supporting adults with intellectual disabilities is crucial for several reasons, both for the individuals themselves and for the broader community.
Enhancing Quality of Life: Providing support helps individuals with I/DD lead more fulfilling lives, allowing them to pursue their interests, develop skills, and achieve personal goals.
Promoting Social Inclusion: Community inclusion fosters a sense of belonging and helps break down barriers. Their participation enriches the community by bringing diverse perspectives and experiences.
Economic Benefits: Supporting these individuals in finding and maintaining employment contributes to the local economy. Not to mention the shopping they do locally.
Building Stronger Communities: Inclusive communities are stronger and more resilient, as they are built on mutual support and understanding. Inclusion helps to reduce stigmas associated with disabilities leading to a more compassionate society.
Human Rights: Ensuring that individuals with intellectual disabilities have equal opportunities and access to community resources is a matter of human rights and social justice.
Shennanigans
Some people really know how to have fun! This crew enjoys telling jokes, pranking, playing games, high fives, and hugs. Take a look at Matt playing the “Pie in the Face” game.
#noresidentswereharmedduringthisfilm
We sure do miss Tony, he moved into HoH in 2000. Tony didn’t know a stranger; he was such a delight. We were incredibly blessed to have been able to serve him and his family for nearly 25 years.
Ashley got in on the Pie in the Face action as well. She has lived at HoH since 2003. Bonus shot of Ruth in the background.
This is Matt. He has lived at HoH since 2008. Matt is a sports guy and has too many favorites to mention. He likes to work, but he also likes to have fun.
Direct Support Professionals (DSPs)
Our Staff are dedicated, hard-working individuals who give their all and we are grateful for each one. Caring for others is not an easy job, it is a labor of love and full of intrinsic rewards. We are blessed with kind and empathetic people who know how important their job is. Keep scrolling to read their testimonials.
*If caring for others is your calling, Apply Online today!*
STAFF TESTIMONIALS
A Message from Residents & Families
Watching this video brings back so many cherished memories. The smiles, laughter, and moments we shared with those who are no longer with us remind us of the love and joy they brought into our lives. Though they may be gone, their spirit lives on in our hearts, and this video is a beautiful testament to their enduring legacy.
We asked our Residents why they love to live at HoH. We also asked a few family members to share what it means to them having their loved ones at Homes of Hope. Find out what they had to say…