In the early 80s, a group of Bloomington-Normal Mothers, who had children with intellectual disabilities, began conversations about the dream of providing a place for their children to call home. Driven by strong emotions of love, concern and fear, the discussion of who would provide appropriate care when they were no longer able became a common topic. Collectively, they wanted a place where family values would remain intact and opportunities for employment, community inclusion, and possibility would thrive.
Pantagraph article dated: March 17th, 1996. Founding Mother, Mary Wright, President of Homes of Hope, Inc. at the time, proudly stands in front of HoHs first home. It was designed to uphold core family values such as "quality Christian living in a family-home setting." This flagship home gave four individuals the opportunity to experience life outside of mom and dads home.
They quickly realized a need for additional sources of revenue outside of what the state was funding. They came up with a Christmas Tour. The tour ran for 13 years (ending in 2008) and generated nearly $100,000.
With the opening of this home, Homes of Hope is now providing services to 12 individuals who have intellectual disabilities.
The Home Tour fundraiser was replaced with our Draw Down. This event is a reverse raffle and held in the fall. If you would like more information regarding the event, head over to the Events & More tab and select Draw Down.
The continued growth is humbling for Homes of Hope board and staff. Opening this house allowed us to provide support services to 16 residents.
Seven years after the opening of our fourth home we were able to do it again. We welcomed four ladies into this residence. Homes of Hope was providing support services to 20 individuals.
Our Townley home was a tri-level home with stairs. Four guys lived in this home. As they got older, it became more difficult to navigate stairs. We sold that home and purchased a new home for them. Move in day was July 1st.