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 dad's home.
Recognizing the need for additional revenue beyond state funding, the HoH team created the Christmas Tour of Homes. Running for 13 years until 2008, the tour raised nearly $100,000--providing crucial financial support for Homes of Hope's mission.