News Archive
The Hope Institute for Children and Families
In an initiative to better describe the full range of activities underway on and off the Hope Springfield campus, the "Hope Institute for Children and Families", has been adopted as the organizations official global title. "The Hope School", will continue to describe programs and activities at the Hope School thereapeutic learning center. The addition is one of many components in the overall branding process.
House Bill 4987 Passed Means Hope for Illinois Families
The Hope School would like to thank Parents, Governor Blagojevich, Dr. Anthony Cuvo (Southern Illinois University Carbondale), Tony Paulauski (I-ARC), Dr. Bennett Leventhal (University of Illinois Chicago), Representative Brauer, Senator Bomke, and other legislators in supporting our collective work in drafting and passing House Bill 4987 which ensures Illinois School Districts receive funding and are able to hire Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs)
In short, this Bill places Illinois at the forefront of securing BCBAs to work in Illinois Public Schools to meet the needs of children with Autism and various developmental disabilities.
This is a significant development for many reasons, a few of which are noted below.
- Improving the system of care for children with DD and Autism Spectrum Disorders requires improving educational services. This bill begins to address this issue.
- 322,000 children in Illinois Schools may now have access to very specialized highly trained service providers.
- This bill creates a platform whereby providers trained at Illinois colleges and universities may be employed in Illinois Schools
- This bill may set a precedent, whereby other neighboring states may introduce similar legislation.
- This bill identifies that The Hope School, The Autism Program, and ARC of Illinois are attempting to meet the needs of children in less restrictive environments and preventing long-term out of home placement.
This bill is part of the solution and will significantly improve the system of care by ensuring Illinois School Districts receive funding and are able to hire Board Certified Behavior Analysts.
Thank you again.
Joseph E. Nyre, Ph.D.
President/CEO
The Hope School
The Hope School Foundation
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics
Southern Illinois University Medical School
Lecturer in Psychiatry, University of Chicago
Behavior Analyst Legislation Opens Doors for Illinois Children
Children with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities will have easier access to board certified behavior analysts to assist at school because of a new Illinois law.
The legislation that took effect on July 1 amended the Children with Disabilities Article of the School Code to include a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in the definition of “professional worker.” The bill was by Rep. Rich Brauer, R-Petersburg, and Sen. Larry Bomke, R-Springfield.
“This legislation shows how a slight change in wording can make a big impact,” Brauer said.
Anthony J. Cuvo, Ph.D., who is a partner in The Autism Program and Professor of Behavior Analysis and Therapy and Director of the Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, said, “Because of the definition, schools could not use state funding to pay for a behavior analyst to assist children. The legislation is significant for children with autism spectrum disorders.”
Southern Illinois University at Carbondale is one of only 12 universities in the United States that has a graduate program accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis, an international organization.
“Students who graduated from the Southern Illinois University program have been leaving to work in other states because they couldn’t get jobs in Illinois,” Cuvo said. “Illinois schools could not pay behavior analysts with state funds. Now Illinois schools will have that option.”
Behavior analysts work with students, parents and teachers to develop and implement appropriate assessment and intervention methods for children who have unique behavior patterns.
Brauer, Bomke and several community agencies including The Autism Program, The Hope School, The Arc of Illinois, The Illinois State Board of Education and Southern Illinois University worked together to put together the legislation.
Tony Paulauski, executive director of The Arc of Illinois, said the behavior analyst legislation is significant for children with autism, but also for thousands of other children who have behavior disorders like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Conduct Disorder (CD) and other impairments that affect behavior. “Board certified behavior analysts help turn lives around in school and at home,” Paulauski said. “This will help any child who is labeled with a behavior problem.”
Joseph E. Nyre, Ph.D, president and CEO of The Hope School, and a partner in The Autism Program, said “Students at The Hope School benefit from working with board certified behavior analysts. The Hope School is grateful for the opportunity to support legislation that will create greater access to specialized providers.”
Georgia Winson, M.S., LCPC, director of operations for The Autism Program, said the legislation is consistent with recommendations from the Illinois Autism Taskforce that the state of Illinois must be committed to recruiting and maintaining a workforce of clinicians with the right skills to assist individuals and families with autism spectrum disorders across the lifespan.
“This legislation will open new avenues of hope for more than 320,000 students who are in special education in the state of Illinois,” Winson said. “More of these kids will get the help they need to be successful in life and in school.”
The Autism Program is a statewide network of resources for individuals with autism spectrum disorders with centers in Chicago, Springfield and Carbondale and affiliates in Bloomington-Normal and Urbana-Champaign. The three centers and two affiliates offer model programs for diagnostics, treatment and support for children with autism spectrum disorders.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest that 22,000 children in Illinois have an autism spectrum disorder.
The Hope School Featured on Fox Scene
The Hope School is Featured on "Fox Scene" |
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County Fair Means Fun for Hope School Students
In what is sure to become a new tradition at The Hope School, a county fair was held on campus recently to celebrate summer. The county fair included hay rack and carriage rides, a disk jockey, and honoring of the first ever Hope School County Fair Princess. Standard carnival food (cotton candy, snow cones, funnel cakes and corn dogs) was served as students enjoyed carnival type games and prizes.
Last Day of School Celebration
The last day of school is an exciting time for any student. At The Hope School it is an extra-special time. This year's events included a talent show put on by students and staff, a picnic lunch and balloon launch in recognition of The Hope School Mission.
The Hope School Kicks off Summer Camp
The Hope School recently kicked off its annual summer camp. In the spirit of providing safety, joy, and growth for the children who learn and live at The Hope School, camp is an important part of their experience. Activities include swimming, volleyball, and crafts. In addition each activity is aligned with the student's educational goals making summer learning fun and memorable.
The first week of camp featured texture murals, ice cream in a bag and stringing necklaces. Week two was Sports Week where children took a field trip to the bowling alley to bowl a few frames. One classroom found ping pong to be especially entertaining. One student put his observation skills to good use and soaked every one with the super soaker during water games. In addition students enjoyed baseball, soccer, and swimming throughout the week.
Camp continues with Red, White and Blue Week in preparation for the big Independence Day Parade, July 3rd. Circus Week will follow the Holiday. Then bubbles will be abundant as the youth enjoy bubble week, featuring tasty bubble in the form of ice-cream floats. The youth will then experience weather week where they will play with snow (shaving cream) and capture the wind with pinwheels. Next is water week, featuring blanket volleyball and paper plate watermelons. Summer Fun week will conclude the summer camp with the CRP and Lee School youth creating and selling Lemonade from their own stand. The summer will end with a beach party on Friday, August 4th.
Hope Welcome's New Medical Team
The Hope School is pleased to announce its continued collaboration with Southern Illinois University School of Medicine for the provision of healthcare services. This collaborative effort to provide high quality healthcare to youth within The Hope School residential programs has been under the guidance of Dr. Jerie Beth Karkos for the last nine years.
Dr. Jerie Beth Karkos, a board certified Neurodevelopmental Pediatrician, has served as The Hope School Medical Director and has changed the lives of youth at Hope through her dedicated care and passion for improving health outcomes for children with developmental disabilities. It is with regret and understanding that The Hope School announces that Dr. Karkos is leaving her position with us to pursue expanded opportunities with the School of Medicine. Dr. Karkos will be available for consultation for those youth with physical rehabilitation needs.
Hope and SIU School of Medicine are committed to continuing this drive for excellence in healthcare for your child/ward. We are pleased to present the medical team who will be starting July 1st.
Theodore Sunder, M.D.
Professor of Pediatrics, Neurology, and Psychiatry
Dr. Theodore Sunder will be assuming the leadership for the Health Services staff as the new Medical Director for The Hope School. Dr. Sunder will be on campus at The Hope School three half days per week. In addition to his role as Medical Director, Dr. Sunder will provide neurobehavioral medical services, including 24 on call services. Dr. Sunder has been serving our youth as a Neurologist for the past several years. He received his Medical Degree from Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University. He completed a Pediatric Residency at Children’s Hospital National Medical Center. He then completed a Neurology and Child Neurology Residency at Duke University Medical Center.
Dr. Sunder is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, and is a Diplomate of the National Board of Medical Examiners. Dr. Sunder has extensive experience with individuals with developmental disabilities and epilepsy.
We are pleased to welcome two physicians from the Department of Family and Community Medicine. These physicians will be providing primary medical care on campus two half days per week. In addition, the Department of Family Medicine will provide inpatient hospital coverage, and 24 hour on call services. It is with pleasure we introduce:
Robert M. Ewart, M.D.
Associate Professor of Family and Community Medicine
Dr. Ewart completed his undergraduate studies in Mathematics at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, and he studied Anthropology at the University of Toronto. Dr. Ewart studied medicine at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, graduating in 1974. He completed his residency in Family Medicine at the Ottawa Civic Hospital. Dr. Ewart practiced medicine in Canada for several years before moving to the United States in the early 1980's. He previously practiced at an HMO in Nebraska. In 1992, he returned to school at McMaster University to complete his Master's degree in Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics. Dr. Ewart joined the faculty at SIU School of Medicine in March, 1996.
Anna Mies Richie, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Family and Community Medicine
Dr. Richie received a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition with a minor in Biochemistry from the University of Illinois in Champaign/Urbana. Her medical degree was obtained from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in May, 1998. She completed her residency at the SIU Springfield Family Medicine Residency Program in June, 2001 and joined the program as a faculty member in July of the same year. She is board-certified in Family Medicine.
The Health Services team, with the addition of these outstanding physicians, are committed to the mission of supporting youth and families to reach optimum growth, independence and joy. Please contact me with any questions or concerns.
City of Springfield Gives Hope School New Address
The Hope School was recently given a new address by the city of Springfield. The new address - 15 East Hazel Dell Lane Springfield, Illinois became official Wednesday, May 4th, 2006. The new address makes finding The Hope School main entrance much easier. For complete driving directions and local map visit the Contact Us section of this web site.
The Hope School Prom Takes Youth Somewhere Over the Rainbow
The annual tradition of junior, senior prom is not lost on the students at The Hope School. The Hope School prom is an annual event that has been going on for the last seven years and signifies the close of another school year, senior graduation and the arrival of summer on campus. On Friday May 12, 2006 The Hope School hosted the annual event for the Junior and Senior classes.
Students and staff and community volunteers worked for weeks planning for the event, selecting just the right dress or suit, and making decorations. The special included a limo ride, prom photos, lunch, plenty of dancing, and the crowning of a prom king and queen.
In addition to a very hard working staff the annual event could not have been as successful without the help from our valuable volunteers. This year youth from West Side Christian Church assisted with event decoration, providing event t-shirts, and other small party favors. Student’s hair was done by the Gallery Hair and Body Spa Co. and photography and limo rides were donated by local companies. The Cubs, a local band, provided the afternoon's music.
“Each year this event is the result of a lot of hard work and dedication from staff and volunteers,” says event organizer Penny Brown. “But it all becomes worth while when you see the children’s faces light up the day of the event.”
2006 Night of Hope Raises Awareness and Funds for Hope School
On Saturday, May 6, 2006, The Hope School Board of Directors, Foundation Board of Trustees and the Parents Association got together for the 2nd Annual Night of Hope Gala. More than 250 people gathered at the Marriott Downtown on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile for an evening of elegant dining, dancing to the sounds of the City Lights Orchestra. Highlights of the evening included a live and silent auction where bidders competed for their share of terrific gifts that ranged from jewelry to a trip to spain. This event raises significant awareness and dollars to support the many programs and services we offer to the children of The Hope School.
A.B.A.T.E Motorcycle Group Roars onto Campus for 17th Year
For the 17 year in a row the American Brotherhood Aimed Toward Education motorcycle club roared on to The Hope School campus for their annual Easter basket Run. More than 100 motorcycles of every shape and size arrived with police escort bearing loads of easter goodies.
“We combine out love for motorcycles with our desire to support children throughout our community,” said Muffn Sunley, the Lincoln Land A.B.A.T.E. Chapter Public Relations Coordinator. “This event is heart touching and it is something we all look forward to each year. Seeing the excitement on the children’s faces makes one realize what a positive difference we can make.”
Style of Hope Showcases Student Success While Raising Funds for The Hope School
View Video Clip of Event
The Hope School Leadership Council held it’s first Style of Hope Fashion Show event to benefit the children of The Hope School Thursday, March 9th 2006. In addition to raising funds for the children of The Hope School, this year’s event featured four Hope School students who modeled some of the fashions.
“We are pleased these youth are able and willing to participate in the event. Their participation is a testament to their successes,” said Joseph E. Nyre Ph.D., President and CEO of The Hope School. “For some youth, appearing at this type of public event would have been nearly impossible. Now, thanks to their achievements, family support, and the services of The Hope School, these young women are now able to participate and enjoy many community events and activities.”
Festivities included Coco Bon Gourmet chocolates, a champagne toast, hors d’oeuvres, silent auction, music by Jane Hartman, and an exciting fashion show, produced by Chicago’s own, Zzazz Productions. The event also featured many local fashion boutiques, including: Bella, K*Rae’s, L’Chic, Talbots, The Top Drawer, The Wardrobe and Jim Herron, LTD.
Night of Hope – May 6, 2006
On Saturday, May 6, 2006, The Hope School Board of Directors, Foundation Board of Trustees and the Parents Association will host the 2nd Annual Night of Hope Gala at the Marriott Downtown, located on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. Elegant dining, dancing to the sounds of the City Lights Orchestra and exciting live and silent auctions add flavor to this memorable evening. This event raises significant awareness and dollars to support the many programs and services we offer to the children of The Hope School.
Staff and Students at The Hope School Weather Sunday Night’s Storm Together
Sunday March 12th was harrowing for many residents in Springfield, Illinois but to the staff and residents of The Hope School the storm and loss of power made for an exciting night as they weathered the storm together.
The Hope School, a 24-hour residential facility did not have the option to close its doors during and in the wake of the Sunday evenings events. Understanding the special needs of the children who live and learn at The Hope School, many dedicated staff made their way in, sometimes leaving their own damaged homes to make sure the children at Hope were cared for as usual during and after the storm.
In the Community Reintegration Program, a specialized residential unit on The Hope School campus, staff members worked not only their regular shift, but stayed through the night to ensure the children had adequate care. Many of the students at The Hope School are very routine bound and unexpected events that take them out of their regular activities can be very stressful. Staff stepped up to the challenge first moving the group to the hallway of the unit, the center-most part of the facility. Then staff members spent time talking with the youth about what was going on outside, playing games and at times singing songs as the children relaxed as much as possible on the pillows and blankets that staff moved into that area for their comfort.
When asked after the storm how he was doing, one student remarked, “I’m tired and sure I hope we don’t have any more storms like that again.”
Fall Festival Brings Joy to Children and Staff
The change of seasons means different things to different people. But to the children and staff of The Hope School it means Fall Festival time. This year’s event was “Carnival” and it lived up to every aspect of its name. Events included face painting, hay-rack rides, clowns, entertainment and carnival games.
The day began with the Scholastic Book Fair and Education Open House followed by lunch on the circle drive. Participants were then called to the Learning Center for a day of carnival fun. The afternoon was capped off with a performance by the South Fork Band. (October 2005)
In September 2005, The Hope School Token Store was completed and officially opened.
The token store is located on campus and houses various fun items that are used as reinforcers, such as board games, matchbox cars, coloring books/picture books, CD players, posters, jewelry, dolls, as well as snacks like Gatorade drinks, potato chips, cracker snacks, etc. To access the store, each student must complete basic daily tasks that are part of their curriculum. With each task they complete, they are given credits which they can use toward items in the store. Then every couple of days the doors of the store open and the students are allowed to purchase items.
At the token store, the youth can purchase items based upon the number of credits on his/her credit card and the cost of the reinforcers. Once an item is selected, the appropriate number of credits are “punched” out of the credit card via single-hole paper punch. The time spent trading in credits for reinforcers is a fun activity that supports positive social interactions as well as the teaching of fundamental math and counting skills. (September 2005)
Local Golf Outing Helps Hope Purchase New Van
In August a group of very special individuals got together for the third year in a row to raise money for a worthy cause and to celebrate the life of their dear friend, Barb Ford. This year, that cause was the children of The Hope School. Hope was selected by the group because of its reputation impacting the lives of children. The third annual “Positively Male Shutout”, or PMS outing, raised $17,500 for the children of Hope.
The outing was conceived three years ago by several women who golfed regularly at the Long Bridge Golf Course in Springfield, Illinois. The group, who wanted to do something special for Mrs. Ford, uses this event to raise funds for a different charity each year. This year, The Hope School was the benefactor. Over 144 women participated in the outing which turned out to be the most successful year to date. (July 2005)
Hope School Dedicates Learning Center Playground
On October 1st, The Hope School dedicated the playground behind the Learning Center in memory of Ramona Pruitt. Ramona, who worked in the Human Resources Department, passed away earlier this year giving birth to her son.
“Ramona represented everything we at Hope strive to do for the children who learn and live on this campus,” said President and CEO, Joseph Nyre, Ph.D., at the dedication. “She enjoyed watching the children play and it was her wish that Hope could create more opportunities for them to do so. This playground represents that wish.”
The playground, which had been removed for construction of the new Learning Center, was reinstalled earlier this year. Ramona’s family was on hand for the dedication. (October 2005)
Hope School Unveils New Mission
The Hope School . . . supports youth and families to reach optimum growth, independence and joy.
The Hope School's mission statement was changed recently to better reflect the current goals of the facility. An organization’s mission is its overall guiding principal. The mission statement should be considered by each employee of the Hope school every day. It is what Hope is about and all that Hope aspires to be.
Pretty important statement?
You bet.
That is why the team of people who created the statement were selected from each segment of employees at Hope. From direct care to senior staff and everywhere in between. The new statement was developed and presented to the Board of Directors by hard working Hope employees.
The statement, which was extracted from over 150 terms and phrases that the group felt represented The Hope School, will begin appearing on signage, stationery and other highly visible places. (October 2005)
The Hope School recently helped to bring Russell Barkley to Springfield for a day long conference about ADHD.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is among the most common childhood and adolescent behavioral disorders, affecting 5% to 7% of the school-age population and 3% to 5% of teens. ADHD constitutes the largest proportion of children and teens referred to mental health programs in this country. Clinicians are becoming increasingly aware that ADHD in childhood does not disappear over development. In fact, 70% to 80% of cases will persist into adolescence while 66% or more will continue to manifest the disorder into adulthood. The longer ADHD persists over development, the more likely it is to overlap with other disorders, such as oppositional and conduct disorder. The single best predictor that ADHD will persist into adolescence, appears to be the co-existence of other disorders. ADHD has been shown to affect most major life activities including family, peer, community, educational and later occupational, sexual and adult social functioning. It is therefore imperative that mental health, medical and educational professionals have as much up-to-date knowledge of ADHD and its treatment as possible. The presentation provided detailed, current information on the nature of ADHD in children and adults. Barkley’s view has a number of important implications for the management of children and adults with ADHD. Highlights included a discussion of exciting implications and the most effective treatment strategies for use with children and teens having ADHD. Issues in diagnosis and management of ADHD in adults was also discussed.
Dr. Barkley has presented at more than 600 workshops, public addresses and scientific presentations internationally. He also has appeared on the nationally televised 60 Minutes (CBS), Today Show (NBC), Good Morning America (ABC), Sunday Morning (CBS), CNN Sunday Morning and many other programs on behalf of those with ADHD.
The Hope School's Response to South Carolina Secretary of State Office
We were both surprised and saddened by the recent posting of incomplete information by the South Carolina Secretary of State under South Carolina’s Solicitation of Charitable Funds Act. Since learning of the misleading and potentially damaging report, we have contacted the South Carolina Secretary of State’s Office requesting the report be amended to include the information below.
The Hope School Foundation, and its Board of Trustees, solely supports The Hope School, a separate not-for-profit company highlighted on this website.
Gifts from donors cultivated by The Hope School Foundation are often sent by donors directly to The Hope School and are therefore designated as “public support” in The Hope School’s annual financial statement.
Consequently, those contributions raised by The Hope School Foundation, which are sent directly to The Hope School, are not included in The Hope School Foundation’s annual financial statement resulting in the misleading information published by the South Carolina Secretary of State’s Office.
A more accurate reflection of the public support raised by the Foundation may be found below.
The Hope School and The Hope School Foundation remain dedicated to the children and families of Hope and are very appreciative of our kind-hearted consummate donors who make Hope possible.
Sincerely,
The Hope School Foundation Board of Trustees
FY2003 & 2004 Accurate Accounting of Charitable Contributions
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Foundation Revenues |
FY03 |
FY04 |
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Direct Mail Revenues Legacies Foundations Special Purpose Special Gifts Celebrity Chef Fundraiser Playskills Grant |
$1,011,652.08 108,951.29 13,397.98 13,712.77 220.00 41,833.98 500.00 |
$856,413.68 52,336.92 18,699.89 100.00 6,600.00 46,371.07 1,105.00 |
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Total Foundation Revenues |
$1,190,268.10 |
$981,626.56 |
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School Public Support: |
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Contributions Legacies and bequests |
$4,841.00 302,176.00 |
$20,599.00 220,372.00 |
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Cash Transferred to The |
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| Hope School from THSF | 360,000.00 |
437,049.00 |
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| Additional Program Support: |
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| Newsletter Expenses | 46,000.00 |
46,000.00 |
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| Total Foundation Support of The Hope School | $713,017.00 |
$724,020.00 |
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In FY2004 $1.3 million of Foundation assets were liquidated to pay a $1.3 million School loan.
The Foundation pledged its investment accounts as collateral for Hope School borrowings.
The pledged investment accounts balances are $3,439,761 for FY2003 and $2,378,849 for FY2004.
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The Hope Institute supports youth and families to reach optimum growth, independence, and joy. |
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