Vision for Hope

Overwhelmed at the fair? The Sensory Station is here to help! 🌟

If you are planning a trip to the State Fair for the final weekend and have individuals with sensory-processing challenges in your group, the Seneory Station may be just what you need!

Located just off Main Street and Brian Raney Avenue, this dedicated quiet zone is open 10 AM - 7 PM daily in the Emmerson Building. With calming pods, fidget tools, and friendly volunteers, you can take a moment to relax and enjoy your fair experience.

ATTENTION EDUCATORS! As the new school year begins, do you have the tools you need to be your most effective for all of your students?

Since 1957, Hope has been the premier nonprofit provider of services for individuals with disabilities. We are now bringing that expertise to you! Wexpert-led trainings to our fellow community members, free of charge, through the Hope Speaker's Bureau.

We have interactive workshops on
Introduction to Autism And Developmental Disabilities
Creating Inclusive Classrooms
The Power of Play
The Power of Reinforcement
Classroom Toolkits
And more!

Find out more and book your FREE workshop at https://hope.us/speakersbureau/

Funding provided in part by Horace Mann Educators

From a small classroom to an organization offering services across 6 states, we’re proud to serve thousands of individuals every year. Help us continue to grow by nominating us for Best Nonprofit in Springfield!

Nominate here: https://www.illinoistimes.com/springfield/bestofspringfield/Page #//

Find Nonprofit under the Civic and Community Heading.

Need a quiet spot at the fair? Visit the Sensory Station in the Emmerson Building! 🧘‍♂️

From 10 AM to 7 PM daily, enjoy a calming environment with noise-canceling headphones, weighted blankets, and more. Hope has Sensory Kits available to check out and use at the fair. Perfect for anyone with sensory-processing challenges who needs a break from the excitement. 🎧❤️

Hey Springfield! We need your help!

If you believe in the impact Hope has had on our community, please take a moment to nominate us for Best Nonprofit in the Illinois Times "Best of Springfield" awards! Every nomination counts, and we’d love your s

(You will find NonProfit under the Civic and Community Heading)

👉 Nominate here: https://www.illinoistimes.com/springfield/bestofspringfield/Page #//

We wanted to take a few moments, even though we’re a couple of days late, and share some photos from the twilight parade on Thursday evening. Our kids had so much fun and we even won an award! Thank you to all volunteers and staff who made our amazing float possible!

are going on NOW at the Illinois State Fair!

If you have a family member with sensory processing challenges, from now until Noon, the Fair has made adjustments to select programming to create a softer, more calming environment for children and adults with these sensitivities.

Additionally, the Sensory Station is available daily from 10A to 7 PM at the Emmerson Building and is equipped with sensory processing tools such as weighted blankets, noise-canceling headphones, and quiet activities designed to help adults and children refocus.

Hope is proud to partner with the IL State Fair to help create an inclusive environment for everyone.

are tomorrow at the State Fair!

Sunflower Hours will be held on Kids Day, Saturday, August 10, 2024, from 9 am to 12 Noon. During this sensory-friendly time, the Fair will make adjustments to select programming to create a softer, more calming environment for children and adults who experience sensory processing sensitivities.

Additionally, there will be a variety of Free entertainment available on various stages throughout the fairgrounds. All of the entertainment held during these hours is family-friendly but without the use of large sound systems and loud music.

Find out more at https://hope.us/foundation/sunflower/

Happy 19th Anniversary, Amanda Young Brott!

Join us in congratulating our Chief Operating Officer, Amanda Brott on an amazing 19 years at Hope!! Thank you for your dedication and leadership!

The doors for Style of Hope open at 6 PM with our Cocktail Reception and food courtesy of Cured Catering.

The Fashion show will start at 7:30.

Get your tickets now at https://bit.ly/3LLg4TA

🌟 The Sensory Station at the Illinois State Fair is back! 🌟

Located in the Emmerson Building, this quiet, air-conditioned zone offers a safe space for individuals and families who need a break from the hustle and bustle. Open daily from 10 AM to 7 PM, it's equipped with tools like weighted blankets and noise-canceling headphones to help you regroup and enjoy the fair.

The first Saturday of the Illinois State Fair is Kids Day and also Sunflower Hours!

Hope is excited to partner once again with the State Fair to help create a more inclusive environment so everyone can have a good time at the fair!

From 9 AM to Noon, the Fair will adjust select programming to create a softer, more calming environment for children and adults with sensory processing sensitivities.

Additionally, the Sensory Station inside the Emmerson Building will be available daily during the Fair from 10 AM to 7PM. Parents and caregivers can find processing tools such as weighted blankets, noise-canceling headphones, and quiet activities designed to help adults and children refocus.

Find out more at: https://hope.us/foundation/sunflower/

Take a load off and enjoy RESERVED SEATING at Style of Hope with our new FASHIONISTA TICKET!

Tickets are limited, so get yours today at https://bit.ly/3LLg4TA

Hope is proud to partner once again with the Illinois State Fair to present .

On Kids Day, Saturday, August 10, 2024, from 9 am to 12 Noon. During this sensory-friendly time, the Fair will make adjustments to select programming to create a softer, more calming environment for children and adults who experience sensory processing sensitivities.

Find out more at: hope.us/foundation/sunflower

Time flies when you are working with good people!!!! Thank you Meghan, for your hard work and dedication!!

Since 2013, Meghan Cramer has been a Qualified Service Professional with Hope. Join us in thanking her for a decade of dedication to our clients, which has made a profound impact on the quality of their lives!

🚨 Be prepared for anything! 🚨

Our incredible training department works tirelessly to ensure all our staff are ready for any emergency situations that may arise with our clients. 💪

Class is now in session for CPR!

🍻 Oh, what a night! 🍻
Thanks to everyone who came out to Papa Franks for Hope's Celebrity Bartender Event. Because of you, we were able to raise over $6,000 for Hope!
Kim Staff, who raised the most funds and was crowned Most Valuable Bartender, will return next year to defend her title. 🥊🥊Bravo to all of our Celebrity Bartenders who volunteered their valuable time for a great cause; from the bottom of our hearts, we thank you. 💚💙

We just got news that Meggie Davlin will be unable to join us this evening for our Celebrity Bartender Event at Papa Frank's. She’ll be missed, but you can still help her earn the title of the Most Valuable Bartender 👑 🍺 by donating to Meggie’s virtual tip cup by clicking here 👉 https://hope.us/celebrity-bartender

Meet Our Bartenders: Karen Zerkle with Renken Dentistry

Karen will step behind the bar at Papa Franks tomorrow night. Come out and help her raise enough tips to become Hope's Most Valuable Bartender. All the tip money will be used to further Hope's mission of cultivating change in the most inclusive environments to encourage each person with intellectual or developmental disabilities to fulfill their individual potential, and Karen will get bragging rights—so it's a win-win!!

Meet Our Bartenders: Breanne Kasprzyk

We are Lovin' It!! Breanne and her family own and operate 11 McDonald's in and around Springfield. However, on July 24th, Breanne will be serving up a little something different as she steps behind the bar at Papa Franks to help support Hope's mission of cultivating change in the most inclusive environments to encourage each person with intellectual or developmental disabilities to fulfill their individual potential through evidence-based treatment, advocacy, and community education.

You can help support our mission, too, when you tip Breanne or any of our celebrity bartenders.

Our very own will be taking her turn behind the bar. Come find out if her espresso martini is as mean as she says! 😉

All tips raised at this event will support Hope's work in helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities reach their fullest potential.

Meet Our Bartenders: Mark Cortesi - State Farm Insurance Agent

Like a good neighbor, Mark is always helping out in the community! Make sure you swing by Papa Franks and support Mark with your tips while he serves up some tasty refreshments!

All of the tips collected will help support the over 6200 individuals we serve across multiple programs in 6 states.

Meet Our Bartenders: Meggie Davlin

You probably know Meggie as the Director of Communications and Events for the Illinois Fuel and Retail Association BUT she is also known for her IMPECCABLE taste in cocktails. Join Meggie as she steps behind the bar at Papa Franks and serves up your favorite beverage while you enjoy FREE appetizers!

Meet Our Bartenders: Kim Staff - Staff Carpet

We are excited to have Kim join us at Franks and help support our kids. You can support Kim by coming to and tipping her and helping her earn the title of Most Valuable Bartender.

Meet Our Bartenders: Catie Sheehan

You've seen her at all sorts of different events around Springfield and now on July 24th, she will be behind the bar at Papa Franks serving up your favorite frosty beverage!

Meet Our Bartenders: Jim Borland

An avid amateur in mixology, slide up to the bar at Papa Franks and put Jim to the test. Maybe chat a little bit about the beauty that is Naples, Florida too! 😉

Remember, all of your tips will help support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Meet our Bartenders: Tiffany Mathis Posey, CEO and Executive Director of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Illinois

All of the tip money raised will help Hope continue its vision to provide state-of-the-art services in the most inclusive environment to encourage persons to fulfill their individual potential through evidence-based treatment, advocacy and community education.