Summer, for most, is the time to relax and enjoy a more relaxed pace for our daily routine. We have learned that this is what our students also desire after nine months of weekly classes and a lot of hard work! Our summer program is social-based and has opportunities to practice skills taught throughout the year. This summer we have 15 students participating. We also have a Dungeons and Dragons club that is steadily growing due to the vision and leadership of our first HLC student, Shane F. We now have eight players enjoying weekly sessions led by Dungeon Master Shane who creates many twists and turns in the storyline for the players. This summer we also welcomed former student, Emily N., as our FIRST HLC intern! Emily will be helping with the summer program, planning for fall classes, and working on other behind-the-scenes projects, as she continues to develop her leadership and work skills. Along with Emily, Anne and I have been busy planning and preparing for the fall, holding prospective student open houses and interviewing new families, establishing more community connections for volunteering, planning workshops, preparing our budget, and maintaining the grounds. This will truly be a summer filled with community with one another, skills being developed, and new connections being made! Marie Haney Founder/Director |
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COMMUNITY: Healthy Connections at Hope | CHoP Grant Through the wonderful help and support from parent, Colleen Schlotter, HLC qualified for a $10,000 grant from the Children's Hospital of Pennsylvania (CHoP) to develop our outdoor space for our students. Healthy Connections at Hope will encourage our students to care for their bodies and minds throughout the year. The grant includes work on the walking path around our seven-acre property, purchasing outdoor fitness equipment, upgrades to the pond for catch-and-release fishing, and permanent frames for hammock chairs for relaxation. We will be building group wellness times into our yearly curriculum and encouraging students to use these areas during Open Hours or other available times in their schedules. Watch for an update on this project in our fall newsletter! |
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Catch and release pond will have hammock chairs installed, filtration system and exercise equipment nearby |
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Newly added goats, Huck, Finn, Calvin, and Hobbes are being trained to go on walks with the students. |
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SKILLS: New classes starting in September! At the end of each year, we evaluate our program and get feedback from students and parents on what is going well and what we may need to change. We are seeing the benefit of having students come to us at a younger age and to continue developing leadership skills in our older students. Beginning this fall we are adding two new classes for students aged 13 - 15. One will be a 10-week course for homeschooled students offered during the day. The other will be offered year-round for the same age group and will be our new Group 1. Our Community Group is for students aged 21 - 24, have attended HLC for at least one year and are ready to practice the skills they have learned in a less formal environment. These students will also participate in leadership development in hopes of being leaders and mentors to our younger participants. |
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CONNECTIONS: Connecting with Area Colleges with Autism Programs Because we are a college-readiness program, Marie and Assistant Director, Anne, have been visiting area colleges that have autism programs so we can be better informed in preparing our college-bound students for that transition. We have many colleges close to home that have wonderful programs. These programs are an additional cost above tuition, but many are funded by the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR). Students should apply for OVR services in their county before applying for the autism programs if they seek financial assistance. Email us at HLCPerkasie@gmail.com for a full list of colleges and links to their autism programs. |
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Thank you to these local businesses for supporting HLC! The landscaping work that was done last year is coming in beautifully! A special thank you to J&R Superior Landscaping for the beautiful work in front of HLC and H&S Outdoor Services for the work by the residence parking. We are also very grateful to Ditmar Property Management for their donation of labor for completing the HLC patio! |
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Above: Front of HLC by J&R Superior Landscape Solutions | Jesse Moyer | 267-337-3493 | jmoyer5960@gmail.com |
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Can We Volunteer for You? We are seeking volunteer opportunities for our students for the upcoming program year. We have select Tuesdays and Wednesdays in the late afternoon and early evening that we are available. In the past our students have worked at Living Hope Farm, Good Stuff Thrift, Tabora Farms, Saint Rocco's Treats, Worthwhile Thrift, Hands in Service, and most recently, Liz's Birthday Closet (pictured). We have EXCELLENT reviews and get a lot done in a two-hour window. Please reach out if you would like to have us volunteer at an organization you are connected with! |
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Upcoming Calendar Items: June 27: Prospective Student Interviews by appointment July 25: 11:30 - 1:30 OR 6 - 8 PM | Prospective Student Open House (RSVP on website) July 25: Prospective Student Interviews by appointment July 30: Prospective Student Interviews by appointment August 26 - 30: HLC Closed September 3: First day of fall programming
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Good Stuff Thrift Update We are grateful for our continued partnership with Good Stuff (GST). GST supports us financially based on the amount of donated items we bring to them. Our donation drives help with this, but we can use your support in between drives as well! Please spread the word to family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers about the need for donated items. Items can be dropped off at HLC or pick up can be arranged for house clean-outs, furniture, and larger items. We had a card printed (below) to give to people having garage sales, home sales, or home cleanouts. We write in our name for who the donation supports and our phone number and arrange pick up of the items. If you would like some cards or have items to donate, contact us! |
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Thank you for your continued interest and support in HLC! Please share this newsletter! Hope Learning Center is a 501(c)(3). |
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