Advancing Hope - News, tips & ideas from Jarid Brown

Free Subscription to Fundraising Success Magazine

noreply@blogger.com (Jarid Brown) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:15:00 +0000

Published monthly, FundRaising Success provides fundraising professionals at nonprofit organizations campaign strategies and expert advice to help generate the necessary revenue to fulfill their organization’s mission. Although Fundraising Success Magazine is often viewed as a printed trade publication, the magazine has evolved to become a valuable resource . . .

→ Read More: Free Subscription to Fundraising Success Magazine

Tips for Creating a Functional and Organized Home for Families with Autism

noreply@blogger.com (Jarid Brown) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 16:03:00 +0000

Children diagnosed with autism thrive in a highly structured environment. Creating a functional and organized environment which incorporates predictable routines can reduce environmental “surprises.” Visual cues can be used in the home environment to facilitate independence and eliminate those “surprises” which often overwhelm the child. For example, labels (word + picture) can be placed around the home to indicate the location of personal and household items such as clothing, utensils, and personal hygiene products. Labeling areas of the home that are consistently part of the child’s routine (bathroom, bedroom, and kitchen) will help the child with organization, movement and understanding of physical space, memory, and problem solving. In addition, providing a consistent daily schedule with picture cues will teach independence in the home setting. By facilitating these skills, the child’s development will be positively impacted. As a result, the child will be able to manage predictable routines in the home setting without frustration.

Meet the dream room expert

noreply@blogger.com (Jarid Brown) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:59:00 +0000

Talitha Mueller, M.Ed., J.D., has 20 years of experience in the field of special education. She has worked with students, ranging from three to 21 years of age, in both private and public school settings. For the past five years, she has worked as an ABA therapist and special education consultant assisting families of children diagnosed with autism. She is passionate about helping special education students achieve their fullest potential in both school and the community.

Children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders have difficulty with sensory integration. In other words, receiving and processing information perceived by the senses can be challenging and may impact the child’s ability to adapt to situations involving sensory input. A child with an autism diagnosis may be hypersensitive or hyposensitive to sounds, textures, tastes, and movement patterns. Therefore, it is important to control sensory input and avoid overwhelming the child. Soft lighting and colors, as well as reduced clutter, can minimize the level of sensory input. In addition, design elements that can be used to alert or calm the child’s senses can be added to make a room child-friendly. Bean bag chairs, large soft pillows, therapy balls, fiber optics, and a sound system for music can help the child learn to self-regulate.

Home Design Project Addresses Unique Everyday Challenges of Families With Children With Autism

noreply@blogger.com (Jarid Brown) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 15:52:00 +0000

The Hope Institute’s Chicago Dream House Raffle partners with Ethan Allen to create “Dream Room” design for inclusionary families

How can families dealing with a child with autism create a home that meets the unique needs of both the autistic child and other family members?

The Hope Institute for Children and Families and Ethan Allen launch today the “Chicago Dream House Raffle - Dream Room Project” to combine the expertise of Ethan Allen designers with the knowledge of Hope Institute staff. Together, they will create a model home environment that provides unique solutions to everyday challenges faced by families and children with autism and other developmental disabilities. The model rooms will be unveiled on Tuesday, December 20.

The setting for the Dream Room Project is the $1.2 million dream home featured in the Chicago Dream House Raffle, the Hope Institute’s largest fundraising initiative (www.ChicagoRaffle.com). All proceeds from the fundraiser will help The Hope Institute provide services to children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other developmental disabilities throughout Illinois. Ethan Allen designers, consulting with Talitha Mueller, an expert on autism spectrum disorder, are working for the next three weeks to design comfortable, family-friendly spaces within the home. The concept of the project is based on Hope Institute’s model of inclusivity, where they encourage spaces designed for children with and without developmental disabilities, rather than an either-or approach.

The final designs will be unveiled on December 20, where families and friends of the autism community will get to walk through each of the rooms and hear directly from the designers involved in the project.

“We’re thrilled to be working with Ethan Allen on the Chicago Dream House Raffle - Dream Room Project. There are more than 29,000 families who have children on the autism spectrum in Illinois. This project is intended to demonstrate how design can help overcome some of the everyday obstacles these families face, and establish a sense of comfort and function while fostering independence,” explains Clint Paul, Interim President and CEO, The Hope Institute for Children and Families.

The Chicago Dream House Raffle - Dream Room Project will be chronicled via www.chicagoraffle.com/DreamRoom. Parents and interior design enthusiasts will be able to follow the progress of each of the rooms (family room, eat-in kitchen, dining room and children’s bedroom.) Designers will share their thoughts on the process, and will offer tips on how families can incorporate essential elements in their own homes.

"Ethan Allen is very excited to be a part of the Chicago Dream House initiative,” says Pam Bemus, Regional Design Manager. “Our local designers can’t wait to bring their talents to the family room, eat-in-kitchen and girl’s bedroom, especially knowing that the proceeds from the raffle of this home will benefit such a deserving cause.”

Ethan Allen is also hosting a complimentary Holiday Design Workshop in its Lombard Design Center on Saturday, December 3, from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Their pros will lead attendees through a series of quick ideas for adding a feeling of warmth and welcome to their homes.

THE HOPE INSTITUTE FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES RAFFLES OFF $1.2 MILLION DREAM HOUSE

noreply@blogger.com (Jarid Brown) — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 13:45:00 +0000

Raffle launches September 7 to raise critical funds for children with

Autism Spectrum Disorders and developmental disabilities

CHICAGO, IL–September 6, 2011 – Some lucky person with a $150 raffle ticket will win an exquisite $1.2 million Hinsdale dream home or $1 million in cash, in the Chicago Dream House Raffle to benefit The Hope Institute for Children and Families. Individuals can purchase their $150 raffle tickets for a chance at the dream house, along with thousands of dollars in cash prizes starting September 7. The grand prize is a stunning 3,225 square-foot home with four bedrooms and four-and-a-half baths, a gourmet chef’s kitchen, private wine cellar, entertainment room and more. All proceeds will help The Hope Institute for Children and Families provide services to children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other developmental disabilities throughout Illinois.

The Hope Institute will sell up to 35,000 tickets for the Dream House Raffle. As incentive to purchase tickets early, the raffle includes cash prizes of up to $25,000 in each of three early bird drawings for tickets purchased before the deadlines of September 30, October 28, and November 18. The grand prize drawing deadline is January 20 and the drawing will be held on Feb 4. For a complete list of prizes, go to http://www.chicagoraffle.com

Any individual who buys more than one ticket will be entered into an additional, exclusive Multi-Ticket drawing to win a 2012 Porsche Boxster or $30,000 cash; a European vacation or $10,000 cash; or a Hawaiian vacation or $5000 cash. Multi-ticket purchasers will receive an entry into this drawing with each ticket they purchase. If ticketholders refer a friend to purchase a ticket, they will be included in the Refer-a-Friend drawing and given the chance to win $10,000 cash.

The grand prize Dream House is an exquisite 2-story custom home on a spacious corner lot. It features a luxurious master bedroom and bath, stunning living and dining room with arched doorways, three fireplaces, rich cherry hardwood flooring and French doors throughout. For photos and descriptions of the Dream House, go to http://www.chicagoraffle.com/Photos.aspx.

Proceeds for the raffle will help The Hope Institute for Children and Families provide educational, residential and health care services to more than 29,000 Illinois children per year with multiple developmental disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorders.

To enter the Raffle, call 1-800-697-7734, or go to www.ChicagoRaffle.com and register online. Forms can be mailed to The Hope Institute at 15 East Hazel Dell Lane, Springfield, IL 92712. Entrants may also print online ticket forms and fax them to 312-254-5014. Ticket purchasers must be 18 years or older, have US residency and meet other requirements in the Rules and Regulations as specified on http://www.chicagoraffle.com/Rules.aspx.

About the Hope Institute for Children and Families:

For 54 years, The Hope Institute has provided living, learning and health care services to children with multiple developmental and physical disabilities from across Illinois. For more information, go to http://www.thehopeinstitute.us/ or call (217) 585-KIDS.

2011-2012 Chicago Dream House Raffle Schedule

Date	Event	Prizes awarded
Sept. 5	Raffle begins
Sept. 21	House media tour (not open to the public)
Sept. 30	Early bird I deadline (tickets must be purchased by this date to be eligible for the first drawing)
Oct. 18	Early bird I drawing	$25,000, $10,000, $5000
Oct. 28	Early bird II deadline
Nov. 15	Early bird II drawing	$25,000, $10,000, $5000, $2500, $1000 cash
Nov. 18	Early bird III deadline
Dec. 6	Early bird III drawing	$15,000, $10,000, $1000, $1000, $1000
Jan. 20, 2012	Grand prize drawing deadline
Feb. 4	Grand prize, Multi-ticket, Refer-a-friend drawings	Dream House or $1 million annuity, $25,000, $10,000, $5000, $2000, $1000 (5x), $500 (5x), $150 (335x)

###

Patiently waiting...plus some metrics...plus a big thanks!

noreply@blogger.com (Jarid Brown) — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 16:39:00 +0000

After weeks of quiet preparation and days of rounding-up and planning a campaign, yesterday I once again led the charge for an online voting campaign for The Hope Institute. So as I patiently wait results on this Sunday Morning, I thought I would share a few thoughts and some numbers.

I'm astounded by the response that we had from our community, supporters and parents. My biggest fear as I woke up on Saturday morning was that the event was taking during a Holiday Weekend, during the summer, and that I had noticed other charities, that had also won Pepsi grants, lose in previous days. However, at the end of the day, weeks of preparation, boots on the ground at events throughout the community, and the relationships we have forged nationwide, combined to carry us to an astonishing 48% of the total vote as the competition closed.

In the coming days, I will be sharing some background into our planning for this event and providing some insight into our campaign metrics. For now, I would like to thank our friends and voting groups from around the nation and provide some early numbers on how we were able to raise awareness.

Twitter - Over the course of 2 days, our core supporters and networks included our custom created bit.ly link in more than 100 tweets reaching an audience of more than 600,000 twitter users.
Facebook - Our custom created bit.ly link was shared more than 1,600 times, and shared through Facebook's "Like" feature an addition 825 times.
More than 760 people commented on that custom link.

Please note that the above numbers only represent the number of times that our community shared the custom link that I created to help measure and monitor our outreach efforts, along with providing a direct link for smartphone users to use. Those numbers do not include the sharing metrics from our websites and content posted directly from the Toyota Application.

As voting wrapped up last night, the only thought running through my head, was that of gratitude for our community of supporters and network of do-gooders who went out there way during a holiday weekend to help a local charity.

Thank You to everyone who not only helped Hope to earn a new accessible minivan, but as importantly, for the incredible amount of awareness that you created yesterday.

A Toyota for Hope

noreply@blogger.com (Jarid Brown) — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 02:57:00 +0000


Vote For Hope on July 2, 2011 in the Toyota 100 Cars for Good Program and you can help provide safe, reliable transportation for Hope's children.
How to Vote Voting begins at 5:00 A.M. Voting ends at 11:00 P.M. *You must be a registered Facebook user to vote. To Access The Voting Application
Good for desktop users... A) Go to http://facebook.com/toyota B) If you are not a fan of Toyota the application should appear on the screen. If you are already a fan of Toyota, you will need to click on the "100 Cars for Good" tab on the left side of the fan page. C) You must "Like" Toyota to use the app. D) Click on the "Vote Today" button. E) Check the box next the word "vote" for The Hope Institute! F) A screen will pop-up asking you to confirm your vote. G) Click Confirm and PLEASE share on your wall.	Good for smartphone users... A) Scan the QR Code below: B) The QR code will take you to the application in your browser. C) You must "Like" Toyota to use the app. D) Click on the "Vote Today" button. E) Check the box next to the word "vote" for The Hope Institute! F) A screen will pop-up asking you to confirm your vote. G) Click Confirm and PLEASE share on your wall.	Best for both... A) Go to http://bit.ly/votejuly2 B) This link will take you directly to the application on Facebook. C) You must "Like" Toyota to use the app. D) Click on the "Vote Today" button. E) Check the box next the word "vote" for The Hope Institute! F) A screen will pop-up asking you to confirm your vote. G) Click Confirm and PLEASE share on your wall.
How You Can Help Volunteer Are you headed to a public event this weekend? Why not take a stack of handtags with you! Click to view/print or contact jbrown@thehopeinstitute.us and we'll get you a supply!

5 Keys to Make the Most of Your Nonprofit's Online Experience

noreply@blogger.com (Jarid Brown) — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 01:26:00 +0000

From Fundraising Success Magazine...

When Jarid Brown joined the Hope Institute for Children and Families 18 months ago as manager of online interactions, the Springfield, Ill.-based organization dedicated to educational, residential and health services to children with disabilities had very little in the way of online communications.

A year and a half later, the Hope Institute now has a fully integrated online strategy that has seen remarkable growth in e-mail and e-newsletter subscribers, social-media followers, website visitors, and e-philanthropy. It was such a remarkable transformation that FundRaising Success will be sharing the Hope Institute’s online metamorphosis in one of the two remaining cover stories (August and November) in our four-part case studies series this year.

Here, Brown shares his keys to getting the most out of your nonprofit’s online experience.

Don’t follow the herd

It’s perfectly normal and even encouraged to look at what other successful organizations are doing and take a cue from them. But it's foolish to...

Thank you to Joe Borland and the staff of Fundraising Success Magazine for the recognition and opportunity to share our strategies.

Read more about Jarid A. Brown and Hope's digital marketing strategy here.

Visit Jarid's Log here.

Fewer numbers...More Faces

noreply@blogger.com (Jarid Brown) — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 17:04:00 +0000

In my experience in working with nonprofits, there are two things that have become evident to me.

Every nonprofit does an incredible job of talking about themselves.
Ninety percent of that talk in only appealing to themselves.

I'm often asked what the "magic equation" is that separates the largest nonprofits from their smaller, localized counterparts. The answer is simple...their message.

The natural tendency of nonprofit leadership is to promote their impact numbers at every opportunity and to everyone they meet.

We built 23 homes for impoverished last year.
We served 36,000 meals to the homeless.
We impacted 832,432,321.5 people last year.

Yes...that last number was a gross exaggeration.

Numbers such as these are important for grant applications, legislative advocacy and the board room. But to the general public...they don't amount to a hill of beans and seldom lead to increased financial or volunteer support. Ultimately, people do not give to a set of numbers and they do not even give to an organization...

They Give To People.

...And that is what separates the giants from the rest of us.

St. Jude's Children Hospital could go on and on about the number of children they treat and families they impact on an annual basis. They could focus on the fact that 5,700 patients receive treatment at the hospital each year; that they have 2.5 million square feet of research facilities; or that their staff published more than 680 articles in professional journals last year...but they don't. When you receive an email, card, or see an ad for St. Jude’s, you hear the story of children like 8-year-old Ryan, a beautiful young lady that loves animals and ice skating; but, also suffers from a rare form of cancer that only affects 20-25 children in the U.S. each year (you can read her story here).

St. Jude's understands that people don't give to numbers...they give to what they can see...hear...and touch...

They Give To People.

This doesn't mean that organizations such as St. Jude's do not discuss numbers. They do, but they take a different approach. For instance, St. Jude's must raise more than $600 million each year to cover operating expenses. Most people cannot formulate a vision of $600 million. However, everyone can envision $1 million, or in the case of St. Jude: $1.6 million - the amount needed to run the organization for 1 day. Moreover, $750 provides a day of chemotherapy for a child.

People cannot imagine their donation making an impact on a $600 million need that affects 5,700 patients. In most individual's minds, these numbers are unobtainable and staggering. However, a $750 need to help a child whose face you have seen, and story you know becomes a very real and obtainable goal.

The "big" nonprofits aren't more successful in fundraising because they have more resources, they are more successful in fundraising because they understand human emotion and tell the story of those they help.

So next time you create another marketing piece sharing every internal metric of your organization and how you helped a "bajillion" people; you should step back and ask: How have we helped one person? Now share that story.

Click here to read our Stories of Hope

To subscribe to email updates my Advancing Hope blog: Click Here
or subscribe to my feed.

June Hopeful Futures eNewsletter

noreply@blogger.com (Jarid Brown) — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 19:15:00 +0000

I have released the latest edition of the Hopeful Futures eNewsletter.

The June edition features the story of one of Hope's children attending school at The Hope Institute Learning Academy, coverage of The Hope School graduation ceremonies, our participation in Toyota's 100 Cars for Good Program, and information on two upcoming 5k's benefiting Hope.

Hopeful futures is a monthly newsletter designed to highlight Hope's children, programs and community events. The featured Story of Hope provides our email subscribers an opportunity to read the same stories featured in our monthly direct mail appeals and semi-annual Me Magazine subscription. To view the June Edition of Hopeful Futures: Click Here.

To subscribe to the Hopeful Futures eNewsletter: Click Here.

To subscribe to email updates my Advancing Hope blog: Click Here
or subscribe to my feed.

Advancing Hope 2.0 - New Design, New Content

noreply@blogger.com (Jarid Brown) — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 14:48:00 +0000

Welcome to the newly revamped Advancing Hope!

In the fall of 2010, I launched a redesign of The Hope Institute for Children and Families website. As part of the redesign, we moved our blog to the newly designed site (which you can view here). Since that time, advancinghope.blogspot.com has remained vacant, without any updates or new content...but that is about to change...

Starting today, the newly redesigned Advancing Hope, will serve a new purpose by uniting two of my passions: A love of web design, social media and digital marketing, AND a love of helping nonprofits, especially Hope, succeed in the digital age.

Advancing Hope will offer a mix of digital and social media tips, reviews and ideas for everyone; special content geared to my colleagues in the nonprofit industry; and an intimate look at my work with The Hope Institute for Children and Families.

From tips and content designed to help protect and optimize social media in your personal and professional lives, to marketing ideas and tools for private and nonprofit businesses, to the opportunity to learn more about the organization I love; Advancing Hope will offer value to everyone.

So Buckle Up! Subscribe to updates by email! Read more about our digital marketing successes! Check out my personal blog! And prepare for an exciting ride!

Thanks ~ Jarid Brown

Thank you to our 2010 private donors

noreply@blogger.com (Jarid Brown) — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 03:16:00 +0000

The Hope Institute would like to extend a thank you to our 2010 corporate donors, whose generosity allows Hope to maintain and grow our services for children with developmental disabilities. In addition, we would like to thank the following companies who contributed services, grants or cash donations in excess of $5,000.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illino isthe largest and most experienced health insurance company in the state, providing more than 6.5 million members with comprehensive and affordable health plans.

Click to learn more about BCBS.

Chicago Blackhawks Charities

As the official charity of the Blackhawks, Chicago Blackhawk Charities pledges to support programs and institutions throughout Illinois that work towards creating a better tomorrow for the youth of today.

Click to learn more about Blackhawks Charities.

The Coleman Foundation

The Coleman Foundation is a private, independent grantmaking foundation established in the state of Illinois in 1951. The Foundation supports educational institutions offering entrepreneurship education across the country, organizations providing cancer care and treatment and conducting cancer research, and agencies providing services for individuals with developmental disabilities only in the Chicago Metropolitan area - its primary geographical focus.

Click to learn more about the Coleman Foundation.

Illinois Children's Healthcare Foundation

The Illinois Children's Healthcare Foundation (ILCHF) has a single vison: to ensure every child in Illinois has the opportunity to grow up healthy. Working through grantee partners across the state, the Foundation focuses its grantmaking on identifying and funding solutions to the barriers that prevent children from accessing the ongoing health care they need.

Click to learn more about the Illinois Children's Healthcare Foundation.

Kinzie Chophouse

“The Best Steakhouse in Chicago and so much more.” An authentic Chicago neighborhood restaurant, The Kinzie Chophouse's warm classic interior is the perfect backdrop for any occasion — from a business lunch, a romantic dinner, friendly neighborhood gathering or an important celebration. An extensive menu, stellar wine list, and great service is woven together for an exceptional dining experience. From the first bite to the last sip, The Kinzie Chophouse sets the standard in great Chicago dining.

Click to learn more about the Kinzie Chophouse.

LPGA State Farm Classic

Charity begins on the golf course at the LPGA State Farm Classic. Since 1980, the LPGA State Farm Classic has contributed more than $3.5 million dollars has been distributed to charitable organizations throughout the State of Illinois.

Click to learn more about the State Farm Classic.

The Noll Foundation

The Noll Foundation awards grants nationwide, with an emphasis on education, heath, art and youth services.

O'Brien's Restaurant

Located next to the Chicago River in Old Town, the O'Brien Family welcomes you to an atmosphere of casual dining with a Continental cuisine specializing in prime steak & fresh seafood.

Click to learn more about O'Brien's Restaurant.

Pepsi Refresh Project

In 2010, the Pepsi Refresh Project awarded grants to two of Hope's programs, the Noll Dental Clinical and The Autism Program of Illinois.

Click to learn more about the Pepsi refresh Project.

The Philip H. Corboy Foundation / Corboy & Demetrio

Corboy & Demetrio, founded by nationally acclaimed personal injury trial attorneys Philip H. Corboy and Thomas A. Demetrio, is one of the nation’s leading plaintiff personal injury and civil trial practice law firms. Charitable giving and community service has been at the core of Corboy & Demetrio since the firm began over 50 years ago. Corboy and Demetio's philosophy is that “giving back” and helping others are fundamental responsibilities and obligations for all of us.

Click to learn more about the firm's charitable giving.

Click to learn more about Corboy & Demetrio.

Shefsky & Froelich, Attorneys at Law

Shefsky & Froelich Ltd., a Chicago-based full-service law firm, was founded in 1970 by a small group of highly motivated attorneys with extensive experience in complex commercial transactions. From this core group, we have grown to over 75 lawyers. Our philosophy remains rooted in our founders’ commitment to provide superior representation by combining the highest-quality legal skills with imagination and innovation.

Click to learn more about the Shefsky & Froelich.

Thomas H. Maren Foundation

The Thomas H. Maren Foundation awards grants nationwide, with an emphasis on education, heath, art and youth services.

Click here to learn how you can give the gift of Hope.

Click to read original story

Press Release: The Autism Program debuts airport accessibility initiative.

noreply@blogger.com (Jarid Brown) — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 20:51:00 +0000

Support local & autism-related projects during the month of April

noreply@blogger.com (Jarid Brown) — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 18:25:00 +0000

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Help Hope and The Autism Program of Illinois earn a $25,000 grant through the Pepsi Refresh Project during the month of May. Visit for upcoming details as we roll out our "Get out the Vote" strategy.

April is Autism Awareness Month and to demonstrate our support of our local community and other national organizations providing services to those with an ASD, we have compiled a listing of several organizations that need your support by voting for their project in the Pepsi Refresh Project.

Local Organizations:

Bleachers for Bruins - Blessed Sacrament School
http://www.refresheverything.com/bleachersforbss

AMBUCS - Give 100 children with disabilities therapeutic tricycles. (AMBUCS has been a strong supporter of The Hope Institute)
http://www.refresheverything.com/amtrykesforchildren

Honor Flight - Helping send WWII Veterans to Washington
http://www.refresheverything.com/illandoflincolnhonorflight

Ben-Gil Elementary Boosters - Help rebuild our elementary school condemned due to mine subsidence.
http://www.refresheverything.com/bengilelementary

ASD Related Projects

Autism Center of Toledo - Provide Free Early Intervention to Children with Autism
http://www.refresheverything.com/bengilelementary

Kardon Institute for Arts Therapy - Dance & Art Therapy for children with Autism
http://www.refresheverything.com/kardon

The SMART Foundation - Produce the Concert 4 Autism and stream it worldwide
http://www.refresheverything.com/concertforautism

KEEN USA - Help kids with disabilities play with volunteers
http://www.refresheverything.com/keenusa

S.M.I.L.E Autism Services - Comprehensive, Cutting-Edge, Family-Based Autism Therapy Center
http://www.refresheverything.com/smileautismservices

You can vote for each of these great projects once per day at http://www.refresheverything.com/ and please visit us often for information on our "Get out the Vote" effort in May.

'Triple Your Gift' Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Jarid Brown) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 18:22:00 +0000

February 10th through March 26...

Your donations will three times the impact upon the children served by The Hope Institute!

A generous supporter has challenged The Hope Institute to raise as much money as possible over the next 45 days in an effort to increase awareness and support for our organization. As a result, for every $1 that you donate to the children of Hope, this supporter will match on a 2-to-1 basis.

That means every gift will instantly triple! A gift of $5 will be matched with $10 to become $15. A gift of $10 will become $30. A gift of $15 will become $45.

Just think of the impact your gift to The Hope Institute could make if it were tripled…

Your support of The Hope Institute is one of the most rewarding investments you’ll ever make. It’s an investment in the promising futures of 26,000 children statewide that Hope impacts each year.

Click below to make a single Gift of Hope

Become an Angel of Hope - Establish a monthly gift to Hope below

Donations may also be sent to:
The Hope Institute for Children and Families, 15 East Hazel Dell Lane, Springfield, Illinois 62712.
Thank you for your support of the children of The Hope Institute!

Press Release: The Hope Institute chosen as select charity for the Chicago premiere of "Billy Elliot the Musical"

noreply@blogger.com (Jarid Brown) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 20:14:00 +0000

The Hope Institute for Children and Families and The Autism Program of Illinois (TAP) endorse HBO Films’ “Temple Grandin”

noreply@blogger.com (Jarid Brown) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 19:10:00 +0000

A conversation with Dr. Temple Grandin

noreply@blogger.com (Jarid Brown) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 14:31:00 +0000

HBO and The Autism Program of Illinois (TAP) recently held the Chicago premiere of the new HBO Films production, "Temple Grandin", which depicts the life of animal scientist and autism icon Temple Grandin. During the premiere, the TAP film crew had this conversation with Dr. Grandin.

HBO & The Autism Program of Illinois present Temple Grandin

noreply@blogger.com (Jarid Brown) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 20:51:00 +0000

Pictures from our exciting premiere of Temple Grandin.

Media Advisory: HBO, The Autism Program of Illinois partner for Chicago Premiere of HBO Film's "Temple Grandin"

noreply@blogger.com (Jarid Brown) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 21:18:00 +0000

Temple Grandin to attend HBO world premiere in Chicago.

noreply@blogger.com (Jarid Brown) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:27:00 +0000

HBO and The Autism Program of Illinois confirmed yesterday that renowned author, scientist and autism advocate Temple Grandin, will attend the world premiere of HBO Film’s biopic, Temple Grandin, in Chicago next week. The January 27th premiere event will take place at the Gene Siskel Film Center in Chicago. The premiere event takes place prior to the February 6th release of HBO’s Temple Grandin. For more information about the Chicago Premiere visit http://www.thehopeinstitute.us/ or The Autism Program of Illinois fan page on Facebook.

HBO Releases new Temple Grandin Trailer

noreply@blogger.com (Jarid Brown) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:38:00 +0000

Introducing the latest trailers for HBO Film's Temple Grandin. To learn how you can attend the world premiere on January 27th at the Gene Siskel Film Center in Chicago, visit The Hope Institute website or our facebook page.

Trailer

Temple Grandin book signing at Chicago Library

noreply@blogger.com (Jarid Brown) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 19:34:00 +0000

Temple Grandin

When: Tuesday, January 19, 2010 @ 6:00 p.m.

Temple Grandin, bestselling autism advocate, scientist and author of Animals in Translation and Thinking in Pictures, discusses and signs her new book, Animals Make Us Human: Creating the Best Life for Animals.

Animals Make Us Human focuses upon Grandin's insights into how animals think, act and feel. Grandin builds upon her experiences with autism and as a distinguished animal science to show us how animals and humans can best interact and how we can give our animals the best and happiest life.

Where:
Harold Washington Library Center
400 S. State St.
Chicago, IL 60605

312-747-1194

Admission: Free

On January 27th, The Autism Program of Illinois and HBO Film's will present the world premiere of the HBO Film, Temple Grandin. For more information on this extraordinary biopic please visit: The Hope Institute website or our facebook page.

Temple Grandin Trailers

noreply@blogger.com (Jarid Brown) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 14:34:00 +0000

The Autism Program partners with HBO for premiere of HBO Film's Temple Grandin

noreply@blogger.com (Jarid Brown) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 17:20:00 +0000

The Autism Program of Illinois (TAP) has partnered with HBO on the Chicago premiere of the new HBO Films’ production, “Temple Grandin”, which brings to the screen the story of the best-selling author, animal scientist and autism advocate.

The Chicago Premiere will be held on Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at the Gene Siskel Film Center of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. The event, which is being specially targeted to the autism community in Illinois, will begin with a reception at 6:00 p.m., followed by a screening of the film at 7:00 p.m. Following the film, a panel comprised of persons with autism, family members, noted researchers and a media representative will discuss the film.

Starring Golden Globe winner Claire Danes in the title role, “Temple Grandin” paints a picture of a young woman’s perseverance and determination while struggling with the isolating challenges of autism at a time when the disorder was quite unknown.

Click Here to learn more about the movie, Temple Grandin and to win 2 tickets to the Chicago Premiere!