Your Help Builds Hope

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A History of HOPE

HOPE Services' roots go back to 1951, when more than three dozen people were moved by a newspaper editorial sent in by a parent who had a child with a developmental disability. These concerned individuals quickly came together to work, plan and lobby for change. The result was the 1952 founding of HOPE for Retarded Children, a non-profit agency dedicated to providing opportunities for people with special needs.

Among the major milestones in our proud history:

    1952
  • HOPE's first program, a preschool for children with developmental disabilities, is launched. The preschool had 12 students and was staffed by volunteers from the San Jose Junior Women's Club.
    1957
  • With an annual budget of $19,000, HOPE's first work training program opens for adults with developmental disabilities.
    1960s & Early 70s
  • HOPE adds additional employment centers, day activity services, and services for infants with disabilities and their families.
    1971
  • The In-Kind Donations and Recycling Program, which generates revenue by picking up used clothing and other household items from community residents, begins.
    1975
  • The name is changed from HOPE for Retarded Children to HOPE Rehabilitation Services, and the annual budget has increased to $2 million.
    1979
  • The Foundation for HOPE is established to develop financial resources for HOPE. In total the Foundation for HOPE has raised more than $8 million to support HOPE Services. The Foundation for HOPE now oversees HOPE Services' endowment.
    1978
  • Focusing on mental health services specifically for people with developmental disabilities, HOPE's Counseling Center opens.
    1979 & 1980
  • Two new work activity centers are added.
    1984
  • HOPE's Senior Activity Center opens in San Jose.
    1986
  • Supported Employment Services are added to HOPE's roster of services.
    1990
  • The Kids' CafĂ©, owned and operated by HOPE and employing people with developmental disabilities, opens at the San Jose Children's Discovery Museum.
    1994
  • HOPE begins offering Supported Living Services.
    1995
  • HOPE's Client Leadership Program begins.
    1995 & 1996
  • HOPE starts providing janitorial maintenance and mailroom services at the United States Geological Survey in Menlo Park and at the United States Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey.
    1998

  • HOPE's Personal Social Adjustment program provides people with disabilities the access, independence, and training needed to make the successful transition to community jobs. HOPE's annual operating budget now surpasses $17 million.

    The Skills Center in Santa Cruz County merges with HOPE Services. Since then, several other similar organizations serving people with developmental disabilities have joined HOPE, greatly expanding our services and supports for people with developmental disabilities.

    2002

  • HOPE implements a five-district structure, including Greater San Jose, North Valley, South Valley, Santa Cruz and Monterey.

    HOPE launches its first thrift store, HOPE Station, selling used clothing and household items to generate additional revenue and support for HOPE.

    HOPE launches the HOPE Service Corps, a community service program to provide opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to become involved, educated, and visible members of the community.

Today, a staff of 600 and an operating budget of more than $40 million help ensure that HOPE's services extend to more than 2,500 children, adults and seniors from Monterey to Menlo Park and include the following:

  • Employment and job training programs
  • Developmental activities
  • Professional counseling
  • Infant services
  • Senior services
  • Supported and independent living services
  • Mobility training
Many of HOPE's clients work in the community at both large and small Silicon Valley companies, as well as government facilities throughout Santa Clara, San Benito, San Mateo, Santa Cruz and Monterey counties. Despite our growth, one thing has remained constant — HOPE's commitment to quality services and support for our clients.