Is Project HOPE part of the Golden Hills School Division?
Yes and no.  Project HOPE operates as a partner with the Golden Hills School Division by
providing therapeutic interventions in selected Golden Hills Schools.  The Golden Hills School Division provides many services such as helping Project HOPE with administrative functions and other managerial tasks.  Project HOPE’s therapists are either employed directly by Project HOPE or are contracted by Project HOPE.

Does the Golden Hills School Division fund Project HOPE?
No.  No direct funding is provided by the Golden Hills School Division to Project HOPE.  Project HOPE operates on funds raised through a variety of means separate from the Golden Hills School Division.

How is Project HOPE funded?
To put it simply, Project HOPE is funded in various ways.  At present Project HOPE is funded through money raised through fundraising efforts such as the yearly Gala, Casino proceeds, and agency funding through the Wheatland Family and Community Support Services.  As well, many service groups have been extremely generous to Project HOPE over the years and their generous contributions are always appreciated.

So, does Project HOPE serve only children with certain challenges?
Directly, yes.  Indirectly, a resounding no.  We are told so often how beneficial Project HOPE has been for all students in each of the schools it serves. 
Those students not directly served by therapy help the team as “Buddies” and having children with diverse challenges in our schools helps all children and adults develop understanding and empathy for the young people served by Project HOPE.  Project HOPE is all about ability and helping all children realize their full potential.  The Project serves 60-80 children directly but serves over 2700 indirectly.  Just ask any of the schools which the Project serves. 
What schools does Project HOPE serve?
Project HOPE is currently operating in six Golden Hills School Division schools.  All schools are located in the County of Wheatland just to the east of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.  They are:
  • Central Bow Valley School (Gleichen)
  • Brentwood Elementary School (Strathmore)
  • Crowther Memorial Junior High School (Strathmore)
  • Strathmore Senior High School
  • Westmount Elementary School (Strathmore)
  • Wheatland Elementary School (Strathmore)
How do I know if my child would benefit from Project HOPE?
The best place to start is by contacting your child’s teacher.  Discuss with the teacher some of the ideas you have and discuss whether or not you wish to give it a try.  From there your child’s teacher will refer your child for service at the school’s Resource Team Meeting and a decision will be made as to whether or not service will be provided.  Factors which act upon this are space available in the groups and the nature of your child’s needs.  If your child is recommended for service by the Resource Team then forms will come home for you to fill out and a commencement plan will be developed. 
What if my child does not attend one of the schools listed above?
Project HOPE tries to operate under an “open-door” policy.  If your child is in the Golden Hills School Division and transportation can be worked out, Project HOPE could be available for your child.  The best thing to do would be to contact your school’s Student Services Consultant or a school administrator to see if therapy through Project HOPE might be possible.  Project HOPE does not travel to any schools other than the one’s indicated above. 
How can I help keep Project HOPE operating in our community?
There are numerous ways which you can help Project HOPE.  Project HOPE, as mentioned previously, is funded completely by the efforts of fundraising.  Direct contributions of funds are vital to the operation of Project HOPE.  Secondly, your time can be a valuable contribution.  Fundraising is ongoing and Project HOPE is a dynamic organization that always has something on the go.  You can help by volunteering your time to assist one of the Project HOPE funding initiatives or by helping Project HOPE’s therapy sessions. 

Finally, perhaps the best way to help Project HOPE is to become a part of our “Building Hope” Sponsorship Program.  For a monthly donation you can ensure that a place will be made available for a deserving child to be afforded the benefits of Project HOPE therapy.