Learning more about Hope Bridges, Project Hope

Times Reporter

 

Often times Hope Bridges Society (HB) and Project Hope (PH) are confused as being the same thing. While they were both started in part by Sheila Konschuh, the two have different mandates, goals and demographics. 

We asked both organizations a couple of questions to help clear things up. 

What does your organization do? 

PH- answered by chair Corrine Ball: 

Project Hope fundraises in our community to provide music, art and adapted phys. ed therapy to children with special needs in the Golden Hills School Division.

HB- answered by coordinator Wanda Reinholdt:

Hope Bridges is a community-based, not-for-profit organization that works to eliminate segregation through the universal language of art. We offer arts-based classes and workshops for all adults that help participants express themselves and connect with others. At the heart of our organization is the knowledge that everyone belongs and everyone is welcome.

Who do you help/what’s your focus?  

PH- Children ages 3-20 years with severe learning needs including communication, cognitive, self-help, social-emotional and/or behavioral difficulties.

HB- All adults no matter their ability, age, or background.

What is your mission statement? 

PH- We believe that meaningful learning is achieved through partnership between family, school and community. We believe in the value of every child and in the importance of equal opportunities for meaningful learning.

HB- Vision (Why) – Hope Bridges Society uses creative expression to foster meaningful relationships and change perception of difference, thereby eliminating segregation. Rooted in the knowledge that everyone belongs, we model inclusion and valued citizenship in everything we do. 

Mission (How) – Incorporating a spirit of hospitality and a standard of excellence, Hope Bridges will facilitate the connection of community members through inclusive arts activities where there is no right or wrong, and where we are all uniquely valued. Hope Bridges will work to build stronger community using arts programming that promotes connection and well-being through participation and inclusion.

What are your goals? 

PH- Our goal is to help these children develop communication and life skills through group music, art and adapted phys. ed therapies. 

HB- Short Term: The facilitation of meaningful connections between more participants that prevents further isolation and the accompanied ripple effect that isolation brings. Diverse array of workshop and event opportunities.

Intermediate: To see an increase of individuals giving testimony (spoken and written) of how their lives have been strengthened through the relationships and experiences at Hope Bridges. To see an increase in the number of partnerships with businesses and organizations. See an increase of collaborations and community art experiences with multi-purpose goals.

Long Term: Higher workshop participation that means greater opportunity for connection in community. Welcoming people of even more diverse needs because we are increasing our profile and our support foundation through this project. We would become a resource for other communities about valued citizenship and universal effectiveness of the arts.    

What is your role in the community? 

PH- Our role in the community is to help the kids become better prepared to integrate into the community once they are finished high school. The therapies teach them how to handle and cope with real life situations through art, music and phys. ed. Teaching them things like coping skills and helping them to gain confidence.

HB- To provide to all adults a place to belong. To facilitate meaningful community events/ workshops using the arts that celebrate and encourage connection and artistic expression. To be a safe and accessible place for any adult to connect, explore and create. To advocate for any adult who is unable to advocate for themselves. To support community growth and community connections.