Impact Stories
With the help of our generous donors, supporters, and volunteers, we are able to assist numerous families each year afford medical expenses, and acquire the equipment necessary to help their child. Read more about some of the amazing children and families we have been fortunate enough to help.
Foundation Spreads Holiday Cheer to Local Children
Youngstown, OH) Friday, December 15, The Hope Foundation of the Mahoning Valley delivered an early dose of holiday magic to 20 deserving kids through its Dream Catchers for Kids Program. The heartwarming event saw volunteers from the Mahoning County Board of Developmental Disabilities (MCBDD) and Hope Foundation board members presenting Christmas presents to 10 children from Potential Development and 10 from Leonard Kritz School. The DreamCatchers for KidsTM program (Wish Fund) strives to make the dreams of children facing disabilities, chronically/terminally ill, and life-threatening medical conditions come true by providing them with extraordinary experiences. Special thank you to Jeannine Baker
21 Teddy Bears for Children at Akron Children’s Hospital
On Saturday, December 9, the children at Akron Children’s Hospital of MahoningValley were the recipients of 21 soft, cuddly teddy bear from The Hope Foundation of the MahoningValley. The bears were created from the children’s own special lists that they made for themselves. Thechildren were able to choose the name for their bear, clothing and even the accessories to make theirindividual bear a one-of-a-kind teddy bear of their very own. “Bringing a bit of joy to children who are ill and have to be in the hospital is why I wanted to chair theBuild a Bear event again this year,”
Hope Foundation makes Build-a-Bears for Hospitalized Kids
SOURCE WKBN BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN) — Volunteers from the Hope Foundation of the Mahoning Valley were hard at work in the Build-A-Bear Workshop Sunday morning. It’s the fourth year they’ve partnered with Akron Children’s Hospital to send bears to kids in the ICU. The children were able to design their own personal bear. The foundation does this around every Christmas to help brighten the kids holidays. They fund the event through donations and grants. George Gabriel is a board member with the Hope Foundation and said the kids always love getting their bear. “Whether it’s a boy or girl, young
Groups come together to Purchase a Special Wheelchair during this Holiday Season
(Youngstown, OH) The Hope Foundation of the Mahoning Valley and Operation Search and Help funded through The Youngstown Foundation have partnered together to purchase a special wheelchair for 17-year-old Lianne Flores who was diagnosed with Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy at the age of 8. This special wheelchair will enable Lianne to stand and by being able to stand it will help to keep her healthy and will also help her with her dream to attend college. It is wonderful when area organizations can come together and work together to better the lives of others. The custom-made wheelchair was provided by National
Making Memories and Living Life as a Kid at Camp
Making Memories and Living Life as a Kid at Camp Ryleigh had a camp experience unlike any summer camp a couple of years ago. And for a teen battling pulmonary illness, it was an opportunity to overcome fears and achieve hopes to help this child enjoy the experience. There’s nothing quite like summer camp. A place to experience freedom, learn valuable skills and form new friendships that last a lifetime. Flying Horse Farms offers the many amenities you’ve come to expect at camp: arts and crafts, canoeing, archery, ropes course and much more. But unlike other summer camps, this has
Saddling up with Confidence and Trust
A young boy who spent his entire life in and out of multiple foster homes was one of 10 children to receive a scholarship for a six-week equestrian therapy program made possible by a grant from The Hope Foundation. He was withdrawn and seemed to have no interest in the program. Instructors strategically paired him with a horse that craved attention, and a volunteer who could spend more individual time with him. By his fourth lesson, the boy was opening up to instructors, had gained confidence in himself and looked forward to coming back for the remaining weeks of the
The Gift of a Helping Hand
A smile says a lot about you. For Michael McDuff, his smile is an inspiration to all as he battles a very rare genetic disease. Meet Michael. He’s 19 months old and the son to Elizabeth and Mark McDuff. Michael smiles, a lot, and loves playing patty cake and peekaboo with mom and dad. Ever seen Bubble Guppies? It’s his favorite show. Michael is just like any other cute baby, except, he’s battling a very rare genetic disease. Michael has something known as 13q deletion syndrome. It’s a chromosome abnormality that occurs when there is a missing copy of genetic
Young Child’s Determination to Beat Cancer
Landen Green is 7 years old and has acute lymphoblastic leukemia, but that’s not slowing him down from living life as a kid. With the help of funding from the Hope Foundation of the Mahoning Valley, Landen was able to beat his 4 year battle with leukemia. He was able to get more treatment with the funding, which was provided to him and his family, so he can “BEAT” Cancer. Click here to see the story.“We’re no longer on our time, but now we are back on our time!” Lisa Fitzgerald-Green and Walter Green are the proud parents of five
Foundation Spreads Holiday Cheer to Local Children
Youngstown, OH) Friday, December 15, The Hope Foundation of the Mahoning Valley delivered an early dose of holiday magic to 20 deserving kids through its Dream Catchers for Kids Program. The heartwarming event saw volunteers from the Mahoning County Board of Developmental Disabilities (MCBDD) and Hope Foundation board members presenting Christmas presents to 10 children from Potential Development and 10 from Leonard Kritz School. The DreamCatchers for KidsTM program (Wish Fund) strives to make the dreams of children facing disabilities, chronically/terminally ill, and life-threatening medical conditions come true by providing them with extraordinary experiences. Special thank you to Jeannine Baker
21 Teddy Bears for Children at Akron Children’s Hospital
On Saturday, December 9, the children at Akron Children’s Hospital of MahoningValley were the recipients of 21 soft, cuddly teddy bear from The Hope Foundation of the MahoningValley. The bears were created from the children’s own special lists that they made for themselves. Thechildren were able to choose the name for their bear, clothing and even the accessories to make theirindividual bear a one-of-a-kind teddy bear of their very own. “Bringing a bit of joy to children who are ill and have to be in the hospital is why I wanted to chair theBuild a Bear event again this year,”
Hope Foundation makes Build-a-Bears for Hospitalized Kids
SOURCE WKBN BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN) — Volunteers from the Hope Foundation of the Mahoning Valley were hard at work in the Build-A-Bear Workshop Sunday morning. It’s the fourth year they’ve partnered with Akron Children’s Hospital to send bears to kids in the ICU. The children were able to design their own personal bear. The foundation does this around every Christmas to help brighten the kids holidays. They fund the event through donations and grants. George Gabriel is a board member with the Hope Foundation and said the kids always love getting their bear. “Whether it’s a boy or girl, young
Groups come together to Purchase a Special Wheelchair during this Holiday Season
(Youngstown, OH) The Hope Foundation of the Mahoning Valley and Operation Search and Help funded through The Youngstown Foundation have partnered together to purchase a special wheelchair for 17-year-old Lianne Flores who was diagnosed with Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy at the age of 8. This special wheelchair will enable Lianne to stand and by being able to stand it will help to keep her healthy and will also help her with her dream to attend college. It is wonderful when area organizations can come together and work together to better the lives of others. The custom-made wheelchair was provided by National
Making Memories and Living Life as a Kid at Camp
Making Memories and Living Life as a Kid at Camp Ryleigh had a camp experience unlike any summer camp a couple of years ago. And for a teen battling pulmonary illness, it was an opportunity to overcome fears and achieve hopes to help this child enjoy the experience. There’s nothing quite like summer camp. A place to experience freedom, learn valuable skills and form new friendships that last a lifetime. Flying Horse Farms offers the many amenities you’ve come to expect at camp: arts and crafts, canoeing, archery, ropes course and much more. But unlike other summer camps, this has
Saddling up with Confidence and Trust
A young boy who spent his entire life in and out of multiple foster homes was one of 10 children to receive a scholarship for a six-week equestrian therapy program made possible by a grant from The Hope Foundation. He was withdrawn and seemed to have no interest in the program. Instructors strategically paired him with a horse that craved attention, and a volunteer who could spend more individual time with him. By his fourth lesson, the boy was opening up to instructors, had gained confidence in himself and looked forward to coming back for the remaining weeks of the
The Gift of a Helping Hand
A smile says a lot about you. For Michael McDuff, his smile is an inspiration to all as he battles a very rare genetic disease. Meet Michael. He’s 19 months old and the son to Elizabeth and Mark McDuff. Michael smiles, a lot, and loves playing patty cake and peekaboo with mom and dad. Ever seen Bubble Guppies? It’s his favorite show. Michael is just like any other cute baby, except, he’s battling a very rare genetic disease. Michael has something known as 13q deletion syndrome. It’s a chromosome abnormality that occurs when there is a missing copy of genetic
Young Child’s Determination to Beat Cancer
Landen Green is 7 years old and has acute lymphoblastic leukemia, but that’s not slowing him down from living life as a kid. With the help of funding from the Hope Foundation of the Mahoning Valley, Landen was able to beat his 4 year battle with leukemia. He was able to get more treatment with the funding, which was provided to him and his family, so he can “BEAT” Cancer. Click here to see the story.“We’re no longer on our time, but now we are back on our time!” Lisa Fitzgerald-Green and Walter Green are the proud parents of five
Making Memories and Living Life as a Kid at Camp
Ryleigh had a camp experience unlike any summer camp. And for a teen battling pulmonary illness, it was an opportunity to overcome fears and achieve hopes to help this child enjoy the experience.
Saddling up with Confidence and Trust
A young boy who spent his entire life in and out of multiple foster homes was one of 10 children to receive a scholarship for a six-week equestrian therapy program made possible by a grant from The Hope Foundation.
The Gift of a Helping Hand
A smile says a lot about you. For Michael McDuff, his smile is an inspiration to all as he battles a very rare genetic disease.
Meet Michael. He’s 19 months old and the son to Elizabeth and Mark McDuff. Michael smiles, a lot, and loves playing patty cake and peekaboo with mom and dad. Ever seen Bubble Guppies? It’s his favorite show. Michael is just like any other cute baby, except, he’s battling a very rare genetic disease.
Young Child’s Determination to Beat Cancer
Landen Green is 7 years old and has acute lymphoblastic leukemia, but that’s not slowing him down from living life as a kid.
The Power of Community: How a Young Girl Battling Leukemia Got to See Her Wish Come to Life
Cancer changes our lives, but it won’t stop us from living life. This is something Aiden Elder and his family has embraced during trying times.
**The Hope Foundation is saddened to learn of the passing of Aiden Elder (2012-2019). Aiden and his family were the recipients of a financial grant from the Foundation several years ago. We ask that you keep Aiden and his family in your thoughts and prayers. Heaven has truly gained an angel.
A Hug & A Teddy Bear
Children Receive the Gift of Teddy Bears from The Hope Foundation. Non-profit organization takes advantage of technology to deliver stuffed animals to kids battling serious illnesses.old and has acute lymphoblastic leukemia, but that’s not slowing him down from living life as a kid.
Guiding Families to the Help They Need
Connecting children with special needs to the right programs to meet those needs makes all the difference in the world. And for several local families, The Hope Foundation helped open several doors to finding those programs.
We Got Hope & Love in a Bag
Six children undergoing chemotherapy received Hope Totes thanks to a grant from The Hope Foundation. Hope Totes are bags tailored to each child’s individual likes and wants to help take their minds off of their illness and let them just be kids.
Helping to Ease the Cost of Cancer
Everyday costs can seem to pile up when a family has a child who is undergoing cancer treatments. For five local families, those costs got a little easier to deal with.
A Gift of Technology
A 10-minute break with an iPad with apps for children with Autism helped calm a seventh grade student who was having difficulty in school. The apps help students practice numbers and letters and identify feelings, and allow nonverbal students to communicate their ideas for the first time.
A Gift of Strength and Fearlessness
Camp can sometimes be a second home to children. But for kids with serious illnesses, it can help build a sense of pride, accomplishment, and freedom while letting them focus on just being a kid.
A Gift of a Homecoming
John was 15 years old when Mahoning County Juvenile Court initially took him out of his home for physically and verbally aggressive behavior, and for being non-compliant with house rules. In an effort to help change his behavior, the court referred him to a Multisystemic Therapy (MST) Program.
A Gift of Calm Comfort
Autism can present a number of communication challenges for children. Some of the more severe cases can interfere with everyday life.
Henry, a student at Potential Development Preschool in Youngstown, cannot communicate in any way. This can make it difficult for his teachers to calm him during class. However, a grant from The Hope Foundation helped provide the means for a new soothing strategy.
