Hope U Logo

A Leader in Fine Arts Programs for Adults with Developmental Disabilities Since 1979

Overview

Mission Statement

Hope University transforms the lives of adults with developmental disabilities through the arts.

Our History

Paul Kuehn's voice was the spark that ignited Hope University. One day during his high school music class, special education music teacher, Doris Walker, was thinking out loud, trying to remember what key a particular song was in. The quiet, shy, blind young man with autism at the back of the classroom spoke up, "that would be the key of 'G' Mrs. Walker." That made Mrs. Walker take notice of the young Paul Kuehn, and she wondered what else he was capable of. She asked him to sing, and the rest is history. She formed a band called the Hi Hopes around Paul, and they developed a repertoire of songs.

When faced with the fact that these talented band members would have nowhere to continue playing once they graduated from high school, she rallied around the families and asked for their support to create what we now know as Hope University. The program began with 8 students, all Hi Hopes members, and met in two rooms in the rear of a strip mall shopping center in Anaheim, California, and in 1979, Hope University became the first organization of its kind to provide arts programming to adults with developmental disabilities.

Today, Hope University's offerings have expanded to include all art forms, and we serve 66 adults with developmental disabilities. The Hi Hopes continue to perform, and just like any professional band, they have their own trailer with their name on it, and they have recorded countless albums. Hope University's students participate in art exhibitions, perform in the hand-bell choir or vocal choir, perform dances and dramas, and learn to play instruments, and more. There are many very talented artists and performers here at Hope University, but opportunities are available to anyone who is interested in or motivated by the arts.

We thank you Paul Kuehn, for your voice, and thank you Doris Walker for your vision.

Visit

Come For A Tour

We welcome anyone who would like to come for a visit to Hope University, whether you are interested in attending our program, or you just want to see the amazing work we do here. Simply call and request a date and time to visit, and we will take you on a tour. A tour is required for anyone interested in attending our program. After your tour, if you are still interested in attending the program, assessment dates may be scheduled. Please see FAQs for more information about enrollment.

Contact information, Hours, Address

Program Hours: 8:30am to 2:30pm

Mailing address, for donation and inquiries:

Hope University is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your tax deductible donations will enable our artists to continue to develop their artistic talent.

Visit our blog: www.hopeuniversity.blogspot.com

Us

Board of Directors 2011

Officers:

Members:

Staff

Program Staff:

Direct Care Staff:

Programs

At Hope University, our goal is to provide a well-rounded program that develops all aspects of each individual artistically, academically, behaviorally, and socially. To achieve this goal, we offer the students a wide range of classes including: art, choir, hand-bells, music therapy, dance, drama, computer skills, academics, yoga, and much more. Through these classes, we strive to help each student reach their fullest potential. They gain a greater sense of self-worth by developing their talents and capabilities and using them to give back to the community in a variety of different ways. Through public performances of music, dance, drama, and exhibitions of art, Hope University showcases the remarkable talents of its students and demonstrates their potential to contribute to and assume integrated roles within the community. Hope University students inspire the human spirit and render hope to those whose loved ones may have similar disabilities.

In concert with our outstanding course offerings, Hope University's nurturing environment is clearly the most essential part of the program. We are proud to have gathered a strong team of highly-qualified and dedicated staff that works hard to provide a caring and personalized environment for each student. The direct-care staff is highly educated; most have degrees in the arts, psychology, or a combination of the two. More impressive than their educational background, however, is their incredible drive to provide the best program for the students. They motivate, encourage, and challenge each individual to be successful, and work together as a team to foster each student's talents and strengths.

In addition to classes, performances, and art exhibitions, students are given an opportunity to participate in a number of social and educational activities throughout the year including fieldtrips, on-site guest artist performances and workshops, and seasonal parties.

To learn more about enrolling in our program, please go to the FAQs section.

Our programs include:

Visual Arts

Studio Arts

Studio Arts offer students the opportunity to explore a wide variety of art mediums. They explore drawing and painting, computer art, printmaking, collage, papier maché and more. Artworks that are created in studio may end up going to exhibition, or may be featured on a greeting card or calendar page, as just a few examples. Often, studio artists become the behind the scenes support for performances, designing and creating props and sets.

Hope U Boutique

Students in Boutique learn and practice such skills as knitting and hand stitching and beading, among other things. There is something for every skill level, so just about everyone pitches in to support our greatest source of social enterprise: the making and selling of fine crafts. Products include hand-felted beaded jewelry, knitted and felted handbags, hand stitched and beaded stuffed characters, mosaic mirrors, just to name a few.

Special Projects

We actively pursue professional level visual arts projects for the students of Hope University. One such project just completed is our Integrity House Mural Project. This 15 foot high by 70 foot long painted and mosaic mural is on the outside of the building that houses the Integrity House program for adults with cognitive disabilities, located in Santa Ana, CA.

Performing Arts

Hi Hopes

Hi Hopes is a performing group of professional musicians with prodigious musical talent, including some musical savants. Performing since 1972, the Hi Hopes have recorded many albums, which are sold at their shows or through the Hope U Shop. Hi Hopes are available to book for your next big event!

Ring & Sing is a performance ensemble combining Hope University's vocal and hand-bell choirs. It is about 24 members strong, and they do outreach performances for senior centers, schools and corporate parties.

Handbell Choir

The hand-bell choir has 18 members, and each member is responsible for playing one or more bells, each having their own special note. Students learn a variety of ways to play the hand-bells, and rhythmic exercises are incorporated into the learning process.

Vocal Choir

There are over a dozen men and women who make up the choir, creating beautiful 3-part vocal harmonies. Choir members not only learn to harmonize, but also to develop their tone through breathing and vocal techniques. Their repertoire is diverse and seasonal. Choir members are also given opportunities to sing solos. Singing in a choir helps each member increase their listening skills and learn to work together as a team.

Instrumental

Our students have the opportunity to study various musical instruments such as keyboard, drums, violin, flute and accordion. Along with learning the notes, music theory and ear training are also taught. Students have the opportunity to play as a soloist or as part of an ensemble. Classical to contemporary styles of music are taught.

Dance

Dance classes give students an opportunity to learn basic dance steps as well as develop their ability to creatively express themselves through movement. Through these classes, original choreography is developed and rehearsed for public performances.

Drama

In drama classes, students work on developing their stage performance skills including stage presence, vocal projection, development of character, movement on stage, and how to work as a team to tell a story theatrically through improvisation. Actors perform at Hope University special events such as our annual holiday production.

Music Therapy

Music therapy is a very important aspect of our program. Many people with disabilities respond to music and blossom through the vehicle of music. Music therapy helps with language and speech development, social skills and more. Music therapy students often come to Hope University for their field work, observation hours and site training.

Special Projects

We actively pursue professional level performing arts projects for the students of Hope University. One such project garnered Hope University grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, the California Arts Council, Department of Justice, the Allergan Foundation, and the Pacific Life Foundation. The project was a collaboration between the artists of Hope University and the performance art ensemble, MLuM, led by director, Marco Schindelmann. Out of that process, an original multi-media performance and sound art piece entitled, Beau Monde Float, Thirteen Six Views of Sound Beauty was created.

Academics/Life Enrichment

Academics classes are offered to our students to encourage the development of independence and everyday living skills. These classes include reading, math, money skills, and computer skills.

We also offer a selection of classes that go beyond the arts and academics. These life enrichment classes introduce new experiences and opportunities to our students that they might not otherwise have. For example, our program currently offers knitting, yoga, and nutrition among the other many life enrichment classes. These classes however, do rotate and change periodically depending on the needs of the program and the interests of the students.

FAQs

Where is Hope University located?

800 S. Lemon Street, Anaheim, CA 92805. We are located in Orange County, Southern California, near Disneyland.

What are the hours of operation?

The day program operates from 8:30AM - 2:30PM, Monday-Friday.

Are part time schedules accepted?

Yes, we have individuals who attend 2 - 5 days per week.

What is a typical day like?

There are five classes per day. Each class is 50 - 60 minutes long with a 10 minute break in between. There is a 1 hour lunch period.

Is the schedule the same every day?

Each day is different to provide a wider variety of curriculum for our individuals.

Do you serve hot lunches?

No, individuals bring their own lunches. Microwaves and refrigerators are available to be used with supervision from the staff. We also have a student store which offers a variety of food items.

Do you operate year round?

Yes, observing recognized national holidays.

What ages do you serve?

Individuals are 22 years and over.

What disabilities do you serve?

All developmental disabilities are served as long as individuals are ambulatory, capable of handling all of their personal needs and have no current aggressive behaviors.

What is your staff:individual ratio?

Staff:individual ratio is 1:8.

Is talent in the arts required for admittance?

No, however, individuals must have a strong interest in the arts.

Is there a fee to attend?

Yes, tuitions are paid by regional centers, scholarships or privately by families.

Are you funded by regional centers other than Orange County?

Yes, we presently have individuals from 4 different regional centers.

Do you have residential facilities?

No, we are strictly a day program.

Do you provide transportation?

No, but arrangements for transportation can be made through Regional Center.

Do students go out into the community?

Periodic enrichment field trips are taken 4-5 times per year. Performance groups entertain in community outreach performance.

What is the enrollment process?