Without the expertise, experience and dedication of The Hope Center staff our grandson would not have become the person he is today. It was a privilege and honor to have served on the Board of Director’s and observe first hand the work it takes to make a difference.
Jim Applegate
I have been working, in some capacity, with individuals who are on the autism spectrum for over 25 years now. In all those years I have not seen a place like The Hope Center. This school attends to the whole child. Each student is learning not just academics, but also social skills, coping skills, and executive functioning skills. The Hope Center is truly an amazing place, with an equally amazing staff of dedicated experts.
My son Ben is the autism spectrum and was struggling in mainstream school. He was eloping from the classroom, daily meltdowns and wasn't able to transition to school or leave the school. We found the found the Hope Center through a passed paraprofessional of Ben's, Miss Nikki. She worked with Ben in elementary school and was working at the Hope Center, she said it would be a great fit for him. We set up a tour with Joanne Sweazy and as soon as we entered the classroom we knew we were in the right place. From day one the change in Ben's behavior has been amazing, we still have tough days but we now have the tools and resources to work through them. He is happy and making gains. He is respected and treated as an individual, they see him and all the things he is capable of. Will there always be challenges, of course, but having a safe and positive environment has gotten to place I never thought we could get to. Everyone at the Hope Center is there because they have a passion for working with ours kids. The administration, paraprofessionals and teachers make it the truly amazing place that is it.
Hope Center for Autism is an amazing organization! My son has been impacted in such a positive way by attending Next Steps on Wednesday afternoons at Hope Center.
Joanne Sweazy, who heads up Hope Center has been a part of Connors journey since he entered school in Martin County. Many of Connors teachers and paras throughout his school years, are at Hope Center and all of them have been instrumental at getting Connor to where he is now. I trust every single person at Hope Center and see the love and devotion they have for all of the kids who are on the spectrum. So thankful for each one!
Love love love this school.My son gets out every morning at drop off to an amazing staff with smiles on their faces! The Hope Center has the best staff who are so devoted to their students and help them both academically and socially meet their goals . Both teachers and administrators are so approachable and listen and try to help in anyway the can ! The new building is great and has the newest technology and is extremely clean and so welcoming! I can’t think of a better place I would rather send my child on the Autism Spectrum!
A school like no other in Martin county. Teachers and staff who are making a difference in the lives of our community.
My son belongs to the social group for young adults who mentor middle school students. The group has boosted his morale and confidence in order to succeed in college. The change in him has been one of "the light(s) at the end of the tunnel". Thank you. Mary Harding
My son was diagnosed with ASD at age 3. The doctors advice was to enroll him in a school that specialized in ABA therapy as early as possible. Hope Center worked with him for 2 years with the goal of mainstreaming him to traditional school if possible. They adapted a program for him that reinforced his strengths and gently corrected his weaknesses with love and kindness. Through their efforts, my son learned to love school, to develop his communication skills and is now attending a mainstream school at grade level and thriving. Their early intervention unlocked his full potential and gave him the initial coping skills that so many of kids on the spectrum have difficulty moderating. I am and will be eternally grateful for their guidance and support in navigating the best programs and outcome for my child and all those that come into their care.
Our grandson has been going to The Hope Center for Autism for 3 years. What a difference the school has made in Derek not only in his education which he is doing phenomenal. But also in his development to
be a caring, understanding, thoughtful young man. We are so proud of Derek, and so GRATEFUL and THANKFUL to the school and each and every member of The Hope Center Family!
Sincerely,
Michael, Sue and Kim Bartoli