Eligibility
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EH, a young adult, attended Will's Hope in 2018 and said: "I am appreciated. Will's Hope gave me ... opportunity... and (I am) seen as a regular human."
Young Adult Eligibility (partial list):
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Ages 18 to 30+;
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Has a diagnosis of emotional, cognitive, mental health issue and or related disabilities/conditions, may have had/has an IEP;
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Is able to follow instructions, is stable, language and behavior are appropriate;
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Wants to attend Will's Hope, wants to learn;
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Disabilities/condition affects self-esteem, self-confidence and may mask individual strengths;
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May seem aloof and unable to engage peers and older adults;
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Has a track record of good behavior;
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Is able to hike at least 3 miles with an elevation gain of 600 feet and can help other participants during various activities;
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Will's Hope promotes independence, the building of self-confidence, self-esteem, & self-advocacy; as well as promoting individual passions & strengths;
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We currently have a limited capability for persons that also have physical disabilities;
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Personnel attending the Advanced Programs must be able to hike 5 miles with an elevation gain of 1,000 feet;
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The Advanced Program also requires higher academic skills than the regular Will's Hope program;
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Advanced Program applicants must have successfully completed the regular Will's Hope Program and passed an interview prior to receipt of an application for the Program.
Please see "Resources" page/tab for more info.
Applications: Applications for 2025 programs will be available in January 2025 for the summer 2025 Programs. Prior to receiving an application first time prospective participants are interviewed with the family/caregiver to determine if they are eligible. In person face to face interviews with parents and young adults are preferred. Eligible persons then complete an application. After review of the application a second interview is conducted.
Acceptance is based on the individual having an acceptable application and passing the second interview. Contact Sarah Squire at 719-210-5808 for any questions. Returning participants must also be interviewed prior to receipt of an application. A medical physical dated 1 Jan 2025 or later is required for all participants.
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