NORFOLK, Va. — Dorothy Clark first came to Hope House Foundation to receive services as a person with disabilities.
Today, she sits on the nonprofit's board.
"When I first came to Hope House, I was afraid to even move two feet away from the staff. Now, I actually have my own car," Clark said. "And if it wasn't for the people... from Hope House to believe in me and encourage me to be able to do those things, I would not be doing any of the things I do."
Hope House Foundation provides support to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities exclusively in their own homes and apartments.
"We support people from the... mildest disability to the most severe," Clark said.
Executive Director Shannon Pociask said the nonprofit typically provides support to about 130 people at a time.
"It really is about what do you need to live successfully and breaking those barriers and addressing those concerns and, truly, people being safe in the community," Pociask said.
Through Hope House Foundation, adults with disabilities live in homes and apartments, with their own name on the lease, in established Hampton Roads neighborhoods. Staff members are on-site to provide customized support and services when needed.
Pociask said communities are better off when everyone in them participates, including people with disabilities.
"They want to be your neighbor. They want to be your coworker. They want to volunteer," Pociask said. "And we just have so many wonderful people who make the community better when we're all involved."
Clark agrees, sharing that "it's about giving to the community as a whole. At the end of the day, the community as a whole is what brings us together."
Since moving into her own place, Clark has formed relationships with her neighbors and regularly takes part in community events. She said it's important for people to have as much control over their day-to-day lives as possible.
"We want all people with disabilities to be able to get out and live a life, just like a person without a disability," Clark said, "and not always have to look at our challenges but look at our things that we can do."
Proceeds from funds raised by the foundation provide tools, services, and wants for people with disabilities in their homes. Pociask said it also allows the group to advocate for equality with lawmakers.
"We have a group called Our Voices... They go to meet with legislators, they go to Richmond, and say, there should be more providers, more options for people with disabilities in the state," Pociask said. "And so, it's not just about Hope House. You're giving to those we support to support more people."
Clark is a member of Our Voices. She also submitted artwork in previous Stockley Gardens Arts Festivals, which Hope House has hosted since 1984.
All of her accomplishments, she said, would not have been possible without the support and encouragement she received from the nonprofit.
"We have to be able to decide that we want to make changes not just for [ourselves] but for others," Clark said. "When it comes down to it, we're all humans. We all have our weak points, and we all have our strong points. So, I thank Hope House for bringing me to the life that I live now."
Hope House Foundation wants to partner with more organizations that can provide affordable housing and jobs for adults with disabilities. The nonprofit also needs more volunteers for upcoming events. The community is also invited to visit the Hope House Thrift Shop on Monticello Avenue in Norfolk.
You can support Hope House and more than 200 other local nonprofits on Give Local 757 Day, which is Tuesday, April 23. You can also donate now ahead of the largest single-day fundraising event in Hampton Roads.
In 2023, people across the region raised more than $1.8 million for local organizations. Click here for a list of groups you can support this year.