From the grand opening in 2012 to the present, UTH's reach has grown exponentially reaching 300 members per week. UTH currently has two locations (one in Frisco and one in Denton). Its core programs are designed to provide social opportunities, social exposure, and real life experiences to increase social awareness, emotional regulation, respect for others, and teamwork skills. This is accomplished through 3 co-ed programs for grades K-5th; 3 co-ed programs for teens in grades 6th-12th; 2 programs for female teens only in grades 6th-12th; and 3 co-ed programs for 18+. In 2020 UTH opened a suite of Transitional aged programs to specifically assist those 18+ gain financial literacy, career advancement, social status, emotional stability, and an opportunity to live independently away from their parents. UTH continues to support the family system through parent consultation; advocacy and collaboration with a member's school; and family and individual therapies.
Since 2012, UTH members have gone on to build many relationships, often making friends and feeling like they fit in for the first time. Many have graduated and are now attending vocational programs and also college courses. Those that have reached high school or young adult age have secured entry level jobs and are able to hold their job placements. Those that stay in the UTH programs for at least a year grow in independence, personal motivation and accountability, and learn to demonstrate coping skills needed to move forward in relationships. Our newest suite of 18+ programs: Basic Living Skills, Transitional and Pre-Transitional Housing programs have allowed our members to gain financial literacy, career advancement, social status, and emotional stability along with confidence to live on their own.
United Through HOPE needs are two fold: One to move away from an all volunteer based staffing model and the other is to provide additional programming for all ages as the rebuilding continues in the face of such great social needs!
Each year the need becomes greater for opportunities to socialize! United Through HOPE has been providing all day Saturday events since its inception. Prior to Covid occurring UTH was also providing summer programming during the week, Sunday programming, and Friday night programming. Then Covid came and funds and staffing disappeared. The rebuilding since 2022 has been steadily occurring and for the first 8 months of this year through grants we won we were able to provide 2 extra week half days of programming during the summer, friday night teen girls programs every month, and 2 Sundays a month extra afternoons of socializing!
UTH has existed for the past 12 years as an all volunteer based staffing agency. However, this model is no longer feasible and will soon result in a wait list for clients and potentially an increase in pricing to participate. UTH has expanded and provided services primarily through extensive generosity of dedicated volunteers, including its Executive Director, Dr. Harrier. Every year Dr. Harrier donates 40 plus hours a week to overseeing UTH's programs and various volunteers. Last year alone 71 committed volunteers (comprised of graduate, undergraduate, high school, and non-school) provided over 28,000 volunteer hours directly to supporting UTH's weekly programs and counseling services. UTH's need is to secure funding to transition to paid positions to keep the great volunteer staff and hire more!
The mission of United Through HOPE (UTH) is to build strong leaders by focusing on the social skills, metacognitive skills, and soft skills necessary to foster resiliency, independence, and a sense of belonging. UTH believes that all individuals, regardless of disability or circumstance, have the opportunity to become strong leaders when provided with the correct support system and with support beginning in early childhood and continuing through the lifespan. The mission expanded to include transition aged, with the recent grand opening of our suite of Transitional programs including the Transitional Housing program for adults 18 and older who have high functioning social skills but still need support, guidance, and leadership to launch into the next phase of their life.
Funding for staff to continue extra programming for more social opportunities!!! Every $5,000 raised provides 1 half day of social opportunities EVERY week of the year!
A used car in good condition that we can outfit with a passenger side braking system to teach on a regular basis driving skills. We would need a back up camera already in it and for the car to have all safety needs met and Maintenace records provided.
Funding to purchase the driving instructor braking system and have it installed. Around $700
Funding to have a staff dedicated to teaching drivers education with special needs. $2500 gets us started!
General donations of items like beyblades, razor 360 bikes, and games like Dungeons and Dragons materials.
United Through HOPE is a small 503c3 nonprofit with a 2022 total revenue of $172,000 of which $112,000 was spent on building and program expenses in 2022 (using all volunteers, no staff were paid for their time). To remain fiscally responsible the remaining was saved to offset identified 2023 transition to paid staffing, material needs, and/or unexpected events that might happen in 2023 (like another pandemic or higher program and building expenses due to expected inflation).
Organization name
United Through Hope
Causes
Intellectual, Developmental, and Physical Disabilities, Mental/Behavioral Health, Social Services
Operating Budget
Less than $100,000
Counties Served
Tarrant, Rockwall, Grayson, Denton, Dallas, Cooke, Collin
BIPOC Serving
Other, Native American, Hispanic or Latinx, Asian/Pacific Islander, Black or African American
Equity Statement
Equity Statement
Address
503 Bolivar St.