The Hope Project
“For the 20 junior students, first period theater was more than a class or a credit on a transcript. It was a safe place: a place of free expression, of high expectations, a place to be and to better oneself, a place of learning and of hope.”
Now in its 18th year, The Hope Project provides mindful arts education to 12 schools/organizations, reaching over 1,000 students, ages 2-98 years. Diverse populations are served in the program – school children ages 2-18, homeless youth, the elderly and veterans.
The Hope Project teaching artists–dedicated individuals who are passionate about sharing their artistic gifts–are the core of the program. Each teaching artist works closely with their students, combining art instruction and art making, while integrating life skills. The goal of The Hope Project is to develop creative citizens who learn teamwork, compassion, communication, respect for diversity, and problem-solving abilities that are essential to the success of growing communities and businesses.
2019-2020 Community Partners
Early Learning (18 mos–6 yrs)
House of Tiny Treasures (5-year partner) is SEARCH Homeless Services' education program that provides developmentally focused childcare for pre-school children whose families reside in area shelters and other housing programs. Hope Stone provides creative movement classes.
Small Steps Nurturing Center (7-year partner) is a non-profit organization that provides early childhood education to economically at-risk children in the inner city. Hope Stone provides creative movement classes.
Elementary (K–5th grades)
Clemente Martinez Elementary School (new partner) is part of HISD and serves a predominately Hispanic and African American student body, with 98% from economically disadvantaged homes. Hope Stone provides dance, music and theater classes to the entire school.
Middle SchooL (6th–8th Grades)
Marshall Middle School (2-year partner) is part of HISD, located on the north side of Houston, and serves a predominately Hispanic student body, with 97% being economically disadvantaged. Hope Stone provides music, photography and performance/digital art classes.
Post Oak Middle School (3-year partner) is located in the Museum District and stresses community service to its students. Ten 8th graders participate in a multi-generational theater class with senior citizens at Village of River Oaks and Brookdale West University, both adult independent living community partners.
High School (9TH–12Th Grades)
Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory School of Houston (7-year partner) is a Catholic high school for students of all faiths from economically challenged families. Hope Stone provides an improvisational dance class to 11th grade music and art students.
Northside High School (new partner) is part of HISD, located in the Northside neighborhood just north of downtown Houston, and serves a predominately Hispanic student body, with 94% being economically disadvantaged. Hope Stone provides drumming and performance/digital art classes.
High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (4-year partner) is dedicated to providing a balanced program of rigorous training in the arts and challenging academics. Ten 10th graders participate in a multi-generational dance class with senior citizens at Brookdale West University.
Elderly/Multigenerational (with pre-, middle and high schools)
Brookdale Senior Living Solutions (5-year partner) senior citizen residents participate in a multi-generational dance class with pre-school students from Small Steps Nurturing Center as well as HSPVA dance students, and a multi-generational theater class with students from Post Oak Middle School.
Village of River Oaks (2-year partner) senior citizen residents participate in a multi-generational theater class with Post Oak Middle School and multi-generational dance class with students from the Houston Ballet Academy. Hope Stone also provides monthly dance workshops with Memory Care residents through a collaborative partnership with the Hobby Center Foundation’s heARTS connect program.
Combined Arms (4-year partner) is a weekly drumming class for servicemen and women, along with a movement class provided for their children. The class offers the opportunity to explore expression through music and learn the value of their own individual talents and artistry. These classes are made possible through the Hobby Center Foundation’s Discovery Series On-The-Go program.