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 17th year, The Hope Project provides mindful arts education to 9 schools/organizations, reaching over 1,100 students, ages 2-98 years. Diverse populations are served in the program – school children ages 2-18, homeless youth and the elderly.
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 not to create professional artists, but rather to create 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.
2018-2019 Community Partners
Early Learning (18 mos–6 yrs)
House of Tiny Treasures (4-year partner) is SEARCH Homeless Services' education program providing 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 (6-year partner) is a non-profit organization providing early childhood education to economically at-risk children in the inner city. Hope Stone provides creative movement classes.
Elementary (K–5th grades)
Browning Elementary School (3-year partner) is part of HISD, serving a predominately Hispanic student body, with 95% of the students from economically disadvantaged homes. Hope Stone provides dance, music and theater classes to the entire school.
Middle SchooL (6th–8th Grades)
Marshall Middle School (new partner) is part of HISD, located on the north side of Houston, serving a predominately Hispanic student body where 95% are economically disadvantaged. Hope Stone provides music, spoken word and dance/performance art classes.
Post Oak Middle School (2-year partner) is located in the Museum District and stresses community service to it students. Ten 8th graders participate in a multigenerational theater class with senior citizens at Brookdale West University, an adult community partner in the program.
High School (9TH–12Th Grades)
Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory School of Houston (6-year partner) is a Catholic high school for students of all faiths from economically challenged families. Hope Stone provides music classes five days a week. Students receive credits toward their diploma for these classes.
High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (3-year partner) is dedicated to providing a balanced program of rigorous training in the arts and challenging academics. Ten 10th graders participate in a multigenerational dance class with senior citizens at Brookdale West University.
Elderly/Multigenerational (with pre-, middle and high schools)
Brookdale Senior Living Solutions (4-year partner) residents participate in a multigenerational dance class with pre-school students as well as HSPVA dance students.
Village of River Oaks (new partner) residents participate in a multigenerational theater class with students from Post Oak Middle School.