Cleveland, Ohio, July 22, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CLEVELAND, Ohio - Hopewell, a therapeutic farm community for adults with mental illness, has announced a $10 million comprehensive campaign, and already has raised $5 million toward that goal.
The campaign, called "Planting Seeds of Promise," will increase Hopewell's endowment, pay for capital projects and, most importantly, provide fee assistance for families of residents (clients) with demonstrated need.
Sally Cutler (Mrs. Alexander M.), honorary chair of the campaign, said, "The purpose of our campaign is to ensure the sustainability of this remarkable resource well into the future." Gifts received during a "silent" phase over the past two years include two anonymous gifts totaling $1,850,000.
Hopewell is a working farm located on 300 wooded acres in rural Mesopotamia. All daily farm activities - from animal care to gardening, cooking and grounds maintenance - are carried out by residents and staff working together. Hopewell is the only facility of its kind in Ohio and one of only a handful in the United States. It helps adults with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, major depression and other forms of serious mental illness.
According to executive director Richard R. Karges, LISW-S, ACSW, "At Hopewell, we help individuals believe in their own potential, develop the skills they need to manage their mental illness, and transition to more independent living situations. Every day, we experience the healing power of nature, community and meaningful work. Hopewell's holistic model of care is based on our belief that everyone can find hope and experience success. Our ongoing outcome study results show the effectiveness of our model, and we see the positive results every day."
Chair of the campaign is Susan LaPine, former executive director of the Zoological Society and a member of Hopewell's board of directors. She adds, "Our campaign has received a tremendous boost. A challenge grant from an anonymous donor will match, dollar for dollar up to $1 million, any gifts or pledges received through December 31, 2014, for endowment, capital or general operating. This is a wonderful endorsement of Hopewell's mission and our campaign goal.
The campaign was announced by Hopewell's board president, Mark W. Teague, on June 20th, during Hopewell's 14th annual Summer Solstice benefit event, which was held at the Hunting Valley estate of Hopewell's founder, Clara T. Rankin. Following Mr. Teague's announcement, Mrs. Rankin urged the more than 500 guests to "Get on board with our campaign!"
Further information about Hopewell and its campaign, including planned giving options through The Cleveland Foundation, may be obtained by contacting the Development Office at 440.247.0912. Hopewell's website is www.hopewell.cc.
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