Community Partner SPOTLIGHT: hope house
Your names: Stephanie Crumb & Kimberly Rose
Your position: Engagement Coordinator (Stephanie) & Development Coordinator (Kimberly)
Company name: Hope House Foundation
Website: https://hope-house.org/
Phone Number: 757-664-1052
Business Address: 801 Boush Street, Suite 302, Norfolk VA 23510
Industry: Nonprofit (Individual and Family Services)
Pronouns: She/Her
Describe what hope house foundation is and does:
At Hope House Foundation, we believe neighborhoods and communities are enriched when everyone in them participates to the fullest extent possible. And that includes people with disabilities. We believe that citizenship should not be limited by the attainment of certain skills, but is a right that belongs to us all.
We believe that this right can only be fully enjoyed when people have as much control over their day-to-day life as possible. And that includes living in one’s own home, with one’s own name on the lease.
We believe that with the right support, even people with complex disabilities can live successfully in their own homes.
We believe in care that is customized to each individual’s needs and desires, enabling everyone we support to live a life of choice, rather than circumstance.
CHOICE. BELONGING. HOME.
At Hope House, these are not just abstract concepts. Through our services, our community participation, and our advocacy, we make these ideas reality, each and eve
tell us about yourself and your work in the organization.
Stephanie: I am a mother of four that grew up in the Tidewater area. I live in Virginia Beach and have worked as a direct support professional for the last 10 years in Hampton Roads. In short, I support adults with disabilities in living their everyday needs and desires. Sometimes it’s messy, hard, and takes a while. Every day is different and takes a lot of commitment. Some days I work with as many as 10 people supported and many other DSPs. This could include setting up smart technology and training its use, creating accessible homes/communities to further someone’s independence, supporting advocacy and human rights, learning something new, finding routine, establishing boundaries, building confidence, meeting someone different, house tasks and so much more. I have held many roles, built many relationships, and shared many stories. Reasons I choose to stay and continue being a dsp are that I love to encourage the big ideas, figure out smaller steps to get there and prove to the people I support and the nay sayers that absolutely anything can be possible with the right support.
Working alongside anyone whether they have a disability or not, whether we stay in or go out, whether we spend money or create moments from what’s around us, that is my community. It has taken a long time to figure that out. I am happiest when I am helping others succeed at small details to create bigger pictures. Then when they share those with others it creates an even greater feeling of accomplishment and pride. I’ve been extremely lucky in finding a workplace that allows me to continually build community every single day.
Kim: Originally from Connecticut, I will be celebrating 20 years at HHF in September (on the 21sT). I started out as a Community Support Coordinator, where my focus was to find ways for the individuals I supported to be better connected to their communities. This included Keep Norfolk Beautiful, the Norfolk SPCA, assisting with reciprocity with friends, and family, among many other connections. Community looks different for each individual. For many, many years I led cleanups at Barraud Park in Norfolk. I was a Team Leader after that, leading a team of Direct Support Professionals, and passing on the importance of connection and community for the individuals we support. Four and a half years ago I moved to the Development Team, even doing some recruitment and retention for the HR Department. You might see a pattern here that I love connecting with people.
When Stephanie told me about the partnership with the ERT I was all in. I knew it was something I’d be passionate about and I’d be able to share that passion with others. I believe there is so much we can accomplish working together. We support a bunch of individuals who also love volunteering and showing up for their communities. This partnership has allowed me to see parts of the trail I had never been to or enjoyed. In my free time you can find me reading, at the beach, or at a Farmers Market getting fresh produce for my rabbit!
how did you get connected with the elizabeth River trail?
Stephanie: The ERT has always been a hop, jump, and a skip away…straight down the street and around the corner I can catch the Tide or view the river itself on a workday. When the trail was looking for committee members to join DEI, a person I supported lived minutes from the trail and he was super excited to join and share all his knowledge on how to make sure the trail stays accessible for all. Together we started building rapports and traveling the trail often and taking notes. Since then Ive been trying my best to stay connected with what is going on at the trail. I share the information with those I support and even assist a beautification group that joins the trail on second Saturdays at 1030a. We are not a large group but it’s important that we do what we can when we can. There are always plenty of smiles to be had on the trail.
Kim: I have taken quite a few yoga classes at the Pagoda, enjoyed more Tides game sand Harborfest events than I can count. Also, I enjoyed sound baths in Stockley Gardens Park along with attending and working many Stockley Gardens Arts Festivals. The ERT had been more of a hobby in the past but in the short time I have been volunteering I have made an extra effort to stop and appreciate the beauty of the ERT. I started checking the Little Free Libraries along the trail and added books when they are low.
given your background and the nature of what you do, what benefits do you feel the trail has for the community?
Stephanie: The trail is always asking for feedback on how to be better, more inclusive, and more accessible to more people. I love that everyone involved tries to reach out and understand so many of the different cultures and aspects of life in order to find ways to bring more people outside. Whether your neighborhood sits on the trail, is a few blocks away, or even outside the Norfolk city, the ERT is ready to be part of your community. They want you there. It really is something for everyone.
Kim: I have seen the community show up to do several beautification projects. People of all ages and backgrounds. There is something for everyone to be included. There is connection in these events as well as a sense of purpose. While working on projects on the trail so many people thank you as you are working so you get to see firsthand how important the trail is for the people using it.
what’s your favorite trail moment?
Stephanie: My favorite trail moments have been strolling anywhere from the Pagoda to NSU. Looking at the sites and taking pictures or just talking to family, friends and those I support. The Tides Games are absolutely so much fun and you must definitely make sure to catch one. Then of course I will never forget that I was able to volunteer and be part of a mini scavenger hunt where I assisted visitors with temporary tattoos.
Kim: This is so hard to pick because there are so many. Harborfest is so lively and unique. Then you have yoga which is so relaxing and there is so much beauty around you while you are doing something good for yourself. And I will not forget my first time volunteering on the trail! I left feeling accomplished and it was really nice having so many people thank us for what we were doing. I also took a pup from NACC to Bark in the Park and we got to walk along the ERT hoping to find her her forever home. That was a cool experience and she lasted the entire Tides game.
favorite trailgrazing spot?
Stephanie: Unfortunately I have not gotten to take in many of the amazing eateries around the trail. I have been to Lamia’s Crepes and they were beyond wonderful. The customer service, the making of the food right in front of you, it was all very cool and delicious. My daughter is always asking to go back and is excited it will be around the corner from her college.
Kim: Orapax- great food, atmosphere, service, and drinks! I could probably eat there every day.
Best view of the Elizabeth River from the trail?
Stephanie: My favorite views so far on the ERT (since I still have not traveled all of it) are from the Armed Forces Memorial. It really is a place where you can think about so many things in life but then also turn around and watch the sun escape in the distance and boats on the water. It is a place that makes you remember to be a part of life.
Kim: I don’t really have a favorite but I probably have the most photos of sunsets near the Pagoda or the USS Wisconsin.