Home of Hope Timeline

  • 1968, Private, non-profit opened its doors to serve eight individuals
  • 1969, Residential facility filled to capacity for thirty-five individuals
  • 1970, Facilities expanded to a capacity for forty-eight individuals
  • 1971, Additional 7,500 square feet, Learning and Recreation Center developed
  • 1978, New wing for thirty-five individuals with enlarged kitchen and dining facilities
  • 1979, Twelve acres purchased for recreation, horticulture, maintenance and parking
  • 1980, Gymnasium enlarged with the construction of music room and pool
  • 1984, Two group homes constructed north of campus
  • 1987, Donation of 115 acres northwest of campus – Wodloe Meadows
  • 1988, Workshop and Thrift Store opened in downtown area
  • 1989, Construction of four six-bed group homes in four sectors of Vinita
  • 1990, Community-Based Supported Living Program created
  • 1991, Community-Based Supported Employment Program created
  • 1992, Fishing pond developed at Wodloe Meadows
  • 1993, Development of the first two Intermediate Care Facilities for the Mentally Retarded (ICF/MR) six-bed program in Oklahoma
  • 1994, Picnic Shelter built at Wodloe Meadows with handicapped accessible facilities
  • 1994, Vocational Integrated Community Awareness program developed in Vinita, Pryor and Claremore
  • 1994, Received first HUD grant for $1.4 million to build four six person homes in Vinita and Hope Housing of Vinita, Inc was incorporated
  • 1995, Received second HUD grant for $1.3 million to build four six-person homes in Miami and Hope Housing of Miami, Inc was incorporated
  • 1995, Received grant from Warren Foundation to construct and furnish one six-person home
  • 1996, Grand opening of the four Hope Housing of Vinita ICFs/MR six-bed homes
  • 1997, Grand opening of the four Hope Housing of Miami ICFs/MR six-bed homes
  • 1997, Grand opening of the Dawson house
  • 1997, First private agency in state & only one of four agencies nationwide to downsize large institution, from 94 people to only 16 people living under one roof
  • 1998, Remodeled portion of New Hope to create family dining area for 16 people
  • 1998, Converted picnic shelter into a building for leisure time opportunities for all individuals at HOH
  • 1998, Completion of largest fundraising campaign in Home of Hope history, $800,000
  • 1999, Grand opening of Hope Industries in industrial park
  • 2000, Conversion of gym into Ruth Smith’s Training Institute for HOH employees
  • 2000, Creation of In-home Supports Program
  • 2001, Creation of Community Living Supports Program
  • 2001, A 10,000 square foot commercial storage unit added to Hope Industries
  • 2001, Creation of a Wildlife Habitat to include 45 acres of Wodloe property
  • 2001, Creation of a waterfall on Wodloe Island dedicated as Cathy’s Place in honor of board member, Cathy Kellough
  • 2001, Construction and dedication of Douglas J. Schwartz Living Foundation Greenhouse
  • 2002, Acquired Rogers County Work Training Center in Claremore
  • 2002, Received third HUD grant for $1.6 million to build six three-person homes in Claremore, and Hope Housing of Claremore, Inc. was incorporated
  • 2003, Received fourth HUD grant for $1.6 million to build six three-person homes in Catoosa (3) and Owasso (3), and Hope Housing of Green Country, Inc. was incorporated
  • 2005, Construction of two 8-bed homes for residents of New Hope
  • 2005, Construction of new building for Rogers County Training Center
  • 2005, Grand Opening of the six three-person homes of Hope Housing of Claremore
  • 2006, Grand Opening of the new building at Rogers County Training Center
  • 2006, Grand Opening of the two new 8-bed ICF/MR’s – Wodloe House and Macklanburg House
  • 2006, Grand Opening of the six three-person homes of Hope Housing of Green Country
  • 2009, Grand Opening of new resale store in Vinita
  • 2009, Grand Opening of new resale store in Pryor
  • 2010, Rogers County Training Center partnership with City of Claremore and Metropolitan Environment Trust for public recycle site
  • 2010, Relocation of resale store in Claremore
  • 2011, Grand Opening of resale store in Disney
  • 2013, Construction of Covered Riding Arena for Equine Program
  • 2013, Expansion of three ICF/MR homes in Vinita
  • 2013, Grand Opening of resale store in Chetopa
  • 2014 , Grand Opening of resale store in Fairland
  • 2015, Grand Opening of resale store in Miami
  • 2015, Opening of Distribution Center and Last Stop Shop
  • 2016, Opened Hornet’s Corner Snack Bar
  • 2016, Grand Opening of Centsible Apparel, Etc. in Vinita
  • 2016, Opened Centsible Business Services and Supplies in Vinita
  • 2016, Relocation of resale store in Claremore