Unlocking Hope Foundation

06/10/2026

💙 A huge milestone is taking shape at UABL, and it's only possible because of the support of our community through Unlocking Hope Foundation! 💙

Today, the back fence for our future sensory-friendly outdoor play space was installed. While it may look like "just a fence," it represents so much more for the children we serve. It is the first major step toward creating a safe, secure, and engaging outdoor environment where our learners can run, play, explore, and build important skills.

This project has been years in the making. Our current outdoor space has long been limited by a lack of shade, safety features, and sensory-friendly accommodations. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and supporters, we are finally beginning to turn that vision into reality.

There is still more work to do. Future fundraising efforts will help us add a playground pad for tricycles and chalk activities, playground equipment, shade structures, and other sensory-friendly features. But today, we are celebrating progress.

Every donation to Unlocking Hope Foundation helps create opportunities, experiences, and environments that allow individuals with autism and developmental disabilities to thrive.

Thank you for believing in our mission and helping us build something truly special—one step at a time. 💙

03/08/2026

🪿 Meet the Unofficial Mascot of Unlocking Hope… the Silly Goose! 🪿

Around here, we believe something simple but powerful:

✨ It’s okay to be different.

Our Silly Goose has quickly waddled its way into our hearts and into our community. A little goofy, a little bold, and completely comfortable being exactly who it is — which is exactly the message we want every child and family we support to feel.

At Unlocking Hope Foundation, we celebrate individuality, neurodiversity, and the beautiful differences that make every person unique.

So if you see a silly goose pop up in our shirts, events, or posts… now you know why. 💙

Because sometimes the best reminder is this:
🪿 Be kind.
🪿 Be proud of who you are.
🪿 And never be afraid to be a little silly.

https://www.unlockinghopefoundation.com/product-page/silly-goose-club-it-s-okay-to-be-different-sweatshirt

Welcome to the Silly Goose Club.

Celebrate individuality, kindness, and a little bit of silliness with our Silly Goose Club “It’s Okay to Be Different” sweatshirt. This design features a playful lineup of unique geese, each showing their own personality—from cool and confident to music-loving and full of heart. It’s a fun...

12/15/2025

🚨 Just 3.5 hours to go! 🚨

Join us tonight at 6:30 PM for Inside the IEP on Zoom — practical guidance, real answers, and community support. 💛

✨ Don’t forget to join us — we can’t wait to connect with you!

👇👇 LINK BELOW 👇👇
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87947265981...
Password: 804099

12/10/2025

🌟 Inside the IEP: SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT 🌟

👋 Meet Alena Edwards

We’re thrilled to welcome Alena Edwards, an exceptional leader in special education and student services, as one of our workshop presenters! ✨

🎓 Alena previously served as the Director of Student Services for DuPage High School District 88, where she oversaw programming and supports at both Willowbrook High School and Addison Trail High School. She is now the Student Services Coordinator in West Chicago District 33, continuing her dedication to ensuring that all students receive the support they need to succeed. 🙌

With a career grounded in impact — from teaching special education and coordinating 504 plans, to leading ESY programs, coaching Special Olympics, supporting PBIS initiatives, and developing student leadership — Alena brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to families navigating the IEP journey. 💙📘

📚 Education & Credentials:
• B.A. in Psychology – University of Michigan
• M.A. in Special Education + Administrative Credentials – Lewis University
• Director of Special Education Certificate coursework
• Continuing education at Augustana University

✨ We are so grateful for Alena’s generosity — a huge thank you to her for donating her time and expertise to support our families and this event!

We can’t wait for you to learn from her at our Inside the IEP workshop!

12/09/2025

Navigating the IEP process doesn’t have to feel overwhelming — unlock the tools and knowledge you need to confidently advocate for your child.

11/27/2025

🍁 Happy Thanksgiving from the Unlocking Hope Foundation! 🧡

This Thanksgiving, our hearts are especially full. We are incredibly grateful for the families we serve, the children who inspire us daily, and the supporters who make our mission possible.

To our donors, volunteers, partners, and community members: thank you for believing in our vision. Your generosity fuels our mission, drives our fundraising efforts, and brings us one step closer to creating safe, sensory-friendly spaces and expanding access to evidence-based services and assistive technology.

To our families: thank you for trusting us, sharing your stories with us, and allowing us to walk beside you. Your strength and resilience inspire everything we do.

May your day be filled with warmth, connection, and gratitude. 🦃🍂 From the bottom of our hearts — thank you for helping us unlock hope, one child at a time.

🧡 With deep appreciation,
Unlocking Hope Foundation