Introducing the “Garden of Hope”
New Hope for Kids is an organization whose mission is to support children and families grieving the death of a loved one and to grant wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses in Central Florida. The organization achieves its mission through two programs – The Center for Grieving Children and Wish for Kids – which provide assistance to children and their families during some of life’s most difficult challenges. Each year, approximately 400 children and their families participate in the healing activities and support found at our Center for Grieving Children. The Wishes for Kids Program grants as many as 50 wishes per year to Central Florida children with life-threatening illnesses. Programs are available to children ages 3-19 who live in the Central Florida area. Learn more about New Hope for Kids.
The Garden of Hope (shown below) is a multi-use play area and memorial garden, which Collage joyfully constructed for New Hope prior to the Covid Pandemic. The completed garden sat vacant for the last two years waiting for New Hope to open their doors to the children who receive counseling services. And this March, the community gathered for the much-anticipated grand opening celebration.
“It’s our honor to support the important and inspiring work being done by New Hope for Kids, we hope the Garden of Hope provides a safe and inviting space for years to come.” says Steve Pinyot, Executive Vice President, The Collage Companies.
David Joswick, Executive Director of New Hope for Kids, shares of the design and construction experience, “Elena Pathak of KTH Architects once looked at the large backside parking lot at New Hope for Kids and imagined an outdoor space that would continue the indoor healing atmosphere of their children’s grief program. She knew GAI Consultants would embrace the vision and create a plan to make it a reality.” he continues, “Collage Companies came on board to help turn that parking lot into a beautiful space for meaningful reflection and healing in the lives of grieving children, a space in which they can also play and make new friends while they process the death of their loved one. New Hope for Kids is forever grateful for the team effort that turned this vision into reality.”