Frequently Asked Questions
What is Generations of Hope?
Generations of Hope was started in 1994 to support families adopting children from foster care. It does this through its planned neighborhood—Hope Meadows. Generations of Hope is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and licensed foster care and adoption agency.
It uniquely meets two of today’s most pressing social challenges — children in need of families and older adults in search of purpose.
What is Hope Meadows and who lives there?
Hope Meadows is Generations of Hope’s planned intergenerational community. Located in Rantoul, IL, it utilizes housing on 22 acres of a converted military base. This community includes approximately 12 Hope families, 50 children, and 60 older adults who live there in individual apartments and family homes. A small staff also works in the community.
What are the main goals of Hope Meadows?
- To provide extended support to families who have adopted children from the foster care system and to provide purpose and meaning in the lives of older adults at Hope Meadows
- To inform policy, legislation, and practice regarding the adoption of
children from the foster care system, post-adoption support, and
successful aging.
How do I join the Hope Meadows community?
For an application to become a Hope Senior or a Hope Parent, please share your contact and background information on the Contact Us page of this website.
How is Hope Meadows funded?
Initially Hope received over 70% of its funding from the State. Today it receives less than 20% of its revenue each year from the State of Illinois — other revenue sources include grants, senior housing rental income, donations, etc. See our current financial summary.
What is the difference between a Hope child and a foster child?
- An adoptive family and an exit from foster care
- Sibling groups kept together
- Many “grandparents” next door
- On-site therapy as needed
- A safe, diverse, caring community
Is long-term foster care an acceptable outcome for Hope children?
Absolutely not. Children trapped in foster care often experience multiple placements, fall behind developmentally, sibling groups are separated, and educational, emotional and behavioral problems mount. Within a caring, intergenerational community, families can receive the support they need to adopt successfully many of the waiting children who would, otherwise, have a high probability of aging out of the system. Children at Hope find permanent adoptive families.
Are parents screened before being invited to live at Hope Meadows?
Prospective Hope parents go through stringent screening and background checks, including fingerprinting and in-depth interviews.
Are there special events planned for the children?
The community teems with activities, utilizing the gifts of time and experience brought to the program by the older adult residents who live there. At Hope, there is an after-school program and many summer recreation options. There are also regular community gatherings to celebrate holidays, birthdays, and other special events. Hope also periodically sponsors intergenerational trips that are fun and educational for all generations.
What is the future for Hope Meadows?
As Hope Meadows moves through its second decade, efforts are underway to develop a teen program and to improve architectural features and policies to make it possible for the older adults to remain in apartments in the community as they age. For more information on aging in the Hope Meadows community see our White Paper and the Hope House page of this website.