A club dedicated to advocating for members of the disabled community, Friends4Hope connects with students from Hope School, a school for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. From their recent Hope Homecoming on Oct. 21 to participating in Hope School’s Track or Treat on Oct. 28, they engage with Hope Students through fun and interactive events.
Inviting students from Oxford and Hope School, Friends4Hope hosted Hope Homecoming in the Oxford gym with basketball games, dances, and Candyland-themed decorations. A grand night to remember, it is considered one of the club’s largest events. Seniors Brianna Ngyuen and Christina Ngyuen, the presidents of Friends4Hope, aspire to cultivate a welcoming, unforgettable experience for people from Hope School.
“[Hope Homecoming] helped [volunteers] interact with disabled kids, raise awareness with the community, and build a stronger relationship with them,” said Christina Ngyuen.
In October, Friends4Hope visited Hope School for Track or Treat, where volunteers handled track events and prizes for Hope students. Cheering students on, volunteers also ran sensory activities for students that weren’t able to participate in physical events.
At general meetings, Friends4Hope educates on intellectual and developmental disabilities, explaining their difference from mental illnesses and the importance of understanding this to remove stigmas. Offering lifelong skills and beautiful memories, Friends4Hope builds an inclusive family to connect with disabled students.
“The biggest thing about Friends4Hope is when you join , you feel really good about spreading awareness and helping the community,” said Brianna Nguyen. “It’s great for making memories for the Hope students and for us.”
