History and Mission

Harmarville Outreach Programs and Education Network (dba HOPE Network) was incorporated on April 25, 1997, and has been determined by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to be a non-profit organization under 501(c)(3), guidelines. (HOPE Network's activities were previously conducted by Harmarville Rehabilitation Center, Inc., another 501(c)(3) public charity prior to its acquisition by Healthsouth Corporation in 1995).  HOPE Network's mission is to promote community integration and healthy lifestyles of persons with cognitive and/or physical disabilities in Southwestern Pennsylvania through education and sports/recreation programs and services that support return to healthy and productive lifestyles. HOPE Network is supported through community fundraising activities, private donations, and grants.

HOPE Network is comprised of special services and programs organized into the Healthsports and Education Programs.

The Healthsports Program offers fitness outlets and competitive and recreation sport opportunities for persons with physical disabilities to be active in life. Pediatric and adult populations are served in a manner that uniquely integrates the able-bodied family and friends into the activities. Services provided include fitness and activity assessment, conditioning and training, and sports/recreation programs including snow-ski, water-ski, wheelchair basketball, tennis, quad rugby, fitness and conditioning, adapted rock climbing, cycling, golf, and much more. Healthsports has positively touched the lives of over 2,000 disabled participants, and their families and friends, through its competitive sports and recreational programs over the past decade.

HOPE Network's Healthsports Program is the only comprehensive adapted sports/recreation program in the Commonwealth of PA, and to the same extent in the eastern United States. There are assorted sporadic adapted sports programs for one disabled sport or another, but there does not exist another business to fulfill the broad spectrum of interests for the diverse disabled population and their families and peers.

HOPE Network conducts a community education program entitled, "It's Your Choice". The program offers subject content regarding trauma awareness and prevention, disability awareness, anti-drug/alcohol information, and disabled sports experiences. The program features persons with disabilities who have successfully survived a traumatic injury and who can share personal experiences regarding the need to make appropriate choices in one's life, and how those choices can impact life. Presentations are conducted for church groups, school systems, athletic organizations, and other civic organizations throughout western Pennsylvania. The education program has been well received over the years, reaching thousands of school-age children annually. Strategic plans are set to further fund and expand this vital community service.