In 1985 the Children’s Wish Program was founded as a not-for-profit charity and is the longest running wish program in Central Florida. Children’s Wish was created to provide hope and a once in a lifetime experience to children fighting a life-threatening illness. New Hope for Kids Wishes for Kids Program continues the legacy by providing wishes for children that other organizations, in the Central Florida area, are not able to serve.
Wishes for Kids grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses who have not yet reached their 19th birthday nor had a wish previously granted. A life-threatening illness is defined by New Hope for Kids as any illness which will in all likelihood shorten the child’s full life expectancy.
Although the Wishes for Kids Program is not able to cure the life-threatening illnesses of their wish children, it is proud to grant wishes and go beyond the wish – offering support, resources and community for these special families. New Hope for Kids Wishes for Kids Program uses it’s resources to lighten the burden for the wish child and their families strives to improve the quality of time remaining in the child’s life.
New Hope for Kids Wish program is unique for the following reasons:
- FOCUS
Unlike other wish-granting organizations, New Hope for Kids Wish Program is not affiliated with a national organization, but is an independent, locally based charity that focuses on Central Florida children. Occasionally a wish is granted out of state, but 90% or more are granted right here. That means the money that is raised by Central Florida community members goes right back into our economy. New Hope for Kids does not receive funds from State or Federal reimbursement and is not a United Way agency. - FOLLOW-UP
Because most of our wish recipients live in the vicinity, New Hope for Kids is able to provide additional services and support beyond the wish itself. We call ourselves the New Hope Kids Family, because we join together for regular activities to have fun, share resources and provide emotional support. These activities are designed to prevent the isolation and sense of hopelessness that often accompanies grief and illness. Families help each other while forming lasting relationships. - FLEXIBILITY
New Hope for Kids is able to meet a wide spectrum of needs through wishes and community resources. We follow guidelines, but consider each wish on a case-by-case basis to ensure that the child’s best interests are being met.
When New Hope for Kids grants a wish to a child, it can last a lifetime! We take the wish one step further through attention to special needs, resource information, the New Hope for Kids “family” and nine annual enjoyable events.
