Nothing is more precious than the innocent faces of children. I recently encountered three such faces sitting across from me at a toddler table during their afternoon snack time at Hope House. I tried to get smiles from Angel, T.J. and Christopher, with my own silly faces and smiles, but they were unimpressed with my efforts. Or maybe they were still sleepy from their nap. Regardless, as I looked into their faces, I couldn’t help but wonder what their lives were like and how often they really do smile.

A tour of Hope House and conversation with its dedicated director, Elizabeth Dupont, EdD, gave me some insight into the lives of these children. Because while HIV is not a class-specific disease, it tends to be more prevalent among impoverished individuals -- and with that comes a life exposed to more violence, substance abuse and hunger.

Hope House in Memphis is one of only seven of its kind… in the world. It is a comprehensive social services organization devoted to effectively serving the needs of those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. Their mission is, “To improve the quality of life of HIV-impacted children and their families by addressing their educational, social, psychological and health needs.”

Founded in 1995 by the Junior League of Memphis, Hope House was launched as a day care for children affected by the HIV/AIDS virus. Today, the day care has grown from five children to 18 children with three teachers and a bus driver. They also have a licensed pediatric nurse on hand for emergencies and to make sure that all medication schedules are met.

Angel, T.J. and Christopher are in the Hope House day care/early childhood education program for children from six weeks to five years. It is a NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) accredited program. They get two meals (breakfast and lunch) and a stable environment to learn and grow. There is also “Play Therapy” to assist children who have been traumatized. Play Therapy helps them express emotions and vent aggressions.

Hope House also takes care of many adults – some of whom are parents of the day care children there. There are classes on parenting, finance, health and nutrition, social and language skills that may help them get better employment, violence prevention and more. There are also support groups, emergency financial assistance, and healthcare coordination. The full list of programs and services is on their website, www.hopehousememphis.org.

Community Outreach

Part of the mission of Hope House is to educate our community on HIV/AIDS. In spite of the fact that HIV/AIDS is more than 30 years old, there are still misconceptions about the disease and how it is spread. Even though this is a medical audience, there may be some of us who need this short refresher:

HIV is NOT spread through touch, tears, sweat or saliva. In addition, you cannot get HIV/AIDS by:

Breathing the same air as someone who is infected

Touching a toilet seat or doorknob

Drinking from a water fountain

Hugging, kissing or shaking hands with someone who is HIV positive

Sharing eating utensils

Using exercise equipment at a gym

About 16 percent of men and 78 percent of women become HIV positive through heterosexual contact.

HIV/AIDS IS spread via infected blood, semen, vaginal fluid and breast milk.

How Can You Help?

Donate. Hope House is a 501C (3) organization. It costs a million dollars a year to keep the doors open. Any amount you can spare would help create a better world for these disadvantaged families. Please give as generously as you can. You can mail a check to Hope House, 23 Idlewild St S, Memphis, TN 38104. Or there is an online donation form on the website.

If you’re compelled to give a more tangible gift, some of the things they need are:

Cleaning Supplies: Lysol/Clorox wipes, laundry detergent, dryer sheets, dish soap

Kitchen Supplies: Tri-fold paper towels, foil or plastic wrap, paper (not Styrofoam) plates, trash bags

School Supplies: Markers, paint, paint brushes, paper (colored, construction, poster) backpacks, books, puzzles (ages 1-5)

Office Supplies: Printer paper, “Forever” postage stamps, clear page protectors, three-ring binders

Other Supplies: Toilet paper, canned food, gift certificates that can be used at local grocery stores, clothing for children – 6 weeks to 5 years.

For more info and things needed, visit www.hopehousememphis.org/giving.

Volunteers are needed to be classroom helpers, aftercare helpers, participate in games and crafts and to ride the bus home with children. They also need help keeping the lawn clean and mowed.

Celebrity Readers: Nurses, Doctors, Hospital Executives, Medical Practice Managers, come share a few minutes and read a story to children.

Or, do you have a special talent you can share with or teach the children? Music, dance – want to organize a talent show?

If you’re interested in volunteering, there is a volunteer form online at www.hopehousememphis.org/volunteer

I encourage everyone to go take a tour and see what Hope House is all about. And be prepared to have your heart strings tugged by children like Angel, T.J. and Christopher.

Do you have a favorite non-profit or charity you’d like to see spotlighted in Memphis on the Mend? Send it to me at pamela@memphismedicalnews.com.

Participate in a Special Event to Benefit Hope House:

Caitlin’s Help for Hope 5K Run – March 28, Harbor Town Square, Mud Island

Hope House Classic Golf Tournament – April 28 – Chickasaw Country Club

Art for Hope – Coming Fall 2014 – Clark Opera Center

Hope House Open House – December, 2014

See more details at: www.hopehousememphis.org/events.