Our Story

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Let me tell you a little more about Holly and HHH. The "Holly" of Holly's House of Hope is Holland Wrobbel, a young woman with Down syndrome. Holly is named after, "Welcome to Holland", written by Emily Perl Kingsley. Holly's parents found this story comforting when Holly received a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome. The story acknowledges the shock and uncertainty people experience when receiving such a diagnosis, but doesn't dwell on this. Rather, the author encourages us to see all the unique things about Holland.

Holly attended school in Highland, Illinois, and her dream job was to work with clothes. Finding a place willing to work with her was difficult, but when the folks at the Mosaic Free Store took a chance and said yes, things went so well that it was literally transformative to all. Eventually, a new non-profit was born to create similar opportunities for more exceptional people like Holly. Now, Holly's House of Hope is partnering with the City of Highland and area businesses to create other vocational opportunities because all members of our community have abilities and can make meaningful contributions and, together, we are stronger.