Hope Centered Illinois

Enhancing Our Communities Through the Science & Power of Hope

Hope is the belief that the future can be better than today, and you have the power to make it so.
Hope is a framework for action.
Our team has partnered with Dr. Chan Hellman and Dr. Angela Pharris and the Alliance for Experiential Problem-Based Learning at the University of Illinois Springfield to bring the Science of Hope to Illinois. When organizations implement the Science of Hope, they experience multiple positive outcomes, including: employee retention and well-being, reduced burnout and turnover, enhanced trust, communication and cohesion, and the development of programs improving the lives of clients and communities. 

What Hope Is

  • Hope is a science.
  • Hope is a cognition.
  • Hope can be taught.

What Hope Isn’t

  • Hope isn’t a feeling.
  • Hope isn’t an emotion.
  • Hope isn’t a wish.
The Science of Hope Framework
Three Pillars to Cultivate Hope & Improve Well-Being

GOALS:
Identify clear and achievable desired outcomes.
PATHWAYS:
Necessary steps to achieve your desired outcomes—a roadmap to begin your journey.
WILLPOWER:
Mental energy necessary to take the steps to achieve your goals.

Willpower without pathways is just wishful thinking. We need both to achieve goals and foster hope.
Cultivating a Hope Centered Vision Within Your Organization
Introduction Session:
Familiarity with the Science of Hope framework and the guiding principles
Executive Leadership Training:
Leadership adoption of and commitment to hope centered vision
Hope Awareness Training:
Our Hope Ambassadors will present an agency-wide introduction to the Science of Hope
Hope Navigator Training:
2-day in-depth workshop hosted by Dr. Hellman & Dr. Pharris for key staff to create a hope centered framework and develop a strategic implementation plan focusing on policy, practice, and structure changes to improve staff and client well-being
Consultation & Advising:
Hope Ambassadors will support agencies’ ongoing efforts to implement the Science of Hope as they work to achieve and maintain a culture of hope and well-being.