Grand Rapids – Hope Network is proud to announce the opening of a second residential home for individuals with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS), on Grand Rapids’ Northwest side. This home was renovated
to meet the needs of adults living with PWS, a complex genetic disorder in which individuals have a constant feeling of hunger due to a flaw in the hypothalamus in their brain. Hope Network is the
only agency in Michigan with special certified residential programs serving individuals with this unique diagnosis.
“For nearly five decades Hope Network has leveraged state
and local support to build innovative programs that solve some of our communities’ greatest needs -- needs that would otherwise be unmet and unrecognized,” said U.S. Congressman Justin Amash,
(R) 3rd District. “The expansion of the Prader-Willi Program is yet another example of the great work Hope Network is doing within our community.”
Hope Network’s Elmhurst Home, which opened two decades ago,
has successfully served this population and has remained at full capacity.
“We continue to receive inquiries for our Elmhurst home, but
our beds are full,” said Phil Weaver, President and CEO of Hope Network. “There is such a need in the community for this population that using our experience to open up another home to serve
this population seemed like an obvious next step.”
“Hope Network’s experience and expertise in solving
specialty health care needs in our community is a wonderful example of investing in our community,” said Senator Mark Jansen (R) 28th District. “We are pleased Hope Network
has stepped up to meet this community challenge.”
In the past, Michigan Community Mental Health agencies have
been forced to make placements outside the state due to the few options for care in Michigan, but Hope Network’s new home will allow individuals to be placed closer to their families.
The newly renovated Kinney home is a 4-bedroom, 2 bath
home. With a new addition expected, it will add an additional 2 bedrooms, another bathroom and an exercise room. People with PWS have a chronic feeling of hunger that can lead to
excessive eating (food and non-food items) and life-threatening obesity. The urge to eat is physiological and overwhelming, difficult to control, and requires constant vigilance. This program
provides the supports and structure necessary to create opportunities for individuals to live as independently as possible.
“Hope Network has been a tremendous asset for the West
Michigan community for nearly 50 years,” said Representative Lisa Posthumus Lyons, (R) 86th District. “A dedicated program in Walker for individuals with PWS is another example
of Hope Network’s value to our community.”
About Hope Network:
Hope Network is a non-profit Christian organization founded in 1963 to empower people with disabilities or disadvantages to achieve
their highest level of independence. We provide a continuum of specialized care for those with brain and spinal cord injuries, mental illness, developmental disabilities, substance use
disorders and other disadvantages. Our support services include transportation, subsidized housing, case management, community based services and workforce development. Hope Network cares
for the whole person addressing the social, mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. With corporate offices in Grand Rapids, Hope Network provides services in 180 plus locations, by
2,300 staff to people in more than 50 counties. Hope Network serves about 20,000 people throughout Michigan. For more information, please visit www.hopenetwork.org.
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