The Hope Institute for Children and Families has been a leading provider of evidence based, innovative care for children and young adults with multiple disabilities.  A Springfield dentist and his wife, Dr. and Mrs. Charles E. Jordan, founded the Hope School in 1957.  The School began in a modest six-room house.  By 1958, the School moved to a large home.  In 1960, there were 16 children and a need for more space.  The lake property was acquired and ground was broken for the new facility and current campus.

The Hope Institute for Children and Families is a private, not-for-profit, multifaceted educational, residential, health services, research, and training provider focused on supporting youth and families to reach optimum growth, independence, and joy.  The Hope Institute serves more than 115 children (ages 5-21) with multiple disabilities, including autism. 

The Mini-O'Beirne Crisis Nursery Center was founded by volunteers in 1989.  Its mission is to prevent child abuse and neglect by providing emergency, temporary care, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for children who may be at risk or whose parents are experiencing some type of crisis.

Children ages birth through six years are cared for in a loving and nurturing homelike atmosphere free of charge by child care workers and loving volunteers.  While they are at the Nursery, care is given to see that they participate in age-appropriate play and learning activities as well as socialization with other children and adults.  Developmental and medical screenings can be provided in addition to referrals for education, psychological, medical, dental, food, and clothing sources.