Daniela Scillieri spends long days hitting the books, as she studies for classes at Austin Community College, where she is enrolled as a student and taking psychology courses.
But whenever she can, Daniela Scillieri volunteers her time at Hope House of Austin. Hope House of Austin is a nonprofit that is dedicated to helping children and others who are challenged by mental or physical disabilities. Hope House of Austin provides a loving atmosphere with personalized care for people all ages, and has been helping children in need since the mid-1960s.
Since its beginnings more than forty years ago, Hope House of Austin has sought to provide unsurpassed care and love for its residents. By providing a nurturing, homelike environment, Hope House has provided compassionate caregivers for those with profound mental and physical handicaps.
As Daniela Scillieri knows, Hope House of Austin always needs volunteers, and she encourages everyone she knows to volunteer, if only for a few hours each week. The volunteers and caregivers have helped countless people in need over the years.
"A favorite activity for our residents in the hot Texas summer is cooling off in our swimming pool," one volunteer said, "and we are in need of a Life Guard to make this happen. If you know a Life Guard that would be interested please send them our way. Thank you!"
"Your support is everything!" said another. "Lets keep helping those in need!"
Another observed, "Each of the beautiful souls that lives with us is encouraged to find their own path to the highest quality of life they can achieve. Their physical needs are tended to until they can be taught how to accomplish them on their own. The teaching is done patiently, letting the learner set the pace, with a continual support from the environment."
Hope House began simply, in the garage of a woman named Rose McGarrigle. She was inspired to begin helping children with physical and mental disabilities by providing them with a safe and nurturing environment. Today, Daniela Scillieri recognizes the need for a home and place of learning for people with disabilities.