Holly's House of Hope offers training, jobs to Highland residents

Published: May 03, 2024

Author: Dave Bell

A recent tour of Holly’s House of Hope in Highland gave special education majors in Greenville University’s School of Education a first-hand introduction to the facility’s unique workplace skills training program.

The program was launched several years ago by E. Duff and Tammy Wrobbel of Highland after their daughter, Holly, showed an interest in working in the fashion industry. Holly, who has Down Syndrome, had applied to work in several stores, but was never hired. As a result, her parents created Holly’s House of Hope to give her – and others like her – some on-the-job training and practical work experience.

During their day at Holly’s House of Hope, the GU students actively engaged with the clients, imparting life skills and identifying potential job opportunities that match each client’s abilities.

Holly’s House of Hope works with local businesses to set up clients in apprenticeships. When those jobs are found, the matching business pays half of the client’s wages and Madison County picks up the other half. The hope is that those apprenticeships will turn into full-time or part-time jobs.

Crystal Foles, Director of Teacher Education at GU, said the tour of Holly’s House gave Greenville University students exposure to inclusive education and showed how community businesses can be involved in job creation programs.

Drake Rutledge, a GU junior majoring in special education, added that he was surprised by the center’s impact on the community. “Holly’s House of Hope trains students in job skills as well as basic life skills. That gives them the tools to pursue whatever career they want to. This is the kind of organization I want to embrace when I get into my teaching career, because I’ve seen how it helps the students attain their goals.”

The School of Education at Greenville University is passionate about graduating educators who are prepared to provide inclusive education to their students. Contributions to the experiential learning fund through the Rise Up campaign allow for transformational experiences like this one.