From these humble beginnings grew a thriving community of service and support that is the Hi-Hope of today.

Our History

Over 60 years ago, Nell Moses wanted the very best for her child. She turned to the Lawrenceville Jaycees who embraced her and helped open a school focused on the needs of developmentally disabled children. Hi-Hope Service Center was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit in 1960. It was founded by the parents of six young students (one being Nell's child) from Gwinnett County - one of the first organizations in Georgia to teach children with intellectual disabilities. Mrs. Vinie Lowry became Hi-Hope's first paid teacher in 1961, hosting the school on her property for the first 7 years. Under the stalwart leadership of Mrs. Lowry, and support from many parents and the greater Gwinnett community, construction of a "special needs school" was completed in 1970. In the late 1990s, when all student programs were integrated into the public school system, Hi-Hope successfully transitioned to an organization supporting adults with developmental disabilities.

In 2015, Hi-Hope entered into a strategic partnership with the Enterline Foundation that has secured our future of service in Gwinnett County and allowed us to enhance our ability to serve individuals with developmental disabilities. That partnership was renewed in 2020.

What We've Achieved

Here are some of our many accomplishments: