OUR STORY

The High Hopes Head Injury Program . . .

 was started in 1975. This one-of-a-kind non-profit charitable organization is dedicated to the rehabilitation and retraining of loved ones who have been devastated by traumatic head injuries.

Conservatively, one million six hundred thousand head injuries are estimated to occur annually in the United States. There are about 22,400 traumatic brain injuries in California alone each year. On average, seven million dollars will be spent over a lifetime for the rehabilitation and care of each survivor. Automobile, motorcycle, stroke, and sports related accidents cause the majority of head injuries. Although head injuries range from mild to severe, more than 50,000 victims each year are left with severe physical and cognitive impairments. For any individual and family faced with the prospect of significant life-changing disabilities and lengthy rehabilitation, the task often feels overwhelming to say the least.

High Hopes Head Injury Program has been and will continue to be a bastion of hope for those facing difficult financial problems as it is the lowest costing program of it’s kind in the nation. In addition, High Hopes offers scholarship assistance for many of our students otherwise unable to afford a program. High Hopes is able to offer financial assistance through fund-raising by direct donations and events like the annual Eric Marienthal and Friends benefit Concert.

Our physical programs include conditioning classes, therapeutic swimming at a local pool, nautilus weight training at a local gym, and physical therapy. We also include rehabilitation activities for cognitive and social challenges. Other services include vocational art classes, pre-vocational training, music classes, community activities, independent living classes, occupational therapy and speech therapy.

High Hopes has been the answer and the hope for hundreds of families faced with the difficult task of getting help for their loved ones whose lives and dreams have been devastated by an unexpected traumatic head injury.

High Hopes provides a unique and successful Day treatment program. At High Hopes, skills thought lost forever are regained. High Hopes’ goal is to provide the best and lowest cost program to as many people who need help.

SERVICES

High Hopes is a full day service Treatment program licensed by the State of California.

Program and Services:

High Hopes is a full service non-profit charitable organization providing a unique comprehensive program which includes the following Services…

Cognitive Rehabilitation:

Provides a learning environment to retrain all levels of cognitive skills. Each Student is taught strategies adapted to their ability which enables them to meet cognitive and social challenges.

Cognitive Computer:

Further enhances cognitive retraining utilizing adaptive computer equipment and programs to facilitate learning.

Physical Programs:

A unique array of physical programs:  Conditioning Class, Nautilus Weight Training, Therapeutic Swimming and Physical Therapy.

High Hopes services also include:

• Cognitive Re-Training
• Occupational Therapy
• Physical Therapy
• Speech Therapy
• Physical Programs
• Art Classes
• Pre-Vocational Training
• Music Classes
• Re-Socialization Programs
• Cognitive Re-Training Computer Assisted Instructions
• Case Management

 

Professional Instructors provide programs, services, and therapists who are experts in helping head injured adults regain abilities due to their accidents.  The average High Hopes staff member has at least twelve years experience in working with Traumatic Head Injured Adults. 

High Hopes is a one-of-a-kind nationally recognized program for head injured adults and their families.

A Partial List of High Hopes Endorsers

Former President Gerald Ford

Former U.S. Senator John Seymour, Tony Bennett, Mila Mason and Vanessa Williams, Eric Marienthal, David Benoit, Grant Geissman, Rob Mullins, Phil Perry, Talaya Triguero, Carl Anderson, Lou Rawls and Vesta Williams, Dennis Arena, Joe Bean, Geoff Bodine, Michael Brady, Rick Carrelli, Matt Crafton, Bobbie Dotter, Butch Gilliland, David Gilliland, Kevin Harvick, Erinie Irvan, Butch Miller, M.K. Kanke, Darrell LaMoure, DavyLee Lininger, Dusty McDonald,  Roger Meaars Jr., John Metcalf, Randy Nelson,

Lance Nortick, Eric Norris, Tony Rains, Craig Raudman, Tony Roper, Lonnie Rush Jr., Frank Steiner, Tony Toste and Randy Tolsma. Kevin McLaughlin Memorial, National Charity League Jrs., Dana Point 

Yacht Club, Robert Homan, White Brothers Racing, Shoei and Boeing.

NASCAR Drivers, Jazz Artists, and Entertainers

Our Staff:

  • Mark J. Desmond M.A. Director/Instructor
  • Tracey Desmond R.N. Case Manager
  • Diana Kabaya PHD Occupational Therapist
  • Ryan Livesay B.A. Art Instructor
  • Jenny Van Genderen B.A. Physical/Instructor
  • Orrin Vanderwarker  B.A. Cognitive Instructor 
  • Christine Makimoto M.A. Occupational Therapist
  • Fawn Le M.S. Cognitive Instructor
  • Robert McLaurin Instructional Aide
  • Deanna Evans Instructional Aide
  • Lionel Gonzales Instructor
  • Elvia Curiel Instructional Aide
  • Everardo Gutierrez Instructor
  • Mary Desmond Office Assistant
  • Monica Gonzales Instructional Aide
  • Jane Lum R.N. Instructor

Our Community Board:

  • Robert Vermes  Esq. President
  • Jennifer Partyke M.A.
  • Jeff Klein  Esq.
  • John Campbell M.A.
  • Paul Crary M.A.
  • John Houten
  • Craig Lyon
  • Judge Leonard Silberman (ret)
  • Mark J. Desmond, M.A. Director