Welcome to H.O.P.E. Research and Development Foundation and Nonprofit
Healing Optimistic Progressive Environmental
About Us
Our Mission
HOPE: Healing Optimistic Progressive Environmental -
Immersed in Nature's Healing Power
A nonprofit focused on promoting mental health in children with abuse and neglect histories through immersion in nature.
Our Purpose
HOPE Research and Development Foundation is designed to promote healing and encourage optimism through progressive work in the natural environment.
Being in nature is often considered relaxing and rejuvenating. Studies have repeatedly shown that exposure to nature can reduce stress and anxiety, increase emotional well-being and resilience, and may help with emotional reactivity in children.
Being surrounded by nature can also evoke a sense of wonder, or awe. Awe gives people a different perspective, allowing them to think less about themselves and more about the broader world and how we are all connected, and encourages prosocial behaviors. Research continues to investigate the power of awe, but so far has found increased well-being and optimism, self-awareness, emotion regulation, and desire to create meaning from the awe-evoking experience.
There is nothing quite like getting in the water with wild dolphins to inspire awe and feel immersed in nature. The goal of this dolphin therapy program is to use the sense of awe and empowerment from having intelligent, wild, creatures choosing to interact to create meaningful change.
This program will allow children who have been through some of the most difficult experiences we can imagine, to have the opportunity to use awe to help them process their past, learn to love themselves and control their emotions in the present, and reach their full potential in the future.
Our History
HOPE Research and Development Foundation was first conceptualized in 2014 when I had the opportunity to swim with wild dolphins as part of a research project in Belize. The experience was life-changing, inspiring me to want to share similar dolphin therapy experiences with underprivileged children, especially those with emotional and behavioral disorders. I started graduate school the following year, earning a certificate in Human-Animal Interventions in 2017 and a Ph.D. in 2020 after completing dissertation research on the impact of dolphin interactions on children's mental health. I was able to work with Water Planet for part of my dissertation research and quickly realized this was the perfect company to collaborate with to make my dream of connecting children with wild dolphins a reality. After graduating and a COVID delay, I moved to Florida and started the process of setting up the nonprofit.
HOPE Research and Development Foundation was established as a Florida nonprofit corporation in May 2022. Currently, HOPE Research and Development Foundation is focusing on fundraising opportunities. If you are looking for charities to donate to, this is it!
Get Involved
Our nonprofit survives based on tax-deductible donations from people like you! No amount is too small.
Donations over $50 will receive a bumper sticker. Sponsoring a child/adult pair ($1,600) will earn you a bumper sticker; special announcement on the website; and four-hour dolphin tour!
EIN 88-3425591 for tax-deduction.