Hope Academy, a southside school for recovering addicts, will host a virtual fundraiser Sunday to help keep its educational program tuition-free.
The school has 28 students, and enrollment typically ranges between 25 and 45 students. The academy, which is the only substance abuse recovery high school in Indiana, spends about $24,000 to educate each student. While the school receives about $16,000 per student in state funding, the school itself is responsible for the other third of that funding, said Rachelle Gardner, executive director.
Along with providing tuition-free education to its students, Hope Academy also provides free transportation for students in Marion and surrounding counties, including Johnson County, she said.
“We’re hoping to raise about $50,000 that will go toward the educational program we offer our kids,” Gardner said. “That covers about six or seven students, but through the community and philanthropy, we raise the difference between that.”
Rafael Sanchez of WRTV will emcee the fundraiser, which will feature musical performances by Matt Butler, Jennie DeVoe, Two Eight and Work Horse, all of which are committed to the mission of substance abuse recovery, Gardner said.
“It’s a pre-recorded program of five musicians who picked a song,” Gardner said. “Students listening to the song can talk about how it resonates with them, and what their pathway at Hope Academy has meant to them.”
Students will also share their stories, and a slideshow created by a graduating senior will be on display, she said.
“This is the first time we’ve done this and it’s a new experience for us,” Gardner said. “I’m super excited about the connecting between the arts. The words mean a lot to students and how words impact them in their journey through addiction and recovery.”
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The Sounds of Hope
What: A virtual fundraiser for Hope Academy, a southside school for recovering addicts.
When: 7 p.m. Sunday
Where: Online
Register at: soundsofhopeconcert.eventbrite.com
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