Hopkins House board chair Mark Eisenhour, president J. Glenn Hopkins and host committee chairman Robert Hicks raise their glasses in an anniversary toast. Photo by Tisara Photography
With a mission to “Build the foundation for the future,” Hopkins House in Alexandria celebrated 75 years of success on Nov.1.
Hopkins House, a non-profit learning center, has provided academics to preschooler’s, camps for adolescents and has helped young adults establish a career path since its establishment in 1939.
J. Glenn Hopkins, president and CEO, said that alumni from Hopkins House have gone on to become doctors, lawyers, judges and engineers.
“We really define our success by the success of those that come through our doors. Meaning, we look back at some of our alumni who go on to be very successful. The great things they do for the community and the world mirrors the dedication of our facility,” Hopkins said.
“The people who have been apart of our legacy remember it as a very special place, a home for children in the community. In the later years, the impact we have had intellectually on children is unheard of,” he said.
The school not only helps preschooler’s, but it also helps teenagers and young adults without a college degree gain an early child certificate. By participating in this program, young people are able to break the cycle of poverty, receive medical benefits and improve the early childhood profession.
In honor of 75 years of service and success, the house hosted a masquerade ball as a way to celebrate and raise funds to help parents who cannot afford childcare on their own.
“We are committed to making sure those families who cannot afford childcare receive some sort of assistance in giving their children an education and a better life,” Hopkins said.
The school also celebrated the expansion of a third center opening.
“We believe we have a great product with the service provided to children. We want to make sure it is available to as many children as possible,” Hopkins said.
Erin Cosgrave is a parent who sends her son Dillon to school everyday at the Hopkins House, and she says the facility provides him with a safe learning environment.
“My son loves going to school, and I can thank the wonderful teachers for that. They provide a stimulating learning environment, and that has been a direct influence on who my son is today. He has learned how to play with others, be polite and empathetic all while having fun,” she said.
Cosgrave and her husband decided to enroll their son in Hopkins House after hearing rave reviews from close friends who also had their children in school there.
“The school's great reputation in the community, combined with the fact that it is a year-round school, helped us make our decision. Leaving my child for the first time in the hands of strangers is the hardest thing I have ever done. The teachers at Hopkins House made the transition easier, through their attention to Dillon and to us as parents,” she said.
Cosgrave believes the 75th anniversary means that Hopkins house has reached a significant place in the community.
“It is well established, and continues to provide for our children. I look forward to being a part of its continued growth. We are expecting our second child in April, and have already signed him up to begin as an infant in July 2015,” she said.
For more information visit www.hopkinshouse.org.