Agency Information

Mission Statement

The mission of NU-HOPE is to promote the physical, emotional and economic well-being of seniors and caregivers through leadership, advocacy, education and the provision of services. More specifically, the goal of NU-HOPE Elder Care Services is to:
  • Enhance quality of life for seniors and caregivers in our community,
  • Protect the rights, sense of dignity and self-worth, and security of seniors,
  • Assist seniors in maintaining their independence and ability to remain safely in their own homes, and
  • Prevent the unnecessary or premature placement of seniors in nursing homes or other institutions.

What We Do

NU-HOPE strives to enhance the lives of seniors and caregivers residing in the community. This is accomplished by advocating on their behalf, raising awareness of aging issues, establishing a strong aging-services resource network, and providing quality programs and services. Our services are targeted to seniors (ages 60+) who are at risk of further decline or institutional placement and who do not have the necessary support and assistance from other sources. People served by NU-HOPE typically include those who have a condition which affects their ability to provide self-care, are nutritionally at risk, or are at risk due to social isolation.

Among the services available through NU-HOPE are home delivered meals, congregate meals, nutrition education and counseling, homemaking, transportation, personal care, respite, emergency alert response, caregiver support, consumable medical supplies, crisis energy assistance, and case management.

About the Agency

NU-HOPE Elder Care Services, Inc. (NU-HOPE) is a private 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of seniors and caregivers and preventing unnecessary institutional placements of the elderly.

NU-HOPE coordinates and provides grant-subsidized services to residents ages 60 years or older who reside in Highlands and Hardee County, Florida. Additionally, we advocate for seniors rights and services and provide leadership, expertise and guidance to organizations throughout our community.

NU-HOPE is recognized by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs as the Lead Agency for the provision of home and community based services in Highlands and Hardee County. NU-HOPE is also the primary provider of Older Americans Act funded services and coordinates a variety of other community supported programs.

Our History

In June 1975 our organization was formed as a 501(c)(3) private not-for-profit organization; Services-Over-Sixty, Inc. At that time we provided Homemaker service, Home Delivered Meals and Information and Referral through a federally funded grant. Two years later we were successful in obtaining the Title III Older Americans Act Nutrition Grant. As a result, we were the sole sponsor of the Highlands County Nutrition Program and began providing additional services of Congregate Meals, Nutrition Education, Outreach and Recreation, Nutrition Counseling, Escort and Transportation.

In October 1980 Services-Over-Sixty, Inc. and the Highlands County Nutrition Program merged and subsequently formed an organization known as NU-HOPE of Highlands County, Inc. (Services-Over-Sixty, Inc. was dissolved).

Approximately 9 months later NU-HOPE of Highlands County, Inc. was the recipient of a Florida State General Revenue Grant known as the Community Care for the Elderly program. Through this grant new services were added; Personal Care, Respite, Medical Transportation and Adult Day Care service.

In October 2005, the NU-HOPE of Highlands County, Inc. board of directors voted unanimously to change the name of the organization to NU-HOPE Elder Care Services, Inc., in order to better align the name with the mission of the organization. In 2009, NU-HOPE Elder Care Services, Inc. expanded its service coverage area into Hardee County in order to fill the gap left when the existing agency ceased operations.

Diversity Statement

As NU-HOPE Elder Care Services strives to achieve our mission, we do so with a firm commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Those who join us in our efforts include members from a variety of backgrounds and who bring the diverse pool of talent, insight and experience needed to move our vision forward. This concept extends to those we serve, directly and indirectly, as well as our staff, volunteers and community partners. We value the uniqueness and individuality of all members of our community, and including such in all we do makes our entire community stronger and better for all.

Funding

Funding for our subsidized services is primarily obtained through Federal, State and local government and community grants; community donations; fundraising events and net proceeds from sales at our thrift stores. As a result, clients enrolled in these programs are able to receive services at no cost or for a low, sliding scale fee.