REGINA — Hope’s Home is celebrating its 20-year anniversary on Nov. 1, but its concept started well before 2005.
Back in 1993, Jacqueline Tisher’s daughter, Acacia, lived with spina bifida, a neural tube defect where the bones of the spine fail to develop completely, leaving an opening and exposing the spinal cord; and hydrocephalus, a condition where there is an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the skull, causing increased pressure on the brain, spent roughly two of her 18 years in the hospital.
As a pediatrician, Tisher experienced both the personal and professional challenges of supporting a child while working.
Acacia eventually passed away, but Tisher’s compassion and efforts continued as she started adopting children with medical needs.
Tisher adopted a young girl named Hope and advocated for her to come home from the hospital, but ran into barriers.
“Her medical needs were so high, we needed a nurse to be with her so I could continue working.”
Tisher eventually advocated for nurses to work in her home and realized this wasn’t an immediate option.
After getting sick in the hospital, Hope passed away at 10 months old.
“I think that moment, raising Acacia, and having Hope inspired what is called Hope's Home today.”
The organization first started inside Tisher’s home in Regina, becoming a licensed day care for children with medical needs.
“We run like a typical childcare, except that we have nursing, we have our physical development consultants, who can provide those therapies,” said Tisher.
Hope’s Home also runs several supported living homes, including a space in Regina along College Avenue.
“We care for kids with medical needs that live with us from birth till 18, and also we provide palliative care in those homes.”
Tisher believes all children have a purpose in life.
“So our goal here at Hope's Home is to make every day as beautiful and wonderful and as fun as possible.”
Since its inception, Hope’s Home has expanded into Saskatoon, Prince Albert and Warman.
Tisher never expected the organization to grow beyond their College Avenue location.
“I thought we'd helped all the kids. I didn't realize the number of families that needed support, the number of children that needed help.”
“Even today, I look at our wait list in Regina and look at our wait list in Saskatoon, and the need is a little overwhelming.”
Hope’s Home is currently working on completing its $8.6 million capital project for it's new inclusive childcare centre in Saskatoon.
"So we have that potential to provide medical care for kids on our waiting list.”
Tisher also hinted at Hope’s Home expanding to other provinces.
“[We’re] trying to figure out that model of care and how it will work in other provinces. So we'll see.”
Reflecting on Hope’s Home journey, Tisher got emotional when asked about how Acacia and Hope would feel about the spaces.
“I think Hope would be very, very proud of the legacy she's created. Both her and Acacia. It's amazing to live 10 months and make such an impact on the heart of another person that you want to make a difference.”
Tisher said having Acacia and Hope in her life taught her to live with intention and purpose every day.
