Dear Friends of Hope

For more than 56 years, Hope has supported Alaskans who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities by centering our programs and services around inclusion, relationships, and meaningful lives. This year, we’re beginning work on a new storytelling project that reflects those values and focuses on what’s possible when people are seen for who they are.

This upcoming project, called Abilities in Abundance, will highlight the lives, skills, interests, and contributions of people who choose Hope’s services across Alaska. Through personal narratives, portraits, and short videos, our goal is to turn away from labels or diagnoses and focus on strengths, passions, and everyday lived experiences that make each person wholly and uniquely them.

Only when we choose to see ourselves and others through a lens of abundance do we make room for possibility instead of limitation.

As planning continues, we look forward to inviting the people Hope supports, along with their families and guardians, to share their stories if they choose. We also anticipate a future opportunity to collaborate with an experienced photographer and/or videographer whose approach aligns with person-centered, inclusive storytelling.

This project is made possible in part through support from the Alaska Humanities Forum. The Forum works statewide to strengthen communities by connecting people, ideas, and stories through the humanities, and we’re grateful to be partnering with them on this project that elevates human experience and belonging across Alaska.

We will share more details in the coming months, including ways to get involved and express interest in participating. For now, we’re excited to begin this work and grateful to our community for continuing to believe in inclusion, diversity, and abundance.



Karen Fritsche

Communications & Grants Manager

Black History Month

February 2026

February is Black History Month, and this year's theme is “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” marking 100 years of national observances dedicated to honoring the lives and achievements of African Americans. This milestone is an opportunity to not only reflect on history, but also to consider how Black history continues to shape our communities today.

Black History Month began in 1926 by historian Carter G. Woodson, and has grown into a month-long observance that encourages learning, dialogue, and reflection across the country. February was chosen to align with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, two pivotal figures in the abolition of slavery. Now and throughout the year, we acknowledge and appreciate the lasting influence of the Black community in culture, art, education, field, profession, civic life, social movements, and the everyday experiences that shape our shared society. This includes recognizing the 5.6 million Black Americans living with a disability.



As we observe Black History Month, we encourage everyone to take time to learn and engage with the stories and voices that have helped shape our shared history—and to continue building a community of inclusion and belonging for all.

Art Night: Needle-Felting

February 6, 2026

There are still 8 spots open at next Friday's Hope Studios Art Night! Sign up to learn the art of needle felting and create a textile portrait inspired by Alaska cotton blossoms. In this beginner-friendly class, participants will learn essential needle felting techniques and create a framed textile portrait of cotton blossoms to take home.

The class will be led by guest art instructor, Judy Potts. Judy is a lifelong Alaskan and has been a DSP with Hope Studios for about six years. She has 10 years of experience in needle-felting and fiber arts, and gets great pleasure teaching and watching people light up with the knowledge of new art techniques.

Art Night: Bleach Painting

February 20, 2026

Learn how bleach can be used like paint to create bold designs, soft gradients, lettering, and patterns on fabric. This class is for beginners and experienced artists alike. You'll receive step-by-step instructions on the safety basics, design planning, and application, and you'll leave with both new skills and a finished one-of-a-kind hoodie with your own design on it.

The class will be led by Denali Ray, a Community Engagement Specialist with Hope and long-time artist. Denali loves to learn different art mediums and espeically enjoys being able to wear her own designs. This will be her first time teaching an art class and she is very excited.

Night to Shine

February 13, 2026

Night to Shine is an annual prom-night experience, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation and hosted by churches around the world, created to celebrate people with disabilities. The event is open to anyone living with disabilities, ages 14 and older, and honored guests are treated like royalty with red carpets, music, dancing, and personalized support from volunteers. The event is designed to affirm dignity, belonging, and the message that every person is valued and loved.

Night to Shine requires the help of volunteers and is a wonderful way to connect with and serve your community of people with special needs. From serving as a guest’s buddy or member of the red carpet paparazzi, to keeping the enthusiasm up on the dance floor or serving food, there is something for everyone.

Galentine's Brunch

February 14, 2026

On February 14, Galentine’s Day gets a bold new twist with Anchorage’s first-ever sing-along brunch party!

Join your besties at 907 Alehouse & Grill for a sing-along, laugh-too-hard brunch experience you won’t forget. This fundraiser is presented by Hope, and it’s serving brunch and vibes with the incredible host Nicky T. and high-energy DJ Lefty bringing all the throwback hits you cannot stay quiet to. Singing loudly is not only allowed—it’s encouraged. The event runs until 2:00pm and may include interactive games, competitions, and other fun surprises throughout the afternoon.

Tickets are $40 per person and include a delicious brunch buffet. Whether you’re celebrating Galentine’s Day, a birthday, or just a Saturday with your favorite people—this isn’t just brunch . . . it’s a party and you’re the star!



This fundraiser is proudly presented by Hope Community Resources and AK Brunch.

Key Campaign

March 18-19, 2026

The Key Campaign is Alaska’s annual disability advocacy campaign, led by the Key Coalition of Alaska. Each year, the campaign brings together Alaskans with disabilities, family members, providers, staff, and advocates to strengthen disability rights and advance policies that expand opportunity, access, and independence across the state.

If you would like to participate in Key Campaign visits with local legislators, sharing issues that affect you, your family, or someone you know, simply register.

Full Lives Conference

April 16-17, 2026

The UAA Center for Human Development's Alaska Training Cooperative, in collaboration with the State of Alaska Senior and Disability Services, the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, and the Stone Soup Group, is pleased to present the 25th annual Full Lives Conference for direct services professionals and care coordinators.

The 25th Annual Full Lives Conference is seeking proposals for break-out sessions inspired by this year's theme: "Honor. Celebrate. Advocate.” Submissions should use evidence-based best practices to motivate and educate professionals working with Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority beneficiaries: people who need support due to behavioral health, developmental disabilities, substance misuse, Alzheimer's and related dementia, and traumatic brain injuries. Each presentation will have a 60 or 90-minute time frame. Completed proposal applications must be submitted by 5 pm on Friday, February 23, 2026.

Take Care of YOU: Building a lifestyle that supports you

"Fast forward to 12 months from now and picture the best version of your life. Consider the areas that matter most to you—relationships, health, self-care, recreation, career, spirituality. Imagine that your habits, routines, and choices have supported you in the best possible way. Now, identify small, realistic steps you could start taking now to move closer to that vision."

For this and more "Take Care of YOU: Wellness Bulletins," visit www.hopealaska.org/wellness.

Pick.Click.Give.

As you apply for your Permanent Fund Dividend by March 31, make a HOPEful difference for Alaskans who experience disabilities by making a Pick.Click.Give. pledge to Hope.

Donations made through Pick.Click.Give. are used to directly benefit the people and families who choose our services. These funds support home improvements such as entry ramps and accessible bathrooms; recreation and Alaskan adventures like our Community Engagement Summer Camp; inclusive community events such as Disability Pride; and community engagement programs and classes such as art, nutrition, fitness, photography, dance, and more.

Career Opportunities at Hope

We are actively looking for passionate people to join our team. If you or someone you know would be interested in one of the following careers, please apply below or reach out to our Hiring team at 907-433-1730.

• Direct Support Professional, Anchorage & Wasilla
• Direct Support Professional (Weekend Relief), Kodiak
• Travel Direct Support Professional, Anchorage
• Assisted Living Home Supervisor, Kenai
• On Demand Support Specialist, Kenai
• Community Engagement Facilitator, Anchorage
• Behavioral Health Technician, Anchorage
• Behavioral Support Professional, Anchorage
• Maintenance Specialist I, Anchorage