Stories of Hope
April 2025 Newsletter
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Celebrating Excellence: A Well-Deserved Recognition for
Mental Health Leadership
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Presented at the Full Lives Conference, Momodou Mboob was honored
Outstanding Professional of the Year in the field of Severe Mental Health Illness
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Dear Communications,
At many organizations, exceptional employees stand out from time to time. At Hope, it happens all the time. Our team consistently demonstrates compassion, commitment, leadership, and a heart for serving—qualities that have earned many of them well-deserved recognition over the years.
Today, we’re proud and honored to celebrate another remarkable employee's achievement.
Please join us in congratulating Momodou "Mo" Mboob, who has been named the 2025 Outstanding Professional of the Year in the field of Severe Mental Health Illness. The award was presented to Mo at this month’s Full Lives Conference.
Mo has been with Hope since 2013 and currently leads our team in Utqiaġvik as the Mental Health Resident Manager. To know Mo is to witness compassion in action. He is more than a provider—he is a pillar of strength, a trusted presence, and a fierce advocate in one of the most remote communities in the nation. He brings dignity and empathy to those he serves. Every single day.
During his acceptance speech, Mo shared a message that resonated beyond the walls of the conference, “We all have a moral responsibility to bring mental illness out of the shadow. Recovery is possible. Seeking treatment is a sign of strength, not a sign of weakness. If we take the theme of this conference seriously—building our shared future together—we can get rid of the stigma and embarrassment, advocate for adequate resources, and take some pain and give people who choose our supports a new sense of hope.” He challenged the audience to join him on this journey, his words a reminder of the work still ahead—and the courage it takes to face it.
No one knows the depth of that courage more than his wife, Jessica Elston, who works alongside Mo as a Mental Health Associate. In reflecting on his moment of recognition, she said, “This award is not just a certificate on a wall; it’s a testament to his tireless commitment to healing hearts and minds in Utqiaġvik, Alaska. Watching him be honored was a moment I’ll never forget. He wasn’t just ‘Mo the [Resident Manager]’ or ‘Mo the provider’—he was a beacon of hope for a community that too often goes unseen. Seeing the crowd rise in applause was a surreal, powerful reminder that even in the coldest corners of the world, warm hearts and healing hands are making a difference."
Those who know Mo know what Jessica means when she says that he doesn’t just listen—he hears; he doesn’t just speak—he connects.
Working in Utqiaġvik can be isolating. Life there means long winters, a lack of sunlight, limited supplies, and spotty internet—but even in solitude, Mo shows up every day, grounded and present. His impact goes far beyond his office. He mentors young professionals, collaborates with tribal leaders, and advocates for culturally competent care for Arctic communities. Because of him, clients regain strength, families begin to heal, and resilience is reborn.
Jessica said, "This award reminds us that even in the most remote corners of our country, excellence matters—and so does heart. Mo isn’t just doing a job; he’s answering a calling. And for our family, there’s no greater honor than standing beside a man who brings hope where it’s needed most.”
Mo’s leadership is creating real, lasting change. We celebrate not only his much-deserved recognition but also the consistent courage and commitment it represents. Hope's Executive Director, Michele Girault, said, "Mo's commitment to the people he supports, his team, and the community has set a standard so deserving of recognition. He is a humble leader who truly sees beyond the stigma of mental illness to support people to meaningfully contribute and succeed." Our organization and all of Alaska—especially Utqiaġvik—are better because of him.
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Special Visit from Zack Gottsagen | Zack Gottsagen, the star of The Peanut Butter Falcon, paid a very special visit to our Discovery Center and Art Studio this month! He was joined by his parents and staff from the Trust Training Collaborative, who presented at the Full Lives Conference—where Zack delivered the keynote speech. We’re all a little starstruck! Zack made a lasting impression on everyone. It was truly an honor to meet him and share more about Hope and our community with him. As a special thank you, our Hope Studio artists presented him with a handmade falcon art piece. |
| | We are grateful for the great group of students from UC San Diego who spent their spring break giving back! They traveled to Alaska for a week of service learning, and they volunteered for three days with Hope, from collaborating with our artists in Hope Studios to assisting our maintenance team. | | We love dances around here, and the recent Aloha Spring Dance at Special Olympics was no different! Thank you to everyone who attended, and to everyone at Hope, Special Olympics Alaska, The Arc of Anchorage, and Cindy and Vic's R&R, Inc. for putting it together! | | Alex Curry was honored with an Outstanding Community Volunteer award for their volunteer work with Hope Studios over the past two years. From organizing the Gallery to attending events to assisting with sales during weekend events—Alex has done it all. | | | | |
Walk & Roll for Hope
Kenai: Saturday, May 10
Anchorage: Thursday, May 15
The Walk & Roll for Hope is right around the corner! Ten days until Kenai's Walk and 15 days until Anchorage's . . . to be exact.
Thanks to our donors, sponsors, and registrants, we have now raised over $20,000 for Anchorage and $5,800 for Kenai! Thank you all so much, we couldn't do this without you! Help us reach our fundraising goals ($75,000 in Anchorage and $10,000 in Kenai) to fund care, supports, and programs for Alaskans with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The Walk & Roll for Hope is an event open to everyone—employees, support recipients, families, guardians, friends, and neighbors. Even those outside of Anchorage and Kenai can start a team, fundraise, and join us by walking virtually to help raise money and awareness in support of people with disabilities.
A huge thank-you to everyone who’s already joined in! Here are the teams that have signed up so far:
- Highbush Ramblers
- Alaska Fracture & Orthopedic Clinic
- Paws for Hope
- Sleeping Lady Mtn. Lions Club
- Alaska Jundokan Karate
- Brewcrew
- The Crazy 650s
- Mat-Su Valley Team
- Thairapy Salon and Spa
- Once Upon a STARR
- Wake Up Alaska
- Kenai Office
- The Jojo Special
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Lesko Discovery Center Summer Camp
June 23 - August 8, 2025
Plenty of spots are still open for our Lesko Discovery Center Summer Camp 2025!
Hope’s Summer Camp offers a fun, educational, and inclusive summer experience for children and young adults (ages 9-20) with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. From June 23 – August 8, campers will enjoy seven weeks of engaging activities and exciting adventures throughout the Anchorage community that promote teamwork, social skills, and confidence—all in a supportive environment led by our trained staff. To explore this year’s Camp activities, visit Hope's website.
| Do you know someone who would make a great Camp counselor? We are looking for enthusiastic, caring, and energetic people to join our team to create an unforgettable summer experience for our campers. If you know someone who would be a great fit, encourage them to apply here, | | | |
Mental Health Awareness Month
May 2025
As we are about to welcome the month of May, we also welcome Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and we encourage this month as an opportunity to have open conversations, reduce stigma, and support well-being.
In our roles as supporters, caregivers, and advocates, it's important that we stay observant and open-minded. Not every mental health concern will come with a clear sign or verbal expression of worry, sadness, or anger. Often, the signs come through behavior and patterns of daily life. Take time to notice and respond to these signs—for ourselves as well as those in our circle of care.
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Nurses Week
May 6-12, 2025
National Nurses Week honors nurses and their dedication, compassion, and expertise. At Hope, our nurses do everything from coordinating care to advocating for patient needs to offering emotional support during challenging times to educating families and more.
This year’s theme, "The Power of Nurses to Transform Health," highlights the timeless impact of nurses and the countless ways they transform lives every day. Thank you to our nurses and nurses everywhere!
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Happy Hope Anniversary, Patricia Satterfield!
Patricia Satterfield recently reached her 20-year anniversary with Hope!
Over the years, Patricia has worn many hats, from a DSP to Lead DSP, Intensive Supports Associate, Community Support Supervisor, and now, as our Quality Supports Specialist, where she gets to apply her passion for advocacy, mentorship, and promoting standards of excellence in services.
When asked what keeps her at Hope, Patricia shared that it’s all about the connections and relationships she’s made. She finds the most joy in helping the people we support advocate for themselves and teaching staff how to do the same.
Outside of work, Patricia spends time with her husband of 27 years, her two wonderful adult children, and her fur kiddos—a dog, four cats, and a small parrot. She enjoys fishing, doing yard work, a variety of crafts, and restoring furniture.
Patricia, thank you for all that you have done and continue to do for Hope!
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Nominate Hope—Best of Alaska
Now through May 11, ADN is accepting nominations for your favorite Alaskan businesses. Hope was awarded Best of Alaska for an Assisted Living Business in 2022 and for a Behavioral & Mental Health Provider in 2023. We have an amazing team of direct support employees who we would love to see recognized again for their commitment to excellence. Thank you for your support!
To nominate Hope, follow these five simple steps:
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Visit www.adnbestofalaska.com/vote#
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Select the Healthcare category
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Scroll to the Assisted Living and/or Behavioral & Mental Health Provider categories
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Write in Hope Community Resources and your email address
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Click Nominate
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Take a Survey to Help Shape Alaska's I/DD Community
The Alaska Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education is currently planning their next 5-Year State Plan (2027–2031)—and they want to hear from you!
The Council works to improve the lives of Alaskans with developmental disabilities through advocacy, systems change, and capacity building. Their 5-Year State Plan guides how they focus their work, spend federal funds, and educate policymakers and the public. Your input will help them identify priorities and shape meaningful programs across the state.
Why participate?
- Influence what programs and projects are created or continued
- Make sure your region and community are represented
- Help determine how federal funds are spent in Alaska
Who should take the survey?
Anyone who cares about disability services in Alaska, including:
- Individuals with developmental disabilities
- Family members and caregivers
- Advocates and support professionals
- Service providers and clinicians
- Government employees and elected officials
- Concerned citizens and community leaders
Your voice matters! The survey is voluntary. You can skip questions after beginning the survey. All responses are anonymous. The survey will take about 10 minutes to complete.
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Take Care of YOU: Wellness Bulletins
Plant-Based Eating: Learn what plant-based eating really means, how to meet your nutritional needs, and tips for making the transition.
Navigating Allergy Season in Alaska: Allergy season hits hard and fast in Alaska. From May to August, pollen levels surge, triggering everything from sneezes to sinus flares. Find out what’s in the air, what symptoms to watch for, and how to protect yourself this season.
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Career Opportunities at Hope
Ready to make a meaningful difference in people's lives? We are 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. Our current hiring priorities are:
- Direct Support Professionals, all regions
- Travel DSPs, all regions
- Intensive Supports Associate, Anchorage
- Resident Manager, all regions
- Intensive Supports Resident Manager, Anchorage
- Community Engagement Specialist, Anchorage
- Hope Studios Support Liaison, Anchorage
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Mental Health Clinician, Anchorage ($10k sign-on bonus)
| | Do you have questions, comments or feedback on our newsletter? Do you have suggestions or stories you would like to see in future publications? Send them to our Communications & Grants Manager, Karen Fritsche, at communications@hopealaska.org. | | Follow us on social media and stay up-to-date with all things Hope! | | | | |
