Stories of Hope

December 2024 Newsletter

"The past is your lesson. The present is your gift. The future is your motivation." – Zig Ziglar

At the start of the year, we shared with you some of Hope’s main goals for 2024 in the form of a Vision Board. These included building inclusive communities, celebrating joyful events, elevating community partnerships, advocating for progress, and more. The year brought both hardship and moments of magic, the latter made possible by the people and families who choose our services and the ardor and perseverance of you all—our supporters. This month, our Executive Leadership Team gathered to reflect on our progress.

Progress Toward Our Vision

Thanks to a grant from The Alaska Community Foundation, we increased attendance in our Community Engagement Center’s Summer Camp, creating opportunities for inclusivity and joy. Campers engaged in meaningful activities with their peers, building relationships and a sense of belonging. Renovations and upgrades to many of our assisted living homes—funded by The Rasmuson Foundation, The Mat-Su Health Foundation, and the Reitman Family Trust—improved accessibility, security, and quality of life for the residents and their support staff. These changes also checked the box of sustainability by modernizing facilities to meet current needs.

We continued working on the design and build of a new intentional neighborhood initiative called Denali Village, a project that combines advocacy in action, impactful partnerships, inclusive communities, and innovative and sustainable strategies. It focuses on a holistic approach to inclusive living and our vision is that it will become a vibrant, accessible neighborhood where people of all abilities live meaningful lives with choice and independence.

We faced a variety of challenges with a “how can we say ‘yes’” mindset and worked hard to remove barriers to better serve people in need. We have been actively partnering with the Office of Children's Services, the Department of Health, and Licensing to find a path to support children with complex needs so they can be supported in Alaska. Our innovative Travel Direct Support Professional program gave us continued flexibility in addressing staffing challenges and continuity of services for the people we support.

We hosted and participated in more events than we can count—surpassing even some pre-pandemic years—including Hope's Disco Gala, the Walk & Roll for Hope, and Night to Shine; summer picnics, First Friday events, Disability Pride, and holiday celebrations (such as our Holiday Breakfast, pictured here), to name a few. Events like Deaf Awareness Week, DSP Appreciation Week, and the showing of Intelligent Lives offered moments of advocacy and partnership.

Celebrating the exceptional work of our team was another highlight of the year. Joelene Fortin received the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award, and Diana Medina was named Alaska’s 2024 DSP of the Year! This marks two consecutive years of recognition for our staff—Sharon Miranda received the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award, and Masaneh Jatta was Alaska’s 2023 DSP of the Year. These deserving tributes highlight the quality of our staff—the people behind our mission—and the amazing work they do for people with disabilities—the people at the heart of our mission.

Looking to the Future

We carry the lessons and successes of the past year and beyond, and in preparing for the coming year, we have set our sights on updated goals for our organization. Our 2025 Vision Board focuses on strengthening community engagement, continuing to build inclusive communities, ensuring a meaningful and sustainable impact, and more. Together with you, we are looking forward to a year of great purpose, connection, and progress.

View Hope's Vision for 2025

Dear Friends,

Along with many in the world, I’ve spent the day reflecting on the life of President Jimmy Carter and my deep admiration for his humble commitment to elevating the human condition, not only on an international stage, but for decades as a volunteer in his local community.

I’ve had immense respect for his amazing partnership with his wife, his love of family, and his unwavering dedication to live his faith each day.

Michelle Obama said, “…history has shown us that courage can be contagious, and hope can take on a life of its own.”

As the New Year begins and resolutions abound, I hope we all can pause to honor a man who dedicated his life to serve others and resolve to be bit more like Jimmy Carter – to approach challenge with an expectation of resolution, to listen to each other with respect, to see a need and respond with compassion and action, to get up every day with the passion to see light in the face of darkness, and with courage to bring hope to the world.

Michele Girault

2024 Gratitude Report

We’re proud to share our 2024 Gratitude Report with you, celebrating the extraordinary difference you make for the people we support—Alaskans who experience disabilities. Our annual Gratitude Report a collection of stories and experiences, a celebration of moments big and small, and a thank you to donors, staff, and community partners.

View Gratitude Report

Thank you for supporting Hope this Giving Tuesday!

We are so grateful for our community's support of our Giving Tuesday 'Double the Impact' fundraiser! Together, 29 donors raised a total of $7,058, which—thanks to the generosity of an anonymous matching donor—has now doubled into an amazing $14,116! Our community's commitment to our mission means the world! It makes a profound impact on the lives of the people and families we serve by addressing critical needs that are not funded by Medicaid, and it creates meaningful opportunities that they may not have otherwise.

Do you know ASL?

We are looking for someone who knows American Sign Language (even if they are not fluent) to work with a school-aged youth after school and on weekends.

Job Title: Direct Support Professional

Wage: $17.47 - $20.11 per hour DOE

Position Requirements:

High school diploma or GED
Driver's license, personal vehicle, and clean driving record
Comfortable providing personal care and hygiene assistance

To apply:

Visit Hope's Careers page
Change location to 'Anchorage'
Search for Direct Support Professional
Click 'Apply'

Apply Here

Hope Studios First Friday

January 3, 2025

Kick off the new year with the Hope Studios' First Friday event at Sub Zero. Our team will be showcasing an art exhibit that will hang throughout the entire month of January. Stop by to enjoy creativity, community, and inspiration!

View First Friday flyer

Make-Up Classes

January 6, 7, & 9, 2025

Our Lesko Discovery Center is hosting three 'make-up' classes, where participants will learn how to apply three different make-up looks—a natural look to enhance your natural features, a polished, everyday look, and a glamorous look for evenings or special occasions.

View Make-Up Classes flyer

New Years Day

January 1, 2025

Wishing you and your loved ones a year filled with health, happiness, and success! Hope's offices will be closed Wednesday, January 1 in observance of the New Year and will re-open Thursday, January 2 at 8:00am.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

January 20, 2025

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we honor Dr. King’s legacy by turning inspiration into action, like our Direct Support Professionals, who embody his legacy of service and make a difference in people's lives every single day.

Hope's offices will be closed Monday, January 20 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and will re-open Tuesday, January 21 at 8:00am.

Happy Hope Anniversary, Dan Meador! 🎉

This month, we’re celebrating Dan Meador’s 10-year anniversary with Hope! He started at Hope as a Mental Health Associate, then becoming an Intensive Supports Associate, and now one of our Document Control Clerks.

When asked what keeps him at Hope, Dan shared, “I’m honored to have worked for a great company with great peers and the greatest individuals over the past decade. Being part of one’s life-changing moments and seeing the happiness to be able to do more than one dreamed of is remarkable. Pushing boundaries, encouraging individuals to climb, and never giving up. Barriers do not exist; everything has a pathway."

Dan, your passion and perspective inspire us. Thank you for your commitment to the people we serve and for all your contributions over the years!

Take Care of YOU: The Benefits of Humor at Work

How does a penguin build its house? Igloos it together!

As we go about the daily demands of work, it’s easy to forget the power of something as simple as a smile or a good laugh. This month's wellness bulletin is about how humor can be a great tool for improving our well-being, boosting morale, and creating a more positive and productive workplace. A little humor goes a long way in making work feel a lot more enjoyable!

View Wellness Bulletins

Enhance your career at Hope

If you are interested in transitioning to one of the following open positions, please apply below or reach our to our Hiring team at 907-433-1730.

Direct Support Professionals, all regions
Intensive Supports Associate, Anchorage
Lead Direct Support Professionals, Anchorage
Resident Manager, Anchorage
Intensive Supports Resident Manager, Anchorage
Mental Health Clinician, Anchorage
Behavioral Health Technician, Anchorage
Assisted Living Home Supervisor, Kenai