Stories of Hope

January 2025 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

Like many of you, I grew up watching Mr. Rogers. Although I don’t have defined memories of the impact of watching his programs as a child, I have found his wise council to be very impactful as I have navigated challenges as an adult.

This week, I found this quote to be both a comfort and a call to action: “As human beings, our job in life is to help people realize how rare and valuable each one of us really is, that each of us has something that no one else has—or ever will have—something inside that is unique to all time. It's our job to encourage each other to discover that uniqueness and to provide ways of developing its expression.”

For over 55 years, Hope Community Resources has existed to support and encourage people with disabilities across Alaska to have opportunities to discover and value their unique expression, and to be an organization that fosters and celebrates the diversity of gifts and talents we all bring to our communities.

We have been a strong voice to help break down barriers to full accessibility with the goal of equal access to employment, health care, transportation, and participation in community.

Communities are enriched by diversity grounded in kindness, acceptance, and a shared desire to lift each other up. We have and will continue to champion what it means and feels like to be genuinely included, to be seen, appreciated and have opportunities to meaningfully contribute.

Mr. Rogers never backed down from encouraging and supporting diversity, and today I find his confident example to be validation that, in the words of Martin Luther King Jr., “The time is always right to do what is right.”

Sincerely,

Michele Girault, Executive Director

Board of Director Announcements

We are excited to welcome four new members to our Board of Directors in recent months—Christopher Barraza, Travis Hedwig, Brigit Barstad, and Pam Keeler. Their expertise and passion will bring fresh perspectives and invaluable contributions to our great team.

View Hope's Board of Directors

Black History Month

February 2025

February is Black History Month—a time to honor the achievements, history, and influence of the Black community. We recognize and celebrate the resilience, contributions, and leadership of Black individuals, including those living with disabilities.

Night to Shine

February 7, 2025

Night to Shine is a complimentary event for people with differing abilities hosted by local churches around the world. The event is open to anyone living with disabilities, ages 14 and older. Some activities that may be included are a red carpet entrance, limousine rides, dancing, karaoke, gifts, a catered dinner, a Respite Room for parents and caregivers, a crowning ceremony where every honored guest will receive a crown or tiara, and more.

View event and register

Great Big HeART Show

February 1 - April 5, 2025

Fundraiser Reception: February 8, 2025

Middle Way Café is hosting their 12th annual Great Big HeART Show and a Fundraiser Reception—a celebration of creativity and community! This exhibit will feature a collection of local artwork, including from Hope Studios, inspired by the theme of the heart. Fifty percent of all art sales will directly benefit Hope Studios’ programs.

View event details

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Events

Join our Deaf Supports team for one or more upcoming events designed to empower and connect the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community in Alaska. Whether you're looking to network with others or simply have a good time, our upcoming events offer something for everyone. Stay tuned for details on event dates, locations, and how to participate.

View events

Happy Hope Anniversary to Courtney Wise! 🎉🎉

This month, we’re celebrating Courtney Wise and her 10-year anniversary with Hope!

Courtney started with Hope as a Direct Support Professional (DSP), but over the years she took on other roles, including Children and Families Network Supervisor, Community Engagement Coordinator, and now as our Foster Care and Adult Licensing Specialist.

When asked what keeps her at Hope, Courtney shared, “I love Hope’s mission and how the agency advocates for the right thing at every turn. I also love that Hope supports work/life balance where I can be the best employee and mom I can be at the same time.” Her favorite part of her job is visiting different homes and “seeing life in action.” But what truly drives her is helping to remove barriers on staff such as paperwork so they can focus on what matters most—building meaningful lives for those we support.

Outside of work, Courtney is a proud mom to two sweet kiddos, a daughter (3) and a son (5). She also has two massive dogs, four fish, and a busy life filled with learning fun dinosaur facts, making blanket forts, picking up toys, reading, playing video games, and enjoying long walks.

Take Care of YOU: Managing Perspective & The Ties that Bind Us

We have shared two Take Care of YOU: Wellness Bulletins this month. The first, written by our Clinical Director, Paul Ingram, offers tips for managing anxious thoughts, shifting perspectives to improve daily experiences, and maintaining mental well-being no matter what is going on in the world around us.

The second is a reminder that we all have more in common than not, and how—if we make a conscious effort to stay aware of that—we will harness the power of empathy and kindness.

View Wellness Bulletins

Pick.Click.Give.

Remember to apply for your PFD now through March 31. And when you file, please consider donating to Hope through Pick.Click.Give. Your generosity helps us provide essential services, supports, and hope to the people we support and their families.

File your PFD and Pick.Click.Give.

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 Professionals, all regions
Lead Direct Support Professionals, Anchorage
Intensive Supports Associate, Anchorage
Intensive Supports Resident Manager, Anchorage
Mental Health Clinician, Anchorage
Behavioral Health Technician, Anchorage
Community Engagement Specialist, Anchorage
Hope Studios Liaison, Anchorage
Benefits & Compensation Specialist, Anchorage
Sr. Staff Accountant, Anchorage

Apply here

Do you have questions, comments or feedback on our newsletter? Do you have suggestions or stories you would like to see in future newsletters? Please send them to our Communications Manager, Karen Fritsche, at communications@hopealaska.org.