Stories of Hope

May 2025 Newsletter

After 56 Years, a Thank You—and a Farewell

Celebrating the legacy of the Walk & Roll for Hope, and looking ahead to what's next

Dear Communications,

Fifty-six years ago, in 1970, a large and mighty group of Alaskans gathered with a simple hope—to bring people with disabilities back to Alaska after being involuntarily institutionalized out of state. That first Walk for Hope was big, and it carried big dreams. At the time, more than 2,000 Alaskans—including very young children—were living at Morningside Hospital in Oregon, separated from their families, homes, and communities. More than 4,000 people walked 31 miles to raise funds and awareness in support of Hope's initiative to bring them home. Since then, year after year, rain or shine, our community has come together—walking, rolling, cheering, giving—supporting inclusive communities where Alaskans with disabilities can thrive.

Although we have made so much progress, our state does not currently have the infrastructure to support all Alaskans with disabilities, and children are still being sent out of state for supports and treatment, so this year we dedicated our fundraising to contribute to that infrastructure.

At our 56th Walk & Roll for Hope, more than 200 participants across Anchorage and Kenai came together, and raised over $51,000 to support keeping children with complex medical needs in Alaska by helping to fund essential services, resources, and advocacy efforts. From the first Walk until today we are so grateful to the thousands who have shared our passion and supported our mission.

Hope's Executive Director, Michele Girault, said, "I began my Walk for Hope journey 40 years ago and have decades of memories tied to the first Saturday in May. I am so grateful for the thousands who remember fondly their trek across Anchorage and contributed to building a community where Alaskans with disabilities and their families are valued and supported, by walking, rolling and contributing—what a difference has been made!"

Team Fundraising Leaderboard

Paws for Hope – $5,597.55

Sleeping Lady Mountain Lions Club – $2,487.05

Hope Board – $1,745.65

The Jojo Special – $1,446.00

Thairapy Salon and Spa – $1,051.90

Sparkle Motion – $1,035.00

Individual Fundraising Leaderboard

Michele Girault – $3,734.75

Jeffrey Hoffman – $2,173.50

Sergios Rahmatoulin – $1,893.75

Amy Pearce – $981.90

Carrie Carson – $805.50

Fundraising Prize Winner

Participants earned one entry into a prize drawing for every $100 they had raised by May 2. The prize? Two round-trip Alaska Airlines tickets. We’re excited to announce that the winner is Kris Jez! A huge thank you to Kris and everyone who participated and helped raise funds—your efforts make a meaningful impact.

A New Chapter Ahead

After thoughtful reflection, we have made the difficult decision to retire the Walk & Roll for Hope. While it’s been a long-beloved tradition, we’ve found it increasingly difficult to gather the community-wide engagement needed to sustain it long-term. For every mile walked, every dollar raised, and every message shared—thousands of Alaskans have been part of something incredibly meaningful. Together with you, we’ve written a legacy that will live on in our hearts and the hearts of Alaskans with disabilities and their families.

But the story isn’t over—this is just the beginning of something new. We’re already dreaming up fresh, innovative events and opportunities that will carry forward Hope's mission. Stay tuned for what’s next—and we hope you’ll be a part of it.

Cyndi Ramirez, Development Officer and lead organizer of the Walk in recent years, shared her reflections on the event’s legacy, "I've been part of the Walk & Roll for Hope since I was a kid. I did the 31-mile walk back in the day and lived to tell the tale! While it’s a little bittersweet to let it go, I’m really excited about the new events and programs we’re working on! The Walk will always hold a special place in our hearts, not only in our memories but also through the positive impact we've been able to make on so many lives! And we’ll continue to make a difference, just in other ways!"

We Want to Hear from You

On that note, as we look ahead and plan new, engaging ways to bring our community together, we would love to hear your thoughts! Please take a moment to share your feedback on the Walk & Roll for Hope and what events and fundraisers you'd like to see from Hope in the future.

Help Shape Future Events—Take a 2-Minute Survey

Lesko Discovery Center Summer Camp

June 23 - August 8, 2025

There is still time to sign your child up 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.

Pride Month

June 2025

Inclusion isn’t just a value at Hope—it’s part of our mission, which means we stand for breaking down barriers, uplifting underrepresented voices, and honoring the strength, resilience, and diversity of every person.

Saturday, June 28, 11:30am: Join Hope and Hope Studios at the Anchorage Pride Parade at the Delaney Park Strip for a vibrant celebration of love, acceptance, and unity within the LGBTQ+ community.

View Pride Parade info

Spenard Second Saturday

June 14, 2025

Hope Studios will have a booth showcasing aquatic-themed art at the Spenard Second Saturday June Market. Organized by Spenard Second Saturday in collaboration with the Anchorage Community Land Trust and hosted by The Nave, the market will feature more than 40 local makers, food vendors, and community organizations.

We’re also honored to share that Hope Studios has once again been selected as Spenard Second Saturday’s featured non-profit for the summer quarter. All proceeds from the sale of their quarterly sticker will support Hope Studio’s mission. Buy their quarterly featured sticker for $5 from any of the following locations:

Spenard Joe’s Coffee
Franz Family Bakery
907 Overstock
Denali Dreams Soap Co
The Nave Spenard
Blue Market AK
Spenard Art Studio & Gayla Designs
Title Wave Books
The Writer’s Block

View event flyer

Disability Pride Month

July 2025

July is Disability Pride Month. This year's celebration in Anchorage is on July 26—the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a law establishing America’s commitment to end discrimination against people with disabilities.

All are invited to the Anchorage Disability Pride Celebration—a fun, inclusive event that honors the diverse talents and contributions of people with disabilities in our community. This celebration is part of Alaska’s statewide Disability Pride festivities, and it’s all about promoting awareness, accessibility, and joy for everyone.

More information to come.

View event flyer

Bear Tooth Theatrepub Presents: The Ride Ahead

July 27, 2025, 5:30pm

In honor of Disability Pride Month, Bear Tooth Theatrepub will be hosting a showing of the movie, The Ride Ahead, directed by Dan Habib and Samuel Habib. Part of the proceeds of this event will benefit Hope.

In this movie, Samuel Habib wants to date, leave home, go to college. But he drives a 350-pound wheelchair, uses a communication device, and can have a seizure at any moment. Determined to find his path forward, he seeks out guidance from America's most rebellious disability activists. Will they empower him to launch the bold adult life he craves?

Watch movie trailer

Tickets go on sale June 3

Happy Hope Anniversary, Rohey Lowe!

Join us in celebrating a special milestone for one of our employees—Rohey Lowe recently reached her 20-year anniversary with Hope!

“I’m so excited to be celebrating 20 years with Hope — wow, time flies!” Rohey says. Over the past two decades, she has served the people and families who choose our services as both a DSP and Resident Manager in Anchorage. “Here at Hope, I work with people that I really love and care about. From the people I work for to the people I work with — they all became family to me.”

Rohey is committed to respect, dignity, and compassion in everything she does. She credits her journey to the support of many current and former staff at Hope such as Roy Scheller, Jennifer Louder, Gena Coleman, Jenny Moore, and Julie Mettler. “I enjoy working at Hope, and I can see myself working here through my retirement.”

Rohey is not only a dedicated employee—she’s also a proud mother and grandmother who loves spending time with her family. She enjoys spoiling her grandchildren with gifts and taking them on fun outings. She also brings her spirit of giving to her community, always willing to lend a hand to people in need.

Vote for Hope—Best of Alaska

Starting June 9, ADN will open up voting 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 strives to bring the best services to those who choose our supports, and we have an amazing team who we would love to see recognized again for their commitment to excellence. Thank you for your support!

To vote for Hope, follow these five simple steps:

Visit www.adnbestofalaska.com/vote#
Select the Healthcare category
Scroll to the Assisted Living and/or Behavioral & Mental Health Provider categories
Write in Hope Community Resources and your email address
Click Vote

Vote for Hope starting June 9

Take Care of YOU: Wellness Bulletins

This month, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, our Clinical Director, Paul Ingram, wrote two important messages that we invite you to read—one on men's mental health and one on women's mental health, highlighting the unique challenges faced by each.

Men are frequently hindered by societal norms that equate vulnerability with weakness, leaving them less likely to seek help when grappling with emotional struggles. Stigmas surrounding masculinity can lead to serious consequences. Women often encounter elevated rates of anxiety, depression, trauma, and cultural role conflicts affect women—and why women sharing their stories and naming their struggles is such an important part of mental health and healing.

View Wellness Bulletins

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 include:

Direct Support Professionals, all regions
Lead DSP, Anchorage
Intensive Supports Associate, Anchorage
Resident Manager, Wasilla/Palmer
Summer Community Engagement Specialist, Anchorage
Behavioral Health Technician/Registered Behavior Technician
Maintenance Specialist I and II, Anchorage
Mental Health Clinician, Anchorage ($10k sign-on bonus)

Apply Here

On June 4, Assistive Technology of Alaska (ATLA) is hosting two events in honor of World Assistive Technology Day, beginning with a virtual expo on emerging assistive technology from 9am-12pm, followed by an in-person open house at ATLA from 1pm-4pm. Learn more at www.atlaak.org/expo.

On June 9 from 11am-12:30pm, the Alaska Mental Health Trust is hosting a virtual listening session for beneficiaries to share their experiences, priorities, and ideas that can help shape the Trust’s next five-year strategic plan. This session is part of a broader planning process and will help ensure the Trust’s future direction is informed by the voices of those it serves. Visit www.alaskamentalhealthtrust.org for more details.

Applications are open for The Alaska Statewide Living Council's (SILC) Alaska Youth Leadership Forum—July 28-August 2 and August 11-16. The Forum is a free transition program that brings together youth with disabilities from across Alaska to build leadership skills and learn how to use disability resources to accomplish their goals. Learn more and apply at www.alaskasilc.org.

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.