Stories of Hope
March 2025 Newsletter
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You're invited to the 2025
Walk & Roll for Hope!
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Anchorage Walk
Thursday, May 15, 2025
Delaney Park Strip, Anchorage
Registration begins at 5:00pm
Walk begins at 6:00pm
Fundraising goal: $60,000
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Kenai Walk
Saturday, May 10, 2025
Kenai Community Center, Soldotna
Registration begins at 10:30am
Walk begins at 11:00am
Fundraising goal: $10,000
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Hi Communications,
Hope Community Resources, Inc. invites you to our annual Walk & Roll for Hope!
The purpose of this annual tradition is to unite our community in support of Alaskans with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Join us for this iconic event featuring scenic routes, food and refreshments, live music, and family fun—all while making a meaningful difference in people's lives.
This year’s theme, "Hope Starts Here," highlights the importance of keeping children with disabilities and complex medical needs in Alaska rather than being sent out-of-state to institutions. By participating in the Walk, you are helping to create a future where every child can receive the care and support they need right here in Alaska—their home.
What's new for 2025?
This year, we're making some exciting changes to the Walk & Roll for Hope for Anchorage participants. For the first time, the event will take place on a Thursday evening instead of the traditional first Saturday in May, allowing participants to enjoy better spring weather. Additionally, we're bringing a new 'Taste of Anchorage' experience to the Walk route! During and after the Walk, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy delicious treats from some of Anchorage’s best local restaurants such as Humpy's Great Alaskan Alehouse and Spenard Roadhouse.
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Five ways you can support the Walk
✅ Sign up. Register to walk or roll with us in Anchorage and/or Kenai. Walkers ages 18 and older register for $35, walkers ages 11-17 register for $25, and walkers ages 10 and under can register for free. The registration fee helps cover the costs of organizing the event and ensures that more of the funds raised go directly toward supporting Alaskans with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
✅ Donate. Every donation—big or small—helps provide essential care and support for children and adults with disabilities in Alaska. Your contribution will directly fund Hope's program that keeps families together and ensures children receive the services they need close to home. Our goal is to raise a total of $75,000 or more, so every dollar counts.
✅ Fundraise. Take your support a step further by raising funds for the cause. Raise $50 or more and receive a FREE Walk & Roll for Hope t-shirt. Raise $100 or more and also receive a free Walk & Roll for Hope hoodie. Plus, for every $100 you raise by noon on Friday, May 2, you will receive an entry into a drawing for two round-trip tickets to any destination Alaska Airlines flies. View our Fundraising Toolkit for tips on how to maximize your fundraising efforts.
✅ Volunteer. Be part of the team that makes this event possible! We need volunteers to help with event setup, registration, route support, and more. Volunteering is a great way to support our mission, connect with the community, and be part of something meaningful. Respond to this email for more details.
✅ Share. Multiply your impact by encouraging your friends and family to join you. Whether they walk, roll, donate, or cheer from the sidelines, every participant strengthens our community and helps spread awareness about the importance of inclusive services in Alaska.
History of the Walk
Prior to Alaska's statehood, people who experienced intellectual or developmental disabilities faced limited services and, in some cases, involuntary institutionalization. By 1942, more than 2,000 Alaskans—including very young children—were living at Morningside Hospital in Oregon, separated from their families, homes, and communities. The first Walk for Hope was a pivotal moment in Alaska’s history, bringing nearly 4,000 people together to advocate for children with disabilities to return home from out-of-state institutions. More than five decades later—while a lot of progress has been made—the Walk for Hope continues as an annual reminder of the ongoing work still to be done.
As long as even one person with a disability has to wait for services, as long as one child in need of support is sent out of state due to lack of local resources, and as long as accessibility barriers persist, Hope will continue to walk (and roll) to raise funds to meet those needs.
| Every step, every roll, and every dollar counts! | | | | | | |
Questions about the Walk & Roll for Hope?
Contact our Event Coordinator, Cyndi Ramirez, at developmentoffice@hopealaska.org or 907-433-4910.
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Alaska’s disability advocates make a powerful statement
at this year's Key Campaign
More than 12 advocates attended the 38th annual Key Campaign in Juneau, Alaska, marking a strong return to in-person advocacy since the pandemic. With financial support from the Alaska Mental Health Trust, the Mat-Su Health Foundation and the Governor’s Council the campaign focused on five critical priorities—1) expanding early intervention services, 2) Continuing support to maintain the plan to eradicate wait lists, 3) modernizing guardianship statutes, 4) improving accessibility and funding for public transportation and 5) requiring universal changing spaces in public buildings.
Advocates met with nearly every legislator in the building, sharing personal stories and emphasizing the urgency of change. U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski spoke with Key Campaigners, reaffirming her commitment to Medicaid and community disability services. Senator Cathy Giessel was recognized as this year’s " Gold Key Champion," honoring her dedication to supporting policies/funding that improve the lives of Alaskans with disabilities. The energy was high as attendees rallied on the Capitol steps, amplifying the campaign’s message of unity and disability rights.
The momentum does not stop here—we encourage our community to stay engaged by attending town halls, contacting legislators, and sharing stories. The Key Campaign is an example that when we come together, we make a lasting impact. Let’s keep the momentum going!
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Lesko Discovery Center Summer Camp
June 23 - August 8, 2025
Registration is now open for our Lesko Discovery Center Summer Camp 2025! It's now online, making the application, financial aid, and registration process easier than ever!
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, | | | |
World Autism Month
April 2025 (April 2: Autism Awareness Month)
April is World Autism Month, a time dedicated to promoting understanding and acceptance of autism. April 2nd is specially recognized as World Autism Awareness Day. Throughout this month, we encourage discussions on the language and symbolism associated with autism and participation in events that promote wellness and inclusivity.
Autism Awareness Events
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April 2: Wear the color blue to honor Autism Awareness Day! 'Light It Up Blue' is a global initiative that encourages people, businesses, and landmarks to shine blue lights and wear blue in honor of people with autism. By participating, you will help spark conversations, raise awareness, and promote acceptance for autism.
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April 4: Join us at our Kenai Community Center for a FREE training on Understanding Autism, Neurodiversity, and Challenging Behaviors.
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April 26: The Alaska Autism Resource Center (AARC) is hosting an in-person Walk in Anchorage to raise awareness and acceptance for Autism. The event will feature family-friendly activities, and they will be giving away door prizes donated by the community. Click here for more details and to sign up.
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April 1-30: In an effort to get even more Alaskans involved in World Autism Month, the AARC and Special Education Service Agency (SESA) are also hosting a virtual Walk-a-Thon for the month of April. Click here for more details and to sign up.
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National Month of Hope
April 2025
April reminds us that even after the toughest seasons, new beginnings are possible. Just as spring brings blooming flowers, hope allows us to grow and know that brighter days are ahead. Hope is more than a feeling—it’s an action. This National Month of Hope, advocate for someone in need, mentor a young person, or simply offer kindness to everyone you meet. Each and every act of support strengthens our community.
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Kenai Community Forum
April 3, 2025
This one-hour forum, hosted at the Kenai Community Center by the Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education, is an opportunity to discuss the experiences, successes, and challenges faced by people with developmental disabilities, their families, caregivers, and professionals. Key topics of interest will include education, healthcare, employment, housing, transportation, recreation, and access to services. Your input is vital in shaping future priorities and improving resources for the IDD community.
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Aloha Spring Dance
April 4, 2025
Hulu on over to the Special Olympics building for an Aloha Spring Dance! All employees and support recipient are invited to join Hope, The Arc, and Cindy & Vic’s for an evening of fun, music, and dancing.
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Kenai Craft Fair
April 11 & 12, 2025
Hope’s Kenai team invites you to their Kenai Craft Fair! Join us on April 11 and 12 for a showcase of handmade crafts, jewelry, clothing, fine art, housewares, plush items, and sweet treats. Don’t miss this opportunity to support local artisans and find one-of-a-kind keepsakes.
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FashionPact's Free Pictures with the Easter Bunny
April 19, 2025
Our friends at FashionPact are once again offering free pictures with the Easter Bunny this year! Just bring your kids and your camera; they will have the Easter Bunny and a fun backdrop!
Bonus!—When you shop at or donate to FashionPact, mention Hope and they will donate 30% of your purchase or donation to Hope!
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Spenard Second Saturday
April - June 2025
Hope Studios is currently the featured non-profit for ‘Spenard Second Saturday,’ a community event held on the second Saturday of every month in Anchorage to celebrate neighborhood businesses, champion creatives, and give back to the community. Hope Studios artists will have animal themed art pieces for sale at Spenard Second Saturday on the 12th. (Stay tuned to our Facebook page for more details.)
Also, buy their featured sticker (left) for $5 from any of the following locations, and 100% of proceeds will be donated to Hope Studios.
- 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
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Take Care of YOU: Bird Flu, Influenza, and COVID
With flu season hitting hard, bird flu making headlines, and COVID-19 still lingering, staying informed is key to protecting yourself and your loved ones. Here's what you need to know 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
- Recreation Coordinator, Anchorage
- Community Engagement Specialist, Anchorage
- Hope Studios Support Liaison, Anchorage
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Mental Health Clinician, Anchorage ($10k sign-on bonus)
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RNs & LPNs, Anchorage ($5k sign-on bonus)
- Community Support Supervisor, Anchorage
- Health Services Supervisor, Anchorage
| | Do you have questions, comments or feedback on our newsletter? Do you have suggestions or stories you would like to see in future newsletters? 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! | | | | |
