Stories of Hope

May 2024 Newsletter

Every step. Every roll. Every dollar counts.

Dear Communications,

We were thrilled to see nearly 350 people rally in support of our 55th Walk and Roll for Hope events in Anchorage and Kenai. Our supporters raised a grand total exceeding $51,000. Every dollar raised, every dollar donated, and every registration fee will help fund programs and resources for the people we support. This includes affordable housing, educational programs, recreational activities, accessibility equipment, emergency assistance, and more. These needs are not covered by Medicaid, but they are covered by your generous donations.

We are incredibly grateful for the outstanding efforts of the top five individuals and teams who raised the most funds this year!

Individual Leaderboard:

Gena Coleman: $4,806.00
Jeffery Hoffman: $2,839.00
Michele Girault: $2,580.00
Sergios Rahmatoulin: $1,852.60
Carrie Carson: $1,085.20

Teams Leaderboard:

Paws for Hope: $6,669.80
Willow Ranch: $5,370.80
Hope Board of Directors: $3,998.00
Sleeping Lady Mtn. Lions Club: $2,731.60
The Wookiee Terriers: $1,598.20

Anchorage: May the 'Fourth' be with You

Our Anchorage Walkers and Rollers embraced the Star Wars theme and donned lots of great costumes from the iconic series. The 5k started at the Denali Park Strip with an energetic Zumba warm-up and visits to vendor booths. Participants then enjoyed a scenic Walk along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, concluding with freshly grilled hotdogs, a live DJ, and the camaraderie of fellow supporters back at the Park Strip. We also extend our gratitude to our sponsors for their contributions to the event's success.

Kenai: Walkin' on the Wild Side

In keeping with the community spirit of the region, about 80 people joined our Kenai Walk, including Senator Jesse Bjorkman and his family. Participants enjoyed hot dogs donated by Echo Lake Meats, s'mores and other treats, and great music by DJ Connor Aaronson. Many door prizes were awarded, including artwork from Hope Studios and Gallery, and in-kind donations from local businesses like Alaska WildGear and Northcountry Fair. Kenai's participants reached their own goal of raising $5,000, which will remain in the region to fund recreational activities and safe, accessible housing. Lastly, we want to give a special thank you to Whitney Cerdan, one of our Community Support Supervisors in Kenai, for creating the awesome Kenai Walk graphic (below).

Together we are making a difference

With your support, we are making a meaningful difference in the lives of the people and families who choose our services. We are sending children to our Summer Camp who otherwise wouldn't have the opportunity. We are retrofitting homes with accessibility equipment tailored to the residents' needs. We are enrolling artists in Hope Studios' art program, and we are providing emergency financial assistance to those in need. The power of community action and the spirit of hope continue to guide us toward our mission and toward a more inclusive and accessible world. We are grateful for your partnership on the journey.

Giving remains open through tomorrow, June 1, so please continue inviting your friends and family to help us raise the remaining $8,531.

Help us reach our goal of $60,000

Community Engagement Summer Camp

Ceramics & Dance Classes

Looking for the perfect summer activity for your kids? Sign them up for our Ceramics and/or Dance classes as a part of Hope's Summer Camp program! They'll enjoy a week of creating ceramic art with Turnagain Ceramics, getting their hands dirty, and developing new skills, plus they'll get to take home their unique creations. And they'll spend a week learning dances at Momentum Dance Collective, such as hip hop, line dancing, modern dance, and maybe even cha cha!

Learn More & Sign Up

Support Hope Studios at The Frozen Flamingo

Hope Studios is showcasing artwork and merchandise at The Frozen Flamingo Market, a consignment market open to all Alaskan artists. Everything at our booth is available for sale, and we invite you to visit 3400 Spenard Road, Ste 100, Anchorage and support our talented artists and other local vendors.

Pride Month

June

As we honor the start of Pride Month, let's remember that inclusion and diversity are the heartbeats of a thriving community. When we support each other and stand up for equality, we build a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

Get to know Angel Bacher

Angel Bacher celebrated five years with Hope earlier this year, and in that time she has held the roles of Hiring Specialist, Recruiter, HR Business Partner, and now HR Supervisor. She manages recruitment, hiring, benefits, and compensation within the HR department.

She is a strong leader and a valuable resource for the Hope community, resolving complex issues, answering benefits questions, finding the perfect hires, and listening to those in need. She values every opportunity she has to connect with people, and says that the meaningful relationships she has developed, along with her alignment with Hope's vision and commitment to growth, are a big part of why she stays at Hope.

When asked what she enjoys about the work she does, Angel said, “[Hope’s] culture of support has empowered me to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the agency's goals. Ultimately, it's the combination of meaningful relationships, mission-alignment, commitment to leadership development, and supportive growth environment that has kept me dedicated to Hope. It's been a journey filled with purpose, growth, and fulfillment, and I look forward to continuing to be a part of this remarkable community in the years to come.”

Outside of work, Angel has a vibrant family life with her husband, four kids, three cats, and 15 chickens. She enjoys gardening, baking, sharing jokes with her friends, hiking the picturesque trails of the Valley, and reading fantasy novels. Her days often start with a serene sunrise walk in downtown Palmer and end with her paddle boarding across the lakes in MatSu Valley.

Take Care of YOU: Meal Planning

Finding the time and energy to prepare healthy meals can often feel overwhelming, leaving us more tempted to choose unhealthy options. This edition of Hope's Take Care of YOU Wellness Bulletin will help you take control of your schedule, support your nutrition goals, and reduce stress through meal planning.

View Wellness Bulletin

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.

Community Engagement Specialist, Anchorage (seasonal)
Payroll Specialist, Anchorage (full-time)
Hiring Specialist, Anchorage (full-time)
Intensive Supports Associate, Anchorage (full-time)
Resident Manager, Anchorage (full-time)
Intensive Supports Resident Manager, Anchorage
Mental Health Case Manager, Anchorage (full-time)
Mental Health Clinician, Anchorage (full-time)
Travel Direct Support Professionals

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? Send them to our Communications Specialist, Karen Fritsche, at communications@hopealaska.org.