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September 2024 Newsletter

The 21st Night of September—

Hope's Disco Gala


The 21st night of September came alive with bright lights, funky vibes, groovy outfits, and overwhelming support from our community. With nearly 130 attendees filling the room with far-out energy, the event was a celebration—not just of the era of disco—but of Hope’s mission to support Alaskans with disabilities. We are excited to announce that the evening raised more than $76,000, all of which will go directly toward funding Hope's essential programs and unfunded services.


We couldn’t have asked for a better way to kick off the night than with a welcome speech from Mayor LaFrance, who also grooved the night away with us! The Gala’s emcee, Camille Conte, kept the energy high throughout the night. A heartfelt thank you goes out to all our sponsors, volunteers, donors, and attendees. Without your generosity, this night would not have been the incredible success that it was. Every donation, large or small, helps us continue to provide essential services to people who experience disabilities, including safe housing, recreational programs, and creative spaces like Hope Studios.


The live auction was one of the evening's highlight, filled with exciting items including a trip to Mexico, tickets to see Earth, Wind & Fire live in Las Vegas, dinner with Anchorage’s Firehouse Station 14, tickets on the Alaska Railroad to Chena Hot Springs, and one-of-a-kind art pieces from our Hope Studios artists. The auction also featured an array of thoughtful gift baskets, each donated by our community members and employees, making the bidding both exciting and impactful. Guests were given a chance to directly support several of Hope's unfunded initiatives, including the Denali Village Intentional Neighborhood, Community Engagement Summer Camp, Discovery Center & Hope Studios, Recreational and Outdoor Programs, and Safe and Accessible Housing. These programs are central to our mission and touch the lives of many across Alaska, providing community, safety, and enrichment for people and families who need it most.


2024 Journey Award

At the Disco Gala, we had the honor of presenting the Journey Award to a remarkable woman named Becky Twitchell, who was born on December 26, 1941, in Akiak, Alaska, as the third of ten children. Becky's life is a powerful story of resilience and triumph, having been born three months prematurely and facing numerous challenges from the start. At the age of 14, she was sent thousands of miles away to Morningside Hospital in Portland, Oregon, along with many other Alaskans with disabilities, but her mother fought to bring her home, and after three years, successfully reunited her with her family. Despite facing various barriers throughout her life, Becky thrived by working different jobs and building strong connections with friends and family. Now residing in Kodiak, Becky enjoys painting, attending church, participating in activities at the Senior Center, and cherishing time with her loved ones. Her strength and determination remind us of the incredible power of the human spirit, making it a privilege to celebrate her journey with this award.


2024 Outstanding Community Partnership Award

We also proudly presented the Community Partnership Award to Alaska Frontier Services and its owners, Max and Gina Withrow, for their support of Hope’s mission. For more than 56 years, Hope has provided safe and affordable housing for the people who choose our services, but the role of landlord comes with additional costs not reimbursed by the State, requiring Hope to seek multiple partnerships to safely maintain the housing we have purchased. Alaska Frontier Services, established in 1992, became one of these amazing partners, providing critical services that ensure accessibility for a multitude of Hope’s properties. Max and Gina and their team have provided stellar and economical snow plowing and driveway repair and paving services for Hope. While the results may simply look like a well-maintained driveway, their efforts reflect our mutual belief that accessibility is a fundamental right. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Alaska Frontier Services for their partnership and for supporting mission-driven work with their talent and heart.


Your Support is Making a Difference

The Disco Gala was not just a night of fun and fundraising; it was a celebration of community. Every person who attended, donated, or volunteered played an important part in helping Hope achieve our mission. The funds raised will go a long way in sustaining and expanding our essential programs, ensuring that the people we support have access to the resources they need to live meaningful lives.

We invite you to stay connected with Hope by following us on Facebook and Instagram, where you can see event highlights, photos from the Gala, and keep up with future opportunities to get involved.


To everyone who helped make the Disco Gala such an unforgettable evening—whether through donations, volunteering, or simply showing up in your grooviest disco attire—thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your contributions are helping to create a brighter future for Alaskans with disabilities.

Anchorage Community Health Fair


Join Hope at our Health Fair on October 10, sponsored by Alaska Health Fair. This event provides a valuable opportunity for community members to engage in proactive health management. A health fair offers a variety of services designed to support overall well-being, including health education from local healthcare providers, free blood pressure screenings, and affordable, high-quality blood tests.

Sign up for Anchorage Health Fair

Handmade Holiday Market


Our Community Engagement team is looking or vendors for their third annual Handmade Holiday Market on Saturday, November 16 at The Lesko Discovery Center (650 W International Airport Rd, Anchorage). If you or someone you know is interested, call 907-433-1700 or email jbirky@hopealaska.org.

View Flyer

October is a Month of Awareness in the Disability Community


As we step into October, let’s uplift and celebrate the incredible individuals within our community with Down syndrome and break down barriers and stigmas that persist in our society. Also, let’s shine a light on the contributions of workers with disabilities in our community and promote supportive and inclusive employment practices.

World Mental Health Day (October 10)


World Mental Health Day, observed on October 10, raises awareness about mental health issues and promotes well-being. Mental wellness is just as important as physical health, and this year's theme focuses on making mental health a universal priority. It's a time to encourage open conversations, reduce stigma, and offer support to those who may be struggling. This month and always, prioritize self-care, check in on loved ones, and advocate for accessible mental health resources for all.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month


October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a time to focus on protecting our digital lives. It has never been more important to stay diligent and safe online by following best practices such as creating strong passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, being cautious with emails and links, and keeping software updated. Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and by staying vigilant, we can better safeguard our personal and professional data.

Thank you to our amazing DSPs!

This month, during DSP Appreciation Week, we were truly honored to recognize the work and contributions of the hundreds of direct support professionals at Hope. DSPs are the heart and soul of our mission. Day in and day out, they support the people who choose our services to live their best life. Their compassion, dedication, and daily moments of care and magic create lasting, positive impacts in their lives as well as their families'. To each and every DSP, thank you for your commitment and for the meaningful difference you make every single day. We appreciate you, not just during one week, but every day, all year!

Wellness bulletin: Positivity & Gratitude


Positive thinking can be a force for change. Take a moment to read Hope's 'Take Care of You' wellness bulletins about the power of positivity and the magic of gratitude and how both can shape your reality.

View Wellness Bulletins

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
  • Intensive Supports Associate, Anchorage
  • Lead Direct Support Professionals, Anchorage
  • Resident Manager, Anchorage & MatSu
  • Mental Health Clinician, Anchorage
  • Behavioral Health Technician, Anchorage
  • Community Support Supervisor, Anchorage & Kenai
  • Assisted Living Home Supervisor, Kenai
  • Accounting Clerk, Anchorage
  • Front Desk Administrative Assistant, 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 Specialist, Karen Fritsche, at communications@hopealaska.org.

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