Hope Community Resources

08/07/2025

Hope’s Lesko Discovery Center team is preparing for their fourth annual Handmade Holiday Craft Fair!

All artists and crafters are invited to reserve a table and showcase their handmade creations—whether it’s hand-painted keepsakes, jewelry, ornaments, artwork, crocheted items, or other unique crafts.

If you or someone you know is interested in participating, reach out to Janet Birky at 907-433-1700 or jbirky@hopealaska.org.

08/06/2025

Please join us in congratulating Margaret Grasse on 15 years with Hope!

Margaret started at Hope as a Team Associate, supporting adults on I/DD waivers to live independently, and serving Alaskan youth with behavioral issues in the least restrictive environment possible. After earning both her Baccalaureate of Social Work (BSW) and Baccalaureate of Nursing (BSN) from UAA, she then became Hope’s Community Health Nurse, where she continues to serve individuals and families across Kodiak, Kenai, Mat-Su, and Anchorage.

When asked what keeps her working at Hope, Margaret shared, “The individuals and families enrich my life as they grow and mature. I love providing them nursing supports, using my life experiences, combined with learned skills garnered during my academic career at [UAA].”

Jo-Anne Sullivan, Deputy Director of Health & Wellness, has worked closely with Margaret. She shared how thankful she is to have Margaret on our team. “She always puts her whole heart into every support she provides—and we all love her laughter and passion, and the amazing flowers she grows!”

Outside of work, Margaret enjoys spending time with her husband, adult children, and three grandsons; singing at church, and tending to her English-style garden and making floral arrangements from it for various events.

Thank you, Margaret, for your dedication, compassion, and heart. Happy 15th ! 🎉

08/05/2025

Back-to-school shopping just got better! Shop thousands of unique items at FashionPact and not only get ready for the new school year, but support a local business that gives back to their community. Mention Hope at checkout, and 30% of your purchase will be donated back to Hope!

Visit either of their stores in Anchorage, Monday-Saturday, 11am-7pm.

08/04/2025

I'm so proud of Heidi and I. This film won the festival award at the five minute film Royale, (this is statewide festival) thank you to all the artists we in...

08/04/2025

On August 18 from 11am to 4:30pm, experience the creativity and talent of artists with disabilities at Disability Expo Day at the Alaska State Fair!

Visit the Shining Abilities Craft Fair, where you can buy products made by talented creators with disabilities, and discover a variety of resources through information booths, a calm sensory area, and interactive sensory activities.

08/01/2025

It’s not too late to make a difference!

Did you know you can add or change your Pick.Click.Give. pledge through August 31?

When you to Hope, you help Alaskans with disabilities and their families live full, meaningful lives in the communities they call home. Pledges start at just $25, and literally every dollar donated helps us in our mission.

If you would consider updating your pledge, simply visit https://pfd.alaska.gov/ and click 'Add or change your Pick.Click.Give. donation.'

07/31/2025

The recent Disability Pride celebrations were moments of community strength, creativity, and resilience. In this month’s newsletter, we honor Disability Pride and the legacy of the ADA.

https://conta.cc/41m4VAG

Email from   ABOUT HOPE UPCOMING EVENTS SUPPORT HOPE   Stories of Hope July 2025 Newsletter United in Disability Pride Pride in People, Pride in Progress, Pride in Possibility Dear Friends, Celebratin

07/31/2025

How we sit, stand, and move throughout the day will have a major impact on our energy levels, comfort, and long-term health. Small habits—like changing positions, stretching, and taking advantage of chiropractic care and massage therapy—are key to protecting posture, health, and mobility.

Read more on this and other Wellness Bulletins at www.hopealaska.org/wellness.

07/28/2025

It's not too late—get your tickets for tonight's showing of The Ride Ahead at Bear Tooth Theatrepub!

https://beartooththeatre.filmbot.com/movies/the-ride-ahead-presented-by-hope-community-resources/

07/26/2025

Celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with us today!

The ADA is a a landmark civil rights law, enacted in 1990 to break down barriers and ensure that people who experience disabilities have the same rights, opportunities, and access as everyone else, from employment and transportation to public spaces and services.

It represents Hope's mission and values and the work we do for the people and families we serve every day—and why we will always advocate for equity, accessibility, and inclusion for all.

07/25/2025

Remember tomorrow is the Anchorage Disability Pride celebration, from 12-4pm at the Park Strip, to honor the anniversary of the ADA and celebrate diversity, inclusion, and the achievements of people with disabilities.

Highlights of the Event:
• Food & drinks
• Fun games & activities
• Live music
• A petting zoo
• Face painting
• Opportunities to connect with local disability organizations and resources

07/21/2025

Calling Disability Advocates!

The Association of University Centers for Disabilities is calling on our community to help share why keeping University Centers of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs) independent is important for the disability community.

We encourage you to take action to help protect funding for the Center for Human Development (CHD). The Center’s mission is to improve the quality of lives for people who experience disabilities, and their families across the life span, through interdisciplinary training, technical assistance, exemplary service development, applied research and dissemination of information. The Center includes LEND, The Alaska Training Cooperative, Project Echo, Friendship and Dating classes, Work Incentive and Planning Assistance, Disability Justice Initiative and more—critical programs supporting Alaskans with disabilities, their families, and provider agencies.

Thank you for taking action—our voices matter!

https://aucd.quorum.us/campaign/133226/