Hope Community Resources

04/07/2026

We are extremely excited and proud to share that Tom Bandelow has been named Alaska’s 2026 DSP of the Year by ANCOR American Network of Community Options and Resources!

Tom was selected from a record-breaking 544 nominations nationwide—the largest-ever class of honorees!

For more than 28 years, Tom has provided outstanding direct support to Alaskans with intellectual and developmental disabilities, often remaining a steady presence in the lives of the same people for a decade and more. That continuity reinforces trust and security—but never complacency. His commitment is especially evident in moments of transition and stress. Early in his career, Tom supported Alaska Native individuals as they moved from an institution into their own home. Recognizing that both people had experienced trauma from being removed from their birth homes, he prioritized cultural sensitivity and trust-building. Tom brings that same attentiveness today, using his calm presence and keen awareness to reduce anxiety, ensure safety, and help people feel truly at home.

His coworkers describe him as someone who leads by example and brings “consistency, stability, and genuine warmth” to his work every day—and we couldn’t agree more.

Please join us in celebrating Tom on this well-deserved award! To learn more and view the full list of honorees, visit https://www.ancor.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2026-Recognizing-Excellence-Final_v3.pdf.

04/06/2026

Thank you for being here and supporting Hope! It means the world to us!

04/03/2026

Personal budgeting is more than a financial exercise. When approached with the right mindset, budgeting can reduce stress and help you feel more in control, and it becomes less about restriction and more about intention.

For this and more Take Care of YOU: Wellness Bulletins, visit www.hopealaska.org/wellness.

04/02/2026

April is Autism Awareness Month. Today, April 2, is also World Autism Awareness Day. This is an opportunity for all of us to learn and help create a more supportive and inclusive community. Many people show support by 💙 wearing blue 💙.

This month, the Alaska Autism Resource Center (AARC) is hosting its annual Autism Acceptance & Awareness Walk. Learn more and register for this free, family-friendly event at https://runsignup.com/Race/AK/Anchorage/AlaskaMovesForAutism.

We encourage you to make time this April to learn, reflect, and consider ways you can support autism acceptance—whether through education, conversation, or participation in events like the AARC walk.

04/01/2026

Sign up for one or both of our final two Art Nights! 🌟Both classes are FREE! 🌟

This Friday, paint your own “Hope Springs” butterfly scene 🦋 using acrylic on canvas. Choose your own color palette for the sky and butterflies, feel free to use tracing templates for a little extra guidance, and watch your vision come to life. The class will be led by Stephanie Leigh Buen of .

Then on April 17, learn how to weave beautiful baskets 🧺 around recycled Oui jars! These charming, ombré-style baskets make lovely home or office décor and thoughtful gifts—just add a small plant or fill them with treats. The class will be led by Janet Birky, Administrative Assistant with Hope's Community Engagement Program.

Sign up at www.hopealaska.org/artnights.



These events are sponsored by the UAA Center for Human Development - Alaska's UCEDD through the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

03/31/2026

April is nearly here! Let's uplift one another and spread hope together for National Month of Hope! 🌟💖

https://conta.cc/4m2JGxb

Email from Hope Community Resources   ABOUT HOPE UPCOMING EVENTS GET INVOLVED   Stories of Hope March 2026 Newsletter Dear Friends of Hope Each year, the National Month of Hope invites us to pause, re

03/27/2026

We are incredibly grateful to the Rasmuson Foundation for their Community Support grant, which over the past year has made it possible for us to invest in capital improvements in 35 of our assisted living properties!

Some of the projects included bathroom and kitchen renovations, new flooring, interior painting, accessibility improvements, new decks, fences, and paving, safety system updates, and much more.

We also want to recognize and thank our hardworking Maintenance team for bringing these projects to life!

Thank you, Rasmuson Foundation, for your partnership and continued commitment to strengthening community-based living and improving quality of life for Alaskans with disabilities!

03/26/2026

We’re proud to share this commissioned piece created for the Richard L. and Diane M. Block Foundation!

Made by over a dozen Hope Studios artists, it features a mix of materials like crayons, painted fabric, wood, beads, and more, then sealed in resin.

Our Hope Studios team had the honor of presenting and installing it last week. Huge thanks to the Block Foundation for their continued support of Hope Studios—we’re so grateful!

03/26/2026

Thank you to everyone who participated and supported another year of Key Campaign!

We're grateful to the Key Coalition of Alaska and those who traveled to Juneau to rally and meet with legislators, and to everyone who took part virtually by calling, emailing, and engaging from your own communities. Every action—big or small—helps this collective advocacy effort and work toward positive change for Alaskans who experience disabilities and their families.

03/25/2026

🎸 BOOT-STOMPIN’ BRUNCH — TURN IT UP, Y’ALL 🎸

On April 11, we’re coming at ya with some big country energy, a few friends in low places, and maybe a couple of outlaws! Join us for our Outlaw Country Sing-Along Brunch Party!

Round up your crew and saddle up at 907 Alehouse & Grill from 11am-2pm for a rowdy, sing-your-heart-out brunch you won’t forget. Hosted by the always-entertaining Nicky T. with DJ Lefty spinning today’s country favorites and throwback honky-tonk hits, this is one party where singing loud with that southern twang is highly encouraged.

If you’re looking for a Saturday that feels like a Nashville good time—well then gather up your favorite two steppin’ sidekicks y’all, cause this isn’t just brunch . . . it’s a full-blown country party and you’re the headliner!

Get your tickets at www.hopealaska.org/akbrunchevents/outlawcountry.

This fundraiser is proudly presented by Hope Community Resources and AK Brunch.

This brunch fundraiser is proudly presented by Hope Community Resources and AK Brunch