Hope Community Resources

04/23/2026

Hope Studios will be at this year's Arctic Comic Con this weekend, April 25-26, at the Dena'ina Center. You can find us on the second floor, where we'll be featuring original artwork created by the very talented Hope Studios artists!

Get your tickets at https://arcticcomiccon.com/ and come by and say hi!

04/23/2026

This month, the Anchorage Municipal Assembly formally recognized April as the Month of Hope in Anchorage and honored Hope Community Resources!

We see hope every day—in the people we support, the families we walk alongside, our staff, and our community.

As our Executive Director, Michele Girault, shared in a recent letter in ADN, ". . . we see quiet acts of hope every day – families helping families, organizations stepping in where gaps exist and individuals refusing to give up on one another. These moments rarely make headlines, but they are the reason our community continues to stand."

We are grateful to the Assembly for this recognition and for raising up the power of hope in our community!

In a season when so many people are feeling the weight of uncertainty, division and loss, it can be tempting to believe that darkness is the defining story of our time. But history shows us something different: Communities do not endure because circumstances are easy. They endure because people choo...

04/21/2026

Hope is proud to celebrate two team members who were honored at this year’s Full Lives Conference with the “Outstanding Professional of the Year” award.

Jacob Schaffer, Intensive Supports Resident Manager, who has been with Hope for over 20 years in our Kenai region, was recognized in the field of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Services for his steady, relationship-centered approach, and two decades of dedicated support in Kenai.

Nathan Harris, Behavior Analyst, who has been with Hope since 2022 working as a member of our behavior support team, was recognized in the field of Severe Mental Illness Services for his thoughtful, person-centered work—helping people build confidence, navigate systems, and achieve meaningful goals, including employment.

To have Nathan and Jacob recognized is beyond words! It reflects the kind of work happening here at Hope every day. We are incredibly proud to have them on our team and grateful for the passion, integrity, and talent they bring to their work every day.

Read more about their awards at www.hopealaska.org/blog/outstanding-professionals-of-the-year-2026.

04/20/2026

It’s National Volunteer Week, and Hope is grateful for all the incredible people who give of their time and talents to serve communities across our state!

Volunteers play a huge role in carrying out not only Hope’s mission but the work of nonprofits everywhere. From supporting fundraising events and donation drives to helping with yardwork, home repairs, community clean-up projects, transportation, hospital care, peer support, reading to children, visiting seniors—every act of service matters.

To everyone who gives back in ways big and small—thank you!

Interested in volunteering with Hope? View opportunities and express interest at www.hopealaska.org/volunteer.

04/16/2026

Let the Music Play!! 🎵

We're turning up the volume and bringing you a Sing-Along Brunch fusion of Broadway, rock-n-roll, and greatest hits! Gather your fabulous crew (i.e. your backup singers!) on May 16 at 907 Alehouse & Grill for a Brunch that’ll have you singing and dancing like the ultimate rockstar you were born to be!

Get tickets at www.hopealaska.org/akbrunchevents/letthemusicplay.

04/15/2026

Join us in celebrating John Waller’s 10-year anniversary with Hope!

John serves as our Revenue Cycle Director, in which he oversees and helps ensure our systems and processes support the people we serve in the most effective ways possible.

When asked what has kept him at Hope for 10 years, John shared that it’s the meaningful relationships with coworkers, the strong work/life balance, the opportunity to lead an amazing team, the consistent support from his supervisor, “and so much more.” What drives John most is knowing his work helps people access the support they need to live their best lives. With a background as a DSP and program supervisor, he said, “I know how important it is for our frontline workers to have strong support behind the scenes so they can focus on providing the best care possible for the individuals we serve.”

Outside of work, John enjoys spending time with his wife and four children, along with their dog, Shadow. As a family, they enjoy playing games and swimming. John also volunteers with his church’s children’s ministry, is a volunteer youth basketball coach, and he plays wheelchair basketball as often as he can.

His supervisor, Tom, shared, “John has continued to amaze me with his exemplary customer service and heart to serve. John has always worked hard on behalf of internal and external stakeholders, making not only Hope but our community a better place. I am very grateful that he continues to share his immense talent with Hope, and I wish him all the best on his 10-year anniversary!"

Thank you, John, for 10 years of leadership and service to Hope and to the people and families we serve!

04/14/2026

This weekend was our Outlaw Country Brunch, and the day kicked off with cowboy hats, boots, and bandanas, the best in country music, a little boot scootin’ and two steppin', and a whole lot of singing!

A tip of the hat to the staff at 907 Alehouse & Grill for hosting this event! They really made everyone feel welcome and outdid themselves with the delicious brunch!

We’re already counting down to our next Sing-Along Brunch on May 16 . . . Stay tuned because we’re going to continue to LET THE MUSIC PLAY!

04/13/2026

While it may not feel like spring, it’s still a great time to start thinking about clearing out closets and making space for the months ahead. As you start to spring clean, consider donating items you no longer need to FashionPact—a thrift shop that gives back to non-profits like Hope with every purchase and donation made. Simply mention Hope Community Resources at checkout!

They accept clothing, shoes, jewelry, bags, purses, home décor, kitchen goods, books, and more.

04/11/2026

Are you or someone you know looking for a meaningful job this summer?

We’re hiring for our Community Engagement Summer Camp (May 19–July 31, including paid training)! 🌞

Perfect for college students, recent grads, or anyone interested in working with youth who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities. You’ll lead activities, build skills, and help create an unforgettable summer for campers ages 9–21.

✅ Hourly pay based on experience
✅ Paid training
✅ Full-time summer hours
✅ Hands-on experience
✅ Resume-building experience in high-demand fields
✅ Pathway to future career at Hope

Know someone who’d be a great fit? Tag them or share this post!

Learn more and apply at www.hopealaska.org/summercamp/careers.

04/09/2026

The Alaska Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education is seeking public comment on the draft 2027–2031 State Plan goal and objectives. This plan will guide the Council’s work to improve the lives of Alaskans with developmental disabilities and their families over the next five years.

The draft plan is open for public comment through April 19.

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

04/08/2026

Dust off your cowboy boots, round up your two-steppin' sidekicks, and head to 907 Alehouse & Grill because the Outlaw Country Sing-Along Brunch is this Saturday, April 11 from 11am-2pm!

Nicky T. is bringing the fun, DJ Lefty will be spinning your favorite country hits from today’s chart-toppers to honky-tonk classics. This is one party where singing loud with that southern twang is highly encouraged.

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

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, visithttps://www.ancor.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2026-Recognizing-Excellence-Final_v5.pdf