Quick Links Home O HAC (Russian Translation) Special Events Job Fairs Current Job Openings Employment Application Volunteer Application Respite Provider Application Privacy Policy HIPAA Terms of Use New Waiver Regulations State of Alaska Key Coalition of Alaska Nancy Johnson founded Hope in 1967. Beginning with a handful of children in foster care, Hope Community Resources, Inc. (Hope, formerly doing business as Hope Cottages) has grown and expanded its array of supports over the span of three decades. The agency is now Alaska's largest provider of community services for individuals who experience a developmental disability. Today, Hope supports are chosen by over 700 children and adults and their families throughout its seven regional areas. The regional centers are located, respectively, in Anchorage, Dillingham, Kodiak, Seward, Juneau, Wasilla and Barrow. Hope was officially incorporated as a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit organization in October of 1968, offering residential supports to both children and adults. A vocational and employment component was eventually added and developed into what is presently known as Supported Employment and Day Habilitation. Prior to the late 60s, Alaska had no in-state services for people with developmental disabilities. Those in need of services were removed from their families, friends and communities and were sent to the Lower 48 to live in institutions, where they received minimal custodial care. During the late 60s and in the 70s, after Hope was established and Alaska built its own (small) institution, Alaskans with disabilities were brought back to their state. However, it wasn't until the 70s and 80s that additional community service organizations were established. Residential and other services were finally being offered in areas of the state besides Anchorage and Valdez. Through the years, Hope redefined its residential supports and employment and inclusion opportunities because it believes that all people are individuals with needs and dreams that are solely their own. Reflecting this philosophy, Hope sought to create support services based on each individual and family's needs, in the home and community of their choice. This includes rural areas of the state where services are specifically developed to reflect local community culture. From large group homes of 36, 24, 10 and 5 people living together in the community, Hope evolved its residential services into supported living settings chosen by each individual. Hope's philosophy of "Whatever it Takes" prevails. Every attempt is made to keep families together and avoid out-of-home placements. In-home and shared care, as well as respite services, are offered to this end. Another priority in Hope's mission is to individually support adults and families with a choice of what they need to be independent in their community and to maintain maximum control over their lives. Hope has also advocated for home ownership and both rural subsistence and urban subsistence programs for the people it supports. Hope has always believed, from its inception, that no one should have to live in an institution. The agency continually advocated that Alaska's only institution for people with developmental disabilities, Harborview Developmental Center, be closed and the individuals residing there be given a choice as to where they wanted to live, with sufficient community supports to make it a reality. Alaskan history was made in 1996 when Hope decertified its "Intermediate Care Homes for the Mentally Retarded" program and re-certified the homes as "Assisted Living" homes, through a process called Project Roadmaps. This set the stage for the State of Alaska to close the doors of Harborview for good. Once this was done, another historical mark was made. Alaska became the second state in the United States to be institution-free for people who experience a developmental disability.