Last week, our team brought the movies to life! From Minions to Minecraft, our support recipients turned popular movies from this summer into carnival games and sets. They spent 10 weeks measuring, cutting, painting, and building every piece as a team.

Fifty-six years ago, in 1970, a large and mighty group of Alaskans gathered with a simple hope—to bring people with disabilities back to Alaska after being involuntarily institutionalized out of state. That first Walk for Hope was big, and it carried big dreams. At the time, more than 2,000 Alaskans—including very young children—were living at Morningside Hospital in Oregon, separated from their families, homes, and communities. More than 4,000 people walked 31 miles to raise funds and awareness in support of Hope's initiative to bring them home. Since then, year after year, rain or shine, our community has come together—walking, rolling, cheering, giving—supporting inclusive communities where Alaskans with disabilities can thrive.

Although we have made so much progress, our state does not currently have the infrastructure to support all Alaskans with disabilities, and children are still being sent out of state for supports and treatment, so this year we dedicated our fundraising to contribute to that infrastructure.

At our 56th Walk & Roll for Hope, more than 200 participants across Anchorage and Kenai came together, and raised over $51,000 to support keeping children with complex medical needs in Alaska by helping to fund essential services, resources, and advocacy efforts. From the first Walk until today we are so grateful to the thousands who have shared our passion and supported our mission.

Hope's Executive Director, Michele Girault, said, "I began my Walk for Hope journey 40 years ago and have decades of memories tied to the first Saturday in May. I am so grateful for the thousands who remember fondly their trek across Anchorage and contributed to building a community where Alaskans with disabilities and their families are valued and supported, by walking, rolling and contributing—what a difference has been made!"

Team Fundraising Leaderboard

• Paws for Hope – $5,597.55
• Sleeping Lady Mountain Lions Club – $2,487.05
• Hope Board – $1,745.65
• The Jojo Special – $1,446.00
• Thairapy Salon and Spa – $1,051.90
• Sparkle Motion – $1,035.00

Individual Fundraising Leaderboard

• Michele Girault – $3,734.75
• Jeffrey Hoffman – $2,173.50
• Sergios Rahmatoulin – $1,893.75
• Amy Pearce – $981.90
• Carrie Carson – $805.50

Fundraising Prize Winner

Participants earned one entry into a prize drawing for every $100 they had raised by May 2. The prize? Two round-trip Alaska Airlines tickets. We’re excited to announce that the winner is Kris Jez! A huge thank you to Kris and everyone who participated and helped raise funds—your efforts make a meaningful impact.

A New Chapter Ahead

But the story isn’t over—this is just the beginning of something new. We’re already dreaming up fresh, innovative events and opportunities that will carry forward Hope's mission. Stay tuned for what’s next—and we hope you’ll be a part of it.

Cyndi Ramirez, Development Officer and lead organizer of the Walk in recent years, shared her reflections on the event’s legacy, "I've been part of the Walk & Roll for Hope since I was a kid. I did the 31-mile walk back in the day and lived to tell the tale! While it’s a little bittersweet to let it go, I’m really excited about the new events and programs we’re working on! The Walk will always hold a special place in our hearts, not only in our memories but also through the positive impact we've been able to make on so many lives! And we’ll continue to make a difference, just in other ways!"

We Want to Hear from You

On that note, as we look ahead and plan new, engaging ways to bring our community together, we would love to hear your thoughts! Please take a moment to share your feedback on the Walk & Roll for Hope and what events and fundraisers you'd like to see from Hope in the future.

Help Shape Future Events—Take 2-Minute Survey

We had the great fortune of hosting a group of students and two faculty members from Central Michigan University last week; they spent a week in Anchorage through the university’s "Alternative Break" program. The students spent time learning about Hope and the supports we provide, and the history of disability advocacy, as well as well as completing a number of volunteer projects—sprucing up our grounds, painting the Hope Gallery, assisting with the Walk & Roll for Hope, and more. The week was enriching for all of us and we look forward to hosting future groups from CMU!

When we talk about mental health and the impact various aspects our lives have on our wellbeing, few of those have an effect with greater reach than gender.

Women face unique mental health challenges that are shaped and influenced by a number of factors. We know that women experience elevated rates of anxiety, depression, and trauma. We also know that there are burdens women experience pertaining to caregiving, discrimination, and exposure to violence, each of which elevates the risk of developing a mental health disorder.

One of the most impactful factors influencing women’s mental health is the disparity surrounding role expectations. There are many behaviors, obligations, and norms expected of women across cultures. These expectations often conflict, which, literally, makes it impossible to achieve what society says a woman “should” be or do. Messages regarding these societal expectations are both implicit and explicit, and begin early in life.

Although cultural change occurs slowly, one of the things we know is helpful is naming what we experience. Sharing distress with trusted friends and supportive family members, can be helpful. This is particularly true when we can experience the validation of knowing that we are not alone in our experiences.

There are a great deal of resources available to those who desire to know more about women’s mental health. Just two of the many resources can be viewed here: Why is Women's Mental Health Important? and Why we Need to Pay Attention to Women's Mental Health.

— Paul Ingram, Clinical Director, Hope Community Resources

The information provided here is based largely on the relevant research literature and accounts of those women who have shared their experiences with me across more than a decade of therapeutic services. I feel greatly honored to have been a part of their healing journeys.

As we speak, lawmakers in Congress are debating legislation that could slash hundreds of billions from Medicaid—threatening community-based services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

We know it feels like the fight never ends. But we can’t afford to back down.

This is happening right now—and Members of Congress need to hear directly from the people whose lives are shaped by Medicaid. Help lawmakers understand what’s really at stake.

📣 Please, share your story. If you’re not sure where to start, consider these prompts:

• How does Medicaid support you, your family, or your organization? 
• What would happen if Medicaid-funded services were reduced or eliminated? 
• Why are community-based services so important for people with I/DD? 
• Have you faced challenges finding services or in retaining direct support professionals (DSPs) because of limited Medicaid funding? 

With gratitude,

Michele Girault, Executive Director

Share your Story

Men’s mental health remains a critical and often under-addressed issue in our communities. Despite increasing awareness, men are significantly less likely to seek help for mental health concerns, often due to stigma, cultural norms, or lack of accessibility. This silence can lead to worsened outcomes, including increased rates of substance use, homelessness, and suicide.

Many men feel pressure to appear “strong” or self-reliant, which can discourage them from opening up about emotional struggles. Many of us have heard the phrases “man-up” or “rub some dirt on it” used to admonish distress and encourage us to bottle-up our feelings. Though it is necessary at times to push through discomfort and show perseverance, what we know is that denying the experience of difficult feelings such as loss, grief, sadness, and fear can, and often does, lead to extraordinary emotional, physical, and social impacts that negatively impact our quality of life.

Men are often conditioned to believe they should avoid asking for help and instead should figure it out on their own. The distressing emotions that we have been permitted to experience and express are those typically related to anger. Other distressing emotions have historically been seen as non-masculine.

Breaking the stigma surrounding mental health among men is an ongoing effort that is making progress, albeit slowly. Part of changing stigma is examining our thoughts about the issue at hand. In this case, consider the following—What makes the experience of distressing feelings inherently non-masculine? How is your value as a human diminished by the experience of those feelings?

Acknowledging the experience of distressing feelings does not diminish our value as men. I would argue that many of the attributes we extol in men would not be possible without the experience of corresponding distressing feelings. It is not possible to be courageous without fear or protective without empathy.

If you’re interested in learning more, consider the following article: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/tips-for-taking-care-of-mens-mental-health.

— Paul Ingram, Clinical Director, Hope Community Resources

Dear Hope Supporters,

First and foremost, thank you. We know that we’ve reached out more than once recently asking for your time and attention to urgent issues affecting our work—we are very grateful for your support.

We want to share a formal statement from the Alaska Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education regarding the recent federal budget proposal that would eliminate funding for programs critical to the disability and aging communities—including those we are directly connected to and work with every day.

The proposed cuts would impact the entire Developmental Disabilities (DD) Network in Alaska, including the Governor’s Council (GCDSE), the Disability Law Center of Alaska, and the Center for Human Development at UAA. These programs are foundational to advancing inclusion, access, and community-based services in Alaska, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

We encourage you to take a moment to read the full statement.

This is not about politics. It’s about people—our families, neighbors, and the communities we serve. These cuts would represent a step backward for the rights of Alaskans with disabilities and seniors, and threaten the very systems we have worked so hard to build, maintain, and improve.

As a member of Hope, your advocacy and voice are so important. If you feel comfortable doing so, we invite you to share the statement with your networks or reach out to Alaska’s Congressional Delegation to express your concern.

We are stronger because of your commitment—and together, we will continue to stand up for the people and values at the heart of our mission.

With gratitude,

Michele Girault, Executive Director

Allergy season in Alaska arrives suddenly and powerfully, typically starting in May and continuing through August. The state's rapid seasonal changes trigger a burst of pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds, making the season particularly challenging for those with allergies—and even for some without. The intense pollen load can exacerbate existing respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic sinus issues, and it often causes new symptoms in people who have never previously experienced seasonal allergies.

In early May and into June, tree pollen fills the air. As summer progresses, grasses become the dominant allergen, followed by weeds in the late summer months. Pollen levels tend to spike in the mornings, and symptoms can include sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy or watery eyes, throat irritation, and sinus headaches. Those who suffer from asthma may notice increased wheezing or shortness of breath during this time.

To minimize exposure, it’s recommended to monitor daily pollen forecasts, which are available through local weather services and health apps. Keeping windows closed, especially during peak pollen hours, can help reduce indoor allergens. Air purifiers, proper hydration, frequent washing of clothes, and showering after outdoor activities can also limit exposure. Over-the-counter antihistamines and nasal sprays can provide relief, and for more persistent symptoms, medical professionals may recommend allergy testing or immunotherapy. Some Alaskans find relief using natural remedies like nettle tea or saline nasal rinses. While not a replacement for medical advice, these natural options may complement your wellness routine.

Even if allergies haven’t affected you in the past, it’s worth staying aware during Alaska’s intense pollen season. Early recognition and simple precautions can make a big difference in staying comfortable and healthy through the summer months.

At this year's Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon, we were excited to nominate and recognize Alex Curry with an Outstanding Community Volunteer award! Alex is an absolute rockstar volunteer at Hope Studios and has been volunteering up to 40 hours every week for nearly two years now. From organizing the Gallery to attending Studio events to collaborating with artists to assisting with sales during weekend events—Alex has done it all. They have built connections, learned job skills, and become a part of our Art Studio team.

We’re so grateful for everything Alex brings to the Studio and to the community, and this luncheon was a perfect opportunity to say THANK YOU!

Plant-based eating focuses on consuming foods derived primarily from plants, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Some people follow strict vegetarian or vegan diets, while others simply focus on reducing their intake of animal products. Vegetarians avoid meat but may consume dairy and eggs, while vegans eliminate all animal products, including dairy and eggs. A plant-based diet, on the other hand, does not have strict rules but emphasizes plant-based foods.

Research suggests that plant-based diets offer a variety of health benefits, including a reduced risk of diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol. They can lead to improved cardiovascular health, and due to their high fiber content, can support weight management. They also have a lower environmental impact compared to diets rich in animal products.

Although a well-planned plant-based diet can be very nutritious, there are key nutrients to consider. Protein can be sourced from beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, tofu, and quinoa. Vitamin B12, absent in most plant foods, must be obtained through fortified foods or supplements. Iron, found in spinach, tofu, and lentils, is less bioavailable from plants, so it’s beneficial to pair with vitamin C from citrus fruits to improve absorption. Fortified plant milks, kale, and calcium-set tofu are good sources of calcium. Omega-3 fatty acids, important for heart and brain health, are found in flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and hemp seeds, or can be supplemented with algae-based DHA. Zinc is abundant in fermented legumes, whole grains, and seeds. For vitamin D, sunlight exposure or supplements (like D2 or vegan D3) are essential. Iodine can be acquired from iodized salt or sea vegetables like nori.

A healthy plant-based diet follows the same general principles as any well-balanced diet—focusing on whole, minimally processed foods while ensuring adequate macro- and micro-nutrient intake. Consulting a registered dietitian can help tailor a plan to meet individual nutritional needs. Whether fully vegan, vegetarian, or simply incorporating more plant-based meals, making thoughtful food choices can support long-term health and well-being.

Simple plant-based swaps to try

Making plant-based choices may be easier than you think! Try these simple swaps:

• Meat—tofu, tempeh, seitan, jackfruit, chickpeas, or lentils
• Milk—almond, soy, oat, cashew, rice, or coconut milk
• Butter—vegan butter (made from coconut, olive, or avocado oils), coconut oil, or (most) margarines
• Eggs—tofu scramble, chickpea flour, flax/chia egg, mashed banana, or applesauce (for baking)
• Cheese—vegan cheese (made from nuts, soy, or coconut oil) or nutritional yeast