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

Thank you to the great group of students from the University of California San Diego who spent their spring break giving back! They traveled to Alaska for a week of service learning and volunteered for three days with Hope, from collaborating with our artists in Hope Studios to assisting our maintenance team.

Light it up Blue for Autism Awareness Day!

What is World Autism Month?

April is World Autism Month, a time dedicated to promoting understanding and acceptance of autism. April 2nd is specially recognized as World Autism Awareness Day. Throughout this month, we encourage discussions on the language and symbolism associated with autism and participation in events that promote wellness and inclusivity.

Autism Awareness Events in April

In honor of World Autism Month, join one or more of the following events to raise awareness and acceptance for Alaskans with Autism Spectrum Disorder, their families, and supporters.

• April 2: Light it up Blue'! Every April, the world comes together to recognize World Autism Month, and on April 2nd—Autism Awareness Day—we invite you to 'Light It Up Blue' to show your support for the autism community! Light It Up Blue is a global initiative that encourages people, businesses, and landmarks to shine blue lights and wear blue in honor of people with autism. By participating, you will help spark conversations, raise awareness, and promote acceptance for autism.
  • 💡 Wear Blue – Show your support by dressing in blue and encouraging friends and family to do the same.
  • 💡 Light Up Your Space – Change your home or business lights to blue or display blue decorations.
  • 💡 Spread Awareness – Share autism facts, stories, and resources on social media using #LightItUpBlue and #AutismAcceptance.
  • 💡 Support Autism-Friendly Organizations – Donate, volunteer, or get involved with initiatives that empower people and families with autism.
• April 4: Join us at the Kenai Community Center for a FREE training on Understanding Autism, Neurodiversity, and Challenging Behaviors.
• April 26: The Alaska Autism Resource Center (AARC) is hosting an in-person Walk in Anchorage to raise awareness and acceptance for Autism. The event will feature family-friendly activities, and they will be giving away door prizes donated by the community. Click here for more details and to sign up.
• April 1-30: In an effort to get even more Alaskans involved in World Autism Month, the AARC and Special Education Service Agency (SESA) are also hosting a virtual Walk-a-Thon for the month of April. Click here for more details and to sign up.

This event is free to join and allows you to show your support by walking, rolling, or moving how you choose! You can also order your Walk T-Shirt and are automatically entered to win our Walk-a-thon prize give-aways.

The History of Autism Iconography

Language and the symbols we use have tremendous power in shaping how we view our world and ourselves. Words and symbols can have different meanings for different people, and they can evolve over time. The same symbol may have different meanings for different people. This is also true when it comes to autism and the evolution of how we speak about and represent it. Throughout history, autism iconography has evolved, reflecting a shift toward more respectful, person-centered language and a continued effort to destigmatize autism. The first symbol widely recognized as representing autism was the puzzle piece, designed in the National Autistic Society (NAS) in 1963 to represent the complexity of the condition. Notably, this symbol was created by a non-autistic individual, NAS board member Gerald Gason.

In 1999, The Autism Society of America introduced the puzzle piece ribbon and shifted language toward person-centered language, using terms like "person with autism." The puzzle pattern was brightly colored to signal hope, and the interconnected pieces reflected the diversity of people and families with autism. This symbol came into widespread use when the organization Autism Speaks used them in large nationwide awareness campaigns in the early 2000s. Some people in the autistic community have negative associations with the puzzle piece symbol due to its association with words and phrases like 'puzzling,' 'mysterious,' and 'missing a piece'. Because of this, the iconology evolved again into a rainbow-colored infinity symbol to signify the infinite diversity and possibilities within the autism spectrum.

Beyond the puzzle piece and infinity symbol, other symbols have also been introduced to represent autism, including the butterfly, symbolizing transformation and the beauty of diversity, and the color blue to represent calmness and the need for community-wide acceptance of autism. The "Light It Up Blue" campaign uses the color blue to promote autism awareness and encourage greater understanding and support.

Since the 2010s, there has been a growing movement toward identity-first language, such as referring to someone as an “autistic person” rather than a “person with autism.” Many in the autism community prefer this terminology because it acknowledges autism as an integral part of their identity rather than something separate. This shift reflects a broader acceptance and celebration of neurodiversity, recognizing autism as a natural and fundamental aspect of who someone is.

The concept of neurodiversity has gained significant recognition in recent years. This perspective acknowledges that neurological differences, including autism, are natural variations of the human experience. Rather than viewing these differences as deficits, neurodiversity promotes the idea that they should be respected and valued. The adoption of neurodiversity-friendly language within autism advocacy reflects a commitment to inclusivity and respect for all people.

The Impact of Language and Symbols

Language and symbols play a powerful role in shaping public perceptions and attitudes. The evolution of terminology and iconography in the autism community is more than just a linguistic shift—it represents a cultural movement toward acceptance, respect, and empowerment. When we use respectful, person-centered language, we recognize and value autistic individuals for who they are. Throughout April, we encourage everyone to learn, reflect, and celebrate the uniqueness of every individual. Increasing understanding and inclusivity will make the world a more supportive and accepting place for everyone.

Source: Autism Learning Partners. Symbols for Autism.