Galentine's Brunch
February 17, 2026
What an unforgettable first Sing-a-Long Brunch in Anchorage—Galentine’s edition! 💖
We packed the house at 907 Alehouse & Grill, and wow—everyone showed up ready to have a good time. We sang our hearts out to everything from Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus to Journey and Neil Diamond. DJ Lefty and Nicky T kept the energy and vibes high, guests received goodie bags, and the staff at 907 Alehouse really outdid themselves with the delicious brunch buffet.
It was the perfect launch for Anchorage’s newest can’t-miss event. Start making plans now to join us on March 8 for our next Spring edition—“Let the Sun Shine” Brunch. Something tells us tickets won’t last long.
Get yours now at www.hopealaska.org/akbrunchevents.
Night to Shine 2026
February 16, 2026
Thank you to everyone who participated, volunteered, and attended Friday’s Night to Shine events across the state! The evening was so joyful and memorable, made possible by the Tim Tebow Foundation and the generosity and enthusiasm of so many people in our community.
Special thanks to King Tech High School for their wonderful support in helping participants in Anchorage get ready for the event. They were highlighted in this Anchorage Daily News article.
We'll be celebrating these memories for many years to come!
Now Hiring for Summer Camp
February 12, 2026
Now Hiring—Community Engagement Specialists for Summer Camp!
This year's Camp will take place June 8 – July 31, Monday - Friday, 9am – 5pm. All Camp staff will receive paid training May 19 – June 5.
Learn more and apply at www.hopealaska.org/summercamp/careers.
We are looking for caring, enthusiastic people to help create a full, inclusive camp experience for children, teens, and young adults who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities. As a Community Engagement Specialist, you’ll lead and support a variety of Camp activities, including recreation, creative arts, outdoor adventures, community excursions, and skill-building experiences—while helping campers build confidence, friendships, and lifelong memories.
Apply now and spend your summer making a meaningful difference!
Art Night: Needle-Felting
February 10, 2026
Last Friday’s Art Night was a creative hit!
We had five participants who, with the guidance from our guest instructor Judy Potts, created beautiful needle-felted portraits of Arctic cotton blossoms. One of the highlights of the evening was that everyone got to design a second felt piece in their own style, and Judy helped frame each finished piece, making them even more special!
The group shared how much they enjoyed learning a new art skill and how inspiring it was to create something with other people. They appreciated the enthusiasm, conversation, and sense of camaraderie, and described the evening as a fun and engaging way to spend time with friends and fellow art lovers.
Thank you to all who joined us! If you'd like to sign up for our next Art Night, simply visit www.hopealaska.org/artnights/signup.
And as always, thank you to UAA Center for Human Development for the grant support that makes these classes possible!
Staying Safe Outdoors during Winter
February 4, 2026
Alaska winters are beautiful, but extreme cold, wind, and snow create real health and safety risks. Whether you’re commuting, recreating, or working outdoors, preparation and awareness are essential. The following guidance brings together best practices from the National Weather Service, Alaska health authorities, and cold-weather training resources to help you and your loved ones stay safe.
Cold exposure and wind chill can lead to frostbite and hypothermia, sometimes faster than people expect. Frostbite can develop in minutes on exposed skin, especially fingers, toes, ears, cheeks, and the nose. Early signs include numbness, tingling, or pale/white skin. Hypothermia occurs when body temperature drops below 95°F and may begin with shivering, fatigue, confusion, slurred speech, or clumsiness. Severe hypothermia can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical care.
Layering is your strongest defense against cold. Wear loose, lightweight layers that trap warm air, topped with a windproof and waterproof outer shell. Avoid cotton garments as a base layer in cold, wet, or active conditions because they absorb sweat and water, losing insulation value and creating a higher risk of hypothermia. Protect your extremities with mittens, insulated, boots, and face coverings. Avoid tight clothing, which restricts circulation and reduces warmth. If you begin sweating, remove a layer—moisture dramatically increases heat loss once activity slows.
In extreme cold, limit time outdoors whenever possible. Take frequent warm-up breaks, especially during long work shifts or recreational outings. Children, older adults, and people with medical conditions are particularly vulnerable and need extra protection. Before traveling, share your plans with someone, pack an emergency kit, and ensure vehicles are winterized. In remote areas, small problems can escalate quickly when temperatures are low.
Alaska winters demand proper cold-weather preparation. Dressing appropriately, planning ahead, limiting exposure, and knowing the warning signs of cold-related injuries can prevent emergencies and save lives. Cold doesn’t forgive mistakes; taking steps to be prepared can make all the difference.
When to Seek Help or Medical Care
- If a person is confused, unresponsive or difficult to awaken.
- If shivering slows or stops, which may indicate the body is no longer able to regulate its temperature.
- If the skin becomes hard, waxy, gray, white, or blistered, or if normal sensation does not return after gentle warming.
- If someone has fallen into cold water or through ice, even if they seem alert afterward, as delayed cold shock can occur.
- If warming attempts are not improving symptoms, or if the person has chest pain or trouble breathing.
Black History Month
February 1, 2026
Black History Month began in 1926 by historian Carter G. Woodson, and has grown into a month-long observance that encourages learning, dialogue, and reflection across the country. February was chosen to align with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, two pivotal figures in the abolition of slavery.
Now and throughout the year, we acknowledge and appreciate the lasting influence of the Black community in culture, art, education, field, profession, civic life, social movements, and the everyday experiences that shape our shared society. This includes recognizing the 5.6 million Black Americans living with a disability. We would like to recognize and appreciate a handful of examples of Black individuals who have made lasting contributions within their communities and across the globe.
Harriet Tubman (c. 1822-1913)
Harriet Tubman experienced epilepsy and chronic pain resulting from a traumatic head injury. She is renowned for her leadership on the Underground Railroad, where she helped free dozens of enslaved people, and for her service as a Civil War nurse, scout, and spy.
Thomas Wiggins (1849-1908)
Thomas “Blind Tom” Wiggins (1849–1908) was blind and autistic. A musical prodigy, he became one of the most celebrated pianists of the 19th century and performed internationally, astounding audiences with his memory and technical skill.
Fannie Lou Hamer (1917-1977)
Fannie Lou Hamer contracted polio as a child and later experienced lasting health complications. She was a pivotal civil rights leader, voting rights activist, and co-founder of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party.
Dr. Andrew Foster (1925-1987)
Dr. Andrew Foster was deaf and is often referred to as the “Father of Deaf Education in Africa.” He founded schools for Deaf students in more than a dozen African countries and was the first Deaf African American to earn degrees from Gallaudet University and Eastern Michigan University.
Harry Belafonte (1927-2023)
Harry Belafonte was dyslexic. He was an acclaimed singer, actor, and global human rights activist, deeply involved in the civil rights movement and international social justice efforts.
Maya Angelou (1928-2014)
Maya Angelou experienced selective mutism during childhood following trauma. She became an influential poet, memoirist, educator, and civil rights activist whose work reshaped American literature and cultural discourse.
Audre Lorde (1934-1992)
Audre Lorde lived with cancer and wrote openly about chronic illness. She was a poet, essayist, and activist whose work explored race, gender, sexuality, and disability, and continues to influence social justice movements today.
Johnnie Lacy (1937-2010)
Johnnie Lacy contracted polio and used a wheelchair. She was a disability rights activist and educator who played a key role in advancing independent living and disability justice movements, particularly at the intersection of race and disability.
Wilma Rudolph (1940-1994)
Wilma Rudolph survived polio and other serious childhood illnesses that affected her mobility. She went on to become a world-class athlete and the first American woman to win three gold medals in a single Olympic Games.
Curtis Mayfield (1942-1999)
Curtis Mayfield was paralyzed from the neck down after a stage accident in 1990. Despite this, he continued to compose and record music, leaving a lasting legacy as a pioneering soul musician and social commentator.
Stevie Wonder (1950-present)
Stevie Wonder has been blind since shortly after birth. He is a legendary musician, songwriter, and producer whose work has profoundly shaped modern music and popular culture.
Halle Berry (1966-present)
Halle Berry lives with Type 1 diabetes and hearing loss. She is an Academy Award–winning actress and an advocate for diabetes awareness, disability inclusion, and efforts to end gender-based violence.
Stories of Hope | Abilities in Abundance
January 30, 2026
For more than 56 years, Hope has supported Alaskans who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities by centering our programs and services around inclusion, relationships, and meaningful lives. This year, we’re beginning work on a new storytelling project that reflects those values and focuses on what’s possible when people are seen for who they are.
This upcoming project, called Abilities in Abundance, will highlight the lives, skills, interests, and contributions of people who choose Hope’s services across Alaska. Through personal narratives, portraits, and short videos, our goal is to turn away from labels or diagnoses and focus on strengths, passions, and everyday lived experiences that make each person wholly and uniquely them
Only when we choose to see ourselves and others through a lens of abundance do we make room for possibility instead of limitation.
As planning continues, we look forward to inviting the people Hope supports, along with their families and guardians, to share their stories if they choose. We also anticipate a future opportunity to collaborate with an experienced photographer and/or videographer whose approach aligns with person-centered, inclusive storytelling.
This project is made possible in part through support from the Alaska Humanities Forum. The Forum works statewide to strengthen communities by connecting people, ideas, and stories through the humanities, and we’re grateful to be partnering with them on this project that elevates human experience and belonging across Alaska.
We will share more details in the coming months, including ways to get involved and express interest in participating. For now, we’re excited to begin this work and grateful to our community for continuing to believe in inclusion, diversity, and abundance.
Happy Hope Anniversary, Sharon Miranda
January 28, 2026
Art Nights: Mushroom Painting & Finger-Knit Blankets
January 16, 2026
Pick Click Give
January 15, 2026
Building a Lifestyle that Supports You
January 13, 2026
Fast forward to 12 months from now and picture the best version of your life. Consider the areas that matter most to you—relationships, health, self-care, recreation, career, spirituality. Imagine that your habits, routines, and choices have supported you in the best possible way. Now, identify small, realistic steps you could start taking now to move closer to that vision.
Healthy lifestyle changes tend to be most effective when they avoid extremes and lofty expectations. Real progress will come from small decisions, repeated actions, and a compassionate response to setbacks. Instead of thinking, “I need to lose 30 pounds,” try reframing it as, “I will work toward losing two pounds per month.” Letting go of obligatory “shoulds” and “shouldn’ts,” which can create pressure and guilt, allow more freedom to enjoy the process. Rather than, “I really shouldn’t eat this cookie,” you might aim for, “It’s okay to eat sweets in moderation; I am also committed to eating one fruit or vegetable with every meal.”
Lasting wellness doesn’t come from willpower alone. Motivation can fade and fluctuate, but progress is more likely when we choose spaces, routines, and relationships that align with who we want to become. This might look like structuring time into the day for movement and rest, spending more time outdoors, preparing nourishing meals in advance, or staying connected with people who offer encouragement and optimism.
When making lifestyle changes, setbacks are normal. When things don’t go as planned, the healthiest response is reflection rather than self-criticism. Take time to consider what happened and what could be done differently next time. Then allow yourself to recommit to your goals and move forward.
It’s tempting to believe self-improvement requires a dramatic overhaul. More often, lasting, whole-health wellness begins simply with balance. When your lifestyle is designed in ways that genuinely support your goals, progress can feel more natural. The goal is not perfection, but consistency. Rather than waiting for the ideal day, the perfect plan, or the right mood, starting where you are, making small intentional choices, and building gradually is what can lead to the life you envision.
Insights from Atomic Habits by James Clear
- Make it Obvious: Design your environment so the cue for your lifestyle change is clear and visible. Make desired choices easy and visible; make undesired choices hard and inaccessible.
- Make it Attractive: Increase the habit’s appeal by associating it with something enjoyable.
- Make it Easy: Simplify it into small, two-minute actions and integrate it with an existing habit. Focus on getting just 1% better each day.
- Make it Satisfying: Reinforce it with an immediate positive reward so it feels worthwhile to repeat.
Wells Fargo Foundation Grant
January 9, 2026
Happy Hope Anniversary, Jacob Shaffer
January 8, 2026
Thank you, Mat-Su Health Foundation!
January 6, 2026
Kenai Holidays
December 26, 2025
Our Kenai team has been all about the holiday spirit this month with a cookie decorating party, casserole contest, a socks swap, dancing to DJ Connor's holiday tunes, welcoming community members and friends from Frontier Community Services and Kenaitze Indian Tribe, and even an appearance from Santa and Mrs. Claus!
The magic of meaningful traditions
December 24, 2025
There’s something magical about having a ritual to look forward to—Sunday night pancakes, sunset walks, Taco Tuesdays, Friendsgiving, an annual “worst selfies ever” contest. Traditions are like tiny anchors in our lives, keeping us grounded and connected.
Part of the beauty of traditions is that they can fit every budget, every season, and every kind of family, and they don’t have to be big, fancy, or Instagram-perfect—they just have to be meaningful to you. Even the smallest of rituals can lift our mood, anchor our days, and offer joy and predictability in an otherwise big, busy, bustling world.
Whether you’re single, part of a couple, raising kids, surrounded by friends, or rebuilding your circle after major life changes, traditions help create new memories, familiar rhythms, inside jokes, and a little sparkle in our daily routines. They also support our well-being by strengthening relationships, offering emotional stability, and turning overwhelming goals into manageable moments.
Traditions don’t have to hibernate until the holiday season. They can happen all year long—summer gratitude walks, autumn craft nights, first-day-of-school portraits, first-snow waffles. Let them evolve as your life does. The best ones often start accidentally and stick around simply because they make people smile.
And remember: traditions are invitations, not obligations. If you skip a week (or a month), you haven’t failed. Sustainable routines grow through small steps, flexibility, self-compassion, and choosing what genuinely brings you joy.
When life feels chaotic, traditions gently remind us to pause and cherish what’s most important. Whether your family is one person or ten, your traditions can become the heartbeats of your year—lighthearted, meaningful, and uniquely yours. Start small, experiment, keep what works, and repeat with joy.
Simple, Budget-Friendly Traditions
- Happiness Jar—everyone adds one good thing each week
- Summer backyard camp-outs
- Yearly Family Awards (Best Bedhead, Most Dramatic Sneezes, MVP Dishwasher, etc.)
- Monthly Podcast Club, Bunko night, or cultural potluck
- Weekly Family Night—cook together, play games, get ice cream, watch a movie
- Write a yearly letter to your future self
- Saturday “No Screens Nights”
- “Treat Yourself Thursdays” for a weekly self-care boost
- Sunday coffee dates—solo or with a friend or partner
- Snap a daily “best moment” photo, and turn the collection into a year-end scrapbook
Seasons greetings to you and yours ❄️
December 23, 2025
The holidays have a way of encouraging reflection and gratitude—and when we look back on the past year, what stands out most is the community that surrounds us. Your partnership, your generosity, your advocacy, and the trust you place in us. Your support matters, and it means the world to us.
This season means something different for everyone. Some celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice, or other holidays or traditions from around the world. Others use this time to rest, reconnect, or simply enjoy a slower pace. However you observe—or choose not to—we honor the diversity of cultures, beliefs, and traditions that enrich our community.
We also know this time of year can stir up a wide mix of feelings. Joy, wonder, nostalgia, generosity, stress, grief, fatigue. Wherever you find yourself this season, we wish for you moments of peace, comfort, and quality time with loved ones.
Looking ahead to 2026, we feel tremendous hope for what’s possible. Together, we can continue creating opportunities, dignity, and belonging for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities—and strengthen the community that surrounds them.
We’re grateful to be welcoming the holiday season and the coming year together with you.
Seasons greetings to you and yours!
Sincerely,
Hope's Strategic Leadership Team
We are 61% to our Goal
December 13, 2025
We are in the final stretch of our Giving Tuesday fundraising campaign to raise $12,000 to make an accessible housing dream come true for families with loved ones who experience disabilities.
Thanks to our generous community, we are 61% of the way to our goal. Truly, thank you to all 23 donors have contributed to support this need.
With one day left, we hope to make this dream a reality.
Thanks to a generous anonymous donor, all gifts donated by the end of the day tomorrow will be doubled up to $12,000. We need to raise $4,680 more to unlock the full matching gift, which would turn $12,000 into $24,000.
If 19 people each gave $250, we would cross the finish line! However, every single gift matters and every dollar counts, so even $10 will help bring us closer.
All gifts will support the renovation of a Hope home in Anchorage, including:
- An accessible bathroom remodel
- A new entry ramp
- Updated flooring
- Fresh paint and other critical improvements
This is about necessary home renovations, yes, but it isn’t only about that—it’s also about giving people the gift of dignity, independence, and the feeling of truly being at home. When a space is accessible, it opens so many doors to daily life that many of us take for granted. A home built around a person’s needs means fewer daily barriers and more autonomy. It eases strain on families, lowers fall risks, and supports more self-directed living.
If you’ve already given, thank you Communications for your generosity! If you haven’t yet, please consider giving today or tomorrow—your gift will be doubled dollar-for-dollar, making its impact .
Thank you for supporting Hope and for showing up for the people and families who choose our services. We are incredibly grateful to be in this with you.
Lesko Discovery Center team volunteers at local food bank
December 12, 2025
International Human Rights Day
December 10, 2025
Today, International Human Rights Day, we’re lifting up our belief that every person deserves dignity, equality, and the chance to live with purpose.
In honor of Human Rights Day, help fund real change for the people we serve.
Winter Holidays 2025
December 5, 2025
There are so many wonderful holidays observed by different cultures this time of year! Holidays like St. Nicholas Day (tomorrow), Hanukkah, Mochitsuki, Saturnalia, Las Posadas, Kwanzaa, and more.
If there is a holiday or tradition that is meaningful to you and your culture, we invite you to share it with us in the comments!
We are 35% to our Goal
December 5, 2025
We are 35% of the way toward our goal of raising $12,000 to make an accessible housing dream come true for families with disabilities. Thanks to a generous donor, all gifts will be matched dollar-for-dollar, turning $12,000 into $24,000!
What does home mean to you? For people who experience disabilities, home means safety, accessibility, and the freedom to live fully as themselves. Hope has a ranch-style home that needs essential updates to make that dream a reality—and you can help make it happen.
International Day of Individuals with Disabilities
December 3, 2025
Giving Tuesday 2025
December 2, 2025
For decades, Hope has walked alongside families to pursue their dreams. Dreams of independence, of belonging. Dreams of not just living in a house, but in a home.
What does home mean to you?
For many of the people and families we support, home means safety, accessibility, comfort—and the chance to live fully as themselves. But not everyone has that opportunity. What would you do if your home didn’t support your independence? What if your accessibility needs weren’t met?
Today is Giving Tuesday, and your gift can change someone’s life—many people’s lives, in fact! We invite you to join us in fulfilling one very special dream for families—creating a safe, comfortable, accessible home for their loved ones who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Hope owns a ranch-style home in Anchorage that is in need of some updates. Your funding will support the renovation of this home for the people and families who choose Hope's services, including:
- A full, accessible bathroom remodel
- Building an entry ramp
- Installing new flooring
- Fresh paint, and more
Double Your Impact
Now through December 16, your Giving Tuesday contribution will go twice as far as any other time of the year. A generous anonymous donor has offered a matching gift of $12,000, and we need your help to unlock every dollar. Your Giving Tuesday gift will double in impact — $10 will become $20, $100 will become $200. And if we reach the full $12,000, it will become $24,000!
Thank you for believing in Hope and the power of community and for supporting Hope in building bridges for the people and families we support to lead full, meaningful lives. Your generosity makes a great difference in helping those we support, and we are very grateful for your investment!
