February is Black History Month, and this year's theme is “African Americans and Labor,” exploring work and working of all kinds, free and unfree, skilled and unskilled, vocational and voluntary, within the collective intersecting experiences of Black life and culture. Now and all year, we appreciate the history, achievements, and influence of the Black community, including 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 (1822-1913) experienced epilepsy, and she was known for her remarkable efforts on the Underground Railroad when she saved the lives of many runaway slaves.

Tom Wiggins (1849-1908) experienced blindness, and he had a remarkable talent for playing the piano and performed at concerts throughout the Americas and Europe.

Fannie Lou Hamer (1917-1977) was diagnosed with polio as a child, and she was a civil rights activities and organizer for voting rights.

Maya Angelou (1928-2014) experienced selective mutism, and she was an incredible poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist.

Johnnie Lacy (1937-2010) was diagnosed with polio and eventually required the use of a wheelchair, and she was an advocate for individuals with disabilities to have the right and resources to live independently in their community of choice.

Wilma Rudolph (1940-1994) experienced several illnesses during childhood, including infantile paralysis, but she went on to become an Olympic athlete known as the “fastest woman in the world.”

Dr. Andrew Foster (1925-1987) experienced deafness, and he was a missionary to Deaf communities in Ghana, Rwanda, and other countries in Africa. He was the first Deaf African American to graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Gallaudet University and a master’s degree from Eastern Michigan University.

Harry Belafonte (1927-present) experiences dyslexia, and he is a talented musician, political activist, and social advocate.

Halle Berry (1966-present) experiences Type 1 diabetes and hearing loss, and she is an advocate for ending violence against women, an advocate for individuals with disabilities, and an Oscar-award-winning actress.

Learn More About Black History Month

Dear Friends,

Like many of you, I grew up watching Mr. Rogers. Although I don’t have defined memories of the impact of watching his programs as a child, I have found his wise council to be very impactful as I have navigated challenges as an adult.

This week, I found this quote to be both a comfort and a call to action: “As human beings, our job in life is to help people realize how rare and valuable each one of us really is, that each of us has something that no one else has—or ever will have—something inside that is unique to all time. It's our job to encourage each other to discover that uniqueness and to provide ways of developing its expression.”

For over 55 years, Hope Community Resources has existed to support and encourage people with disabilities across Alaska to have opportunities to discover and value their unique expression, and to be an organization that fosters and celebrates the diversity of gifts and talents we all bring to our communities.

We have been a strong voice to help break down barriers to full accessibility with the goal of equal access to employment, health care, transportation, and participation in community.

Communities are enriched by diversity grounded in kindness, acceptance, and a shared desire to lift each other up. We have and will continue to champion what it means and feels like to be genuinely included, to be seen, appreciated and have opportunities to meaningfully contribute.

Mr. Rogers never backed down from encouraging and supporting diversity, and today I find his confident example to be validation that, in the words of Martin Luther King Jr., “The time is always right to do what is right.”

Sincerely,

Michele Girault, Executive Director

In a world that often feels divided, it's worth remembering a simple truth: we all have more in common with each other than not. Beneath our differences—whether in beliefs, experiences, or backgrounds—lies a shared human experience of navigating life’s joys, challenges, changes, and uncertainties.

This shared journey is a reminder to approach one another with compassion and gentleness. Everyone around you, whether a close friend, family member, or stranger, is likely carrying something unseen—a loss, a worry, a hope, a hurt. Even those who appear strong and unshaken may be quietly fighting battles within their hearts and minds. If we could see these struggles, we’d naturally extend more grace and compassion, even toward those we find difficult to understand. Since these burdens are often invisible, we must make the conscious effort to consider what someone else might be going through. This shift in perspective will allow us to engage with people more thoughtfully. Empathy is one of the greatest gifts we can offer others, and it is often returned to us in unexpected ways. Empathy leads to kindness, which leads to connection, which leads to relationships, which are central to a life well-lived.

As we move through our days, let’s focus on leaving people well. A kind word, a smile, or even simply offering unexpected patience can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life. Instead of jumping to conclusions about someone’s actions or intentions, remind yourself that there might be more happening behind the scenes. Curiosity invites understanding; judgment closes the door. By understanding and embracing the ties that bind us, we can work toward a world that is more kind, peaceful, and compassionate. We’re all in this together. And together is so much stronger than separately.

Quick Tips for Offering Empathy

• Pause before reacting: Ask yourself, What might this person be going through?
• Lead with kindness: A smile, a kind word, or simply listening can brighten someone’s day.
• Practice patience: Not everyone’s journey is visible. Give grace when someone seems distant or upset.
• Seek to understand, not assume: Take Walt Whitman’s advice to “be curious, not judgmental.”
• Seek opportunities: Make every interaction a chance to offer peace and kindness.
• Leave people well: Leave each interaction with the belief that the other person's wellness has benefitted from the experience.

Now that the holidays are settling down, many of us are beginning to return to our routines that are no longer impacted by celebrations and social gatherings. As we walk into the new year, many of us experience both hopeful anticipation and trepidation at the uncertainty of what is to come. The new year is often a moment in which we observe the opportunity to start anew; to make an approach to something that is different than we have before.

For humans, much of our worry, anxiety, and distress is based on our perception of an event, situation, or interaction. Our thoughts—those innermost things that influence how we interpret the world around us—have an immense influence on our emotional health and our overall well-being. That said, our thoughts and perceptions are heavily influenced by several factors, for good or ill.

The information that we are exposed to every day, however brief that exposure might be, influences our inner world. Consider, for a moment, the information that you seek out and allow to enter your mind and to influence your beliefs. What information is your mind exposed to through what you read, news you view, the people you converse with, or the videos you watch? How does exposing your mind to such things impact your emotional state? If you find that you are having strong emotional reactions of worry or distress based on the information you are often exposing yourself to, it may be a useful strategy to consider an intentional redirection of what you allow yourself to consume.

Ill leave you with a quote from Mark Twain, who said, “I have known a great many troubles, most of which have never happened.” Wonder if we can change how we are feeling by monitoring our thoughts?

- Paul Ingram, Clinical Director for Hope Community Resources, Inc.

Mindful Practices for Mental Health:

• Identify what types of content trigger strong emotions.
• Choose uplifting or educational content over sensationalized news.
• Follow accounts that promote positivity and mental wellness.
• Recognize that thoughts are not facts, and reframe negative thoughts to focus on solutions.
• Focus on what you can control instead of what you cannot.
• Practice gratitude to shift your perception toward the positive.
• Use “STOP” to interrupt negative thinking: Stop, Take a breath, Observe, Proceed.
• Replace “what-if” worries with “even-if” reassurances.

Linda Golding, President of the Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska, presented generous contributions from the Club and its members to our Executive Director Michele, given with gratitude to support Hope’s mission! Thank you for your ongoing generosity and partnership!

"The past is your lesson. The present is your gift. The future is your motivation." – Zig Ziglar

At the start of the year, we shared with you some of Hope’s primary goals for 2024 in the form of a Vision Board. These included building inclusive communities, celebrating joyful events, elevating community partnerships, advocating for progress, and more. The year brought both hardship and moments of magic, the latter made possible by the people and families who choose our services and the ardor and perseverance of you all—our supporters. This month, our Executive Leadership Team gathered to reflect on our progress, and we are proud to share that we made great strides toward every goal.

Progress Toward Our Vision Goals

Thanks to a grant from The Alaska Community Foundation, we increased attendance in our Community Engagement Center’s Summer Camp, creating opportunities for inclusivity and joy. Campers engaged in meaningful activities with their peers, building relationships and a sense of belonging. Renovations and upgrades to many of our assisted living homes—funded by The Rasmuson Foundation, The Mat-Su Health Foundation, and the Reitman Family Trust—improved accessibility, security, and quality of life for the residents and their support staff. These changes also checked the box of sustainability by modernizing facilities to meet current needs.

We continued working on the design and build of a new intentional neighborhood initiative called Denali Village, a project that combines advocacy in action, impactful partnerships, inclusive communities, and innovative and sustainable strategies. It focuses on a holistic approach to inclusive living and our vision is that it will become a vibrant, accessible neighborhood where people of all abilities live meaningful lives with choice and independence.

We faced a variety of challenges with a “how can we say ‘yes’” mindset and worked hard to remove barriers to better serve people in need. We have been actively partnering with the Office of Children's Services, the Department of Health, and Licensing to find a path to support children with complex needs so they can be supported in Alaska. Our innovative Travel Direct Support Professional program gave us continued flexibility in addressing staffing challenges and continuity of services for the people we support.

We hosted and participated in more events than we can count—surpassing even some pre-pandemic years—including Hope's Disco Gala, the Walk & Roll for Hope, and Night to Shine; summer picnics, First Friday events, Disability Pride, and holiday celebrations, to name a few. Events like Deaf Awareness Week, DSP Appreciation Week, and the showing of Intelligent Lives offered moments of advocacy and partnership.

Celebrating the exceptional work of our team was another highlight of the year. Joelene Fortin received the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award, and Diana Medina was named Alaska’s 2024 DSP of the Year! This marks two consecutive years of recognition for our staff—Sharon Miranda received the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award, and Masaneh Jatta was Alaska’s 2023 DSP of the Year. These deserving tributes highlight the quality of our staff—the people behind our mission—and the amazing work they do for people with disabilities—the people at the heart of our mission.

Looking to the Future

We carry the lessons and successes of the past year and beyond, and in preparing for the coming year, we have set our sights on updated goals for our organization. Our 2025 Vision Board focuses on strengthening community engagement, continuing to build inclusive communities, ensuring a meaningful and sustainable impact, and more. Together with you, we are looking forward to a year of great purpose, connection, and progress.

Because he was outstanding in his field!

Laughter is a universal language that lightens our emotional load and creates connection. Incorporating humor at work isn’t just about having fun—it’s about reaping tangible physical, emotional, and social benefits.

In our busy lives, it can be easy to become preoccupied and overlook the power of a simple smile or friendly exchange. Laughter can lift our spirit and create an environment where others feel safe and valued. Making the effort to share a lighthearted moment just might make someone’s day—including your own!

Sharing humor with others also offers a variety of health benefits. It stimulates our heart and lungs, increases oxygen intake, and releases endorphins. It can strengthen the immune system, relieve pain, improve mood, and reduce stress. Studies show that humor improves team morale, job satisfaction, productivity, and leadership effectiveness. A smile or shared laugh can create a ripple effect of positivity, strengthening both individual well-being and organizational culture. A workplace that embraces humor also embodies stronger connections, creativity, and a relaxed environment, making difficult tasks and situations feel more manageable.

So, how can you sprinkle a little humor into your workday? Start small. Make a team tradition of sharing a weekly joke, create a shared joke board, add a touch of humor to your emails and text messages, or celebrate fun days like National Joke Day or National Donut Day. Just remember, humor should always be inclusive and kind—it should never come at someone else’s expense.

Laughter isn’t just a quick pick-me-up; it brings moments of levity that can reset your perspective and is a tool for long-term wellness and resilience. So, take a moment today to smile, laugh, and share joy with your friends and colleagues. You may find that it truly is the best medicine.

Resources for Clean Humor and Jokes:

• Aha! Jokes (www.ahajokes.com)
• Reader’s Digest Humor (www.rd.com/funny/jokes)
• Jokes 4 Us (www.jokes4us.com)
• National Day Calendar (www.nationaldaycalendar.com)
• Laughter Online University (www.laughteronlineuniversity.com)
• Laugh Factory (www.laughfactory.com)
• Culture Amp Blog (www.cultureamp.com/blog)

Today, we honor Human Rights Day—a reminder that every person deserves dignity. Every person deserves freedom. Every person deserves equality. We stand united in promoting the rights that bind us and building a world where these rights are the standard for all.