Voices of Support

Behind every meaningful moment at Hope is a large network of people working together to make it possible. From direct support professionals and specialized teams to the departments that keep our organization running, each person helps those we support live fulfilling, self-directed lives. Their expertise and dedication help Hope remain responsive to the needs of people and families across Alaska.

The People Behind Everyday Support

Some of the most important work at Hope happens in small moments. A direct support professional helps someone get ready for an outing. A coworker stays late to solve a problem. A manager finds a way to keep a familiar routine in place. During DSP Appreciation Week, Hope celebrated staff across Alaska for this kind of steady care. Their work helps people make choices, keep friendships, stay healthy, and take part in their communities.

At one of our assisted living homes in Anchorage, Niori takes time to learn what each woman wants and needs. Her clear communication, patience, and kindness help build trust. At the Behavioral Health Clinic, Emily King helps people work through hard systems involving housing, food, Medicaid, and other benefits. Lead Behavior Analyst Rex Shangraw has spent years helping children and teens turn big carnival plans into shared success. Each person supports others in a different way. All begin by paying attention.

Tom Bandelow: Alaska DSP of the Year

For more than 28 years, Tom Bandelow has supported Alaskans with intellectual and developmental disabilities, often building relationships that last a decade or longer. Early in his career, he supported Alaska Native people transitioning from an institution into their own home. He recognized the importance of cultural respect and trust, particularly for people who had experienced separation from their home communities. Today, his calm approach continues to support people through change, while his teaching and mentoring strengthen the wider team. In 2026, ANCOR named Tom Alaska’s Direct Support Professional of the Year. He was selected as part of a national group of honorees drawn from a record 544 nominations. The award recognizes the care, consistency, and respect he brings to his work.

Professional Awards

At the Full Lives Conference, Jacob Shaffer of Kenai and Nathan Harris of Hope’s behavior support team received Outstanding Professional of the Year awards in intellectual and developmental disability services and mental health services. Jacob is known for long-term relationships, calm support, and respect for people’s preferences. Nathan helps people pursue jobs and work through housing and benefit challenges while keeping their goals at the center. Hope also celebrated staff through its peer-nominated Circle of Hope Awards and service milestones, including employees with up to 45 years of service.

Nurse Sara Pullen travels to remote Alaska communities to support children with complex health needs. She listens to families, trains caregivers, and works with medical teams to remove barriers to care. Her work was highlighted in connection with the Celebrating Nurses recognition. Whether teaching a new skill or helping a family navigate a hard situation, Sara keeps the person’s safety and wishes at the center.

Community Partnerships

A volunteer named Tish has cared for gardens and yards at Mat-Su homes for eight years. At Willow Ranch, neighbors helped fence the orchard, and volunteers from Michigan pitched in with spring cleanup. Central Michigan University students and faculty spent a week learning about disability advocacy and helping with projects, including painting the Hope Gallery and supporting Walk & Roll for Hope. At Hope Studios, Adriana shared seven months of creativity and connection through the Service Adventures program. These gifts of time make a lasting difference.

In Kenai, partners such as the Kenaitze Indian Tribe, Frontier Community Services, and the Duck Inn helped bring people together. In Anchorage, King Tech students helped guests prepare for Night to Shine. Businesses opened their doors to artists, musicians, and neighbors. In Kodiak, the recreation center, local beaches, and community events offered natural places to connect. A welcoming community is built by people who choose to include one another.

A Community that Shows Up

The Phantom Soirée and Sing-Along Brunches in Anchorage and Kenai brought supporters together to raise funds and build connections. Harvest Potlucks welcomed more than 50 people in Kenai and more than 200 in Anchorage. Holiday gatherings, craft fairs, and community art sales offered additional ways for people to share their talents, volunteer, and enjoy time together. These events reflect a community that contributes in many ways, from financial gifts to time, creativity, and care.

Hope received Platinum recognition for Assisted Living and Gold recognition for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the 2025 Best of Alaska awards. These community-voted honors recognize the relationships among people receiving services, families, employees, and partners. The recognition is meaningful because of the everyday work and trust behind it.

Disability Pride events in Anchorage and Soldotna created opportunities to celebrate identity, visibility, and inclusion. During the Key Campaign, people receiving services, families, employees, and advocates shared priorities with Alaska lawmakers. Employee recognition gatherings also celebrated the people whose daily work sustains Hope’s mission.

Supporting the People who Support Others

Human Resources

Hope’s Human Resources team helps staff through the moments that keep an organization running: interviews, benefits questions, payroll, coaching, and hard conversations. The team also gives time to community projects. Cehz Luzano earned SHRM-CP certification, moved into the HR Supervisor role, and received a Circle of Hope Award. Sophie Koonce became an HR Generalist, and Lisa Vue joined as Benefits & Compensation Specialist. These steps strengthen the people who support Hope’s mission every day.

Nursing and Community-Based Support

Across Hope, employees work together to support safe, respectful services in homes and communities. Nurses, direct support professionals, and program teams share knowledge, coordinate care, and respond to changing needs. Their work supports the relationships and individual goals described throughout this report.

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