Check out your Company Bowl for anonymous work chats.
Today is National Philanthropy Day, and we want to say THANK YOU to all our donors and supporters—you are the true champions of our mission, inspiring hope and progress. Today especially, we celebrate the change we've made, the change we're making, and the change that is yet to come.
Our October newsletter highlights the story of John Riek's Legislative Citation and Leslie Davis's 35-year Hope Anniversary. Plus, learn about our upcoming community events.
Today is Hope Community Resources' anniversary! On October 28, 1968, our organization was founded by Nancy Stuart Johnson, whose pioneering spirit led her to care for children with developmental disabilities in Alaska. From our beginning as "Hope Cottage" with 14 foster children in Anchorage, we've grown to become a statewide non-profit dedicated to supporting Alaskans who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, and mental health challenges. Nancy started a legacy of service that continues to thrive today. Here's to 56 years of Hope and the many lives positively impacted along the way!
Leslie Davis recently celebrated 35 years with Hope! She serves as the Office Manager for our Wasilla, Kodiak, and Seward regions. Her kindness and dedication shine through in everything she does. She supports and guides our DSPs from the moment they join Hope and helps them excel out in the field. She also participates on several advisory teams and committees that contribute to agency improvements and lasting change. “It’s special to me to help others and hopefully be a blessing to those who cross my path,” she says. Leslie says her 35 years at Hope have been fueled by her belief in the agency’s mission, particularly Hope's focus on “building bridges, not barriers.” Helping the most vulnerable is a passion she holds dear, and she admires Hope’s ability to think creatively about how to serve those in need. She also appreciates the opportunities Hope has given her to grow and develop and use her skills in ways that benefit the entire organization. Some of her most memorable and rewarding experiences include receiving Agency Awards, participating in the Key Campaign that pushed for autism insurance legislation, serving on the steering committee for Alaska’s Shared Vision, and her work in Hope’s Mental Health network. Leslie makes a difference at Hope every day and in the lives of countless individuals in our community. Her voice of advocacy and compassion inspire us all, and we’re so grateful she’s shared her gifts and talents at Hope for 35 years!
Hope is excited to announce several leadership opportunities! Grow professionally by developing leadership skills in the human services field while leading teams to provide quality services to people who experience disabilities. Whether you're ready to pursue leadership or just starting to explore, 2025 is the perfect time to step into a role that helps you and others thrive. Apply now at www.hopealaska.org/careers.
We’d like to take a moment to highlight Chris Carston, who recently celebrated an incredible 40 years with Hope! Currently our Mental Health Supervisor / Case Manager, Chris has held a variety of roles during her time at Hope, starting as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and progressing through positions like OBRA Grant coordinator, group home support for our Kenai region, in-take and DD eligibility, Anchorage Supervisor, and Care Coordinator. Chris’s commitment to Hope is inspired by its mission, the people Hope provides services for, and the support of her co-workers. She’s especially grateful for the flexibility Hope has offered, which allowed her to balance work and raising her children. What she enjoys most about her role is helping improve the quality of people’s lives and working with co-workers who have the same passion and commitment. Outside of work, Chris and her partner John enjoy a blended family of four adult children, along with their three dogs, one cat, and seven grand-pets. In her free time, Chris enjoys cross-country skiing, hiking, biking, reading, and working on house and garden projects. We are truly grateful for Chris’s dedication and the positive impact she has made over the last four decades!
At our Disco Gala, we had the great honor of presenting two special awards that celebrate the power and unity of our community. The first, the Journey Award, was given to Becky Twitchell, whose strength, kindness, and joy remind us of the power of the human spirit. Despite facing significant challenges, including being born prematurely and sent to Morningside Hospital in Oregon at age 14, Becky has thrived throughout her life, working various jobs and building strong connections in her community. She now lives in Kodiak and enjoys painting, going to church, and spending time with her loved ones. We honor Becky, not only for her journey these past eight decades in Alaska, but also for the impact she has had on all of us. The second, the Outstanding Community Partnership Award, was presented to Alaska Frontier Services LLC and its owners, Max and Gina Withrow, in appreciation of their support and dedication to ensuring accessibility for Hope's assisted living home properties. Their partnership has helped Hope continue providing affordable and accessible housing. Max and his team exemplify the impact of those who give their time, talent, and passion to our mission. Congratulations and heartfelt thanks to both of this year's inspiring award recipients! 🎉🎉
