Stories of Hope

February 2024 Newsletter

The Key Coalition of Alaska:

37 Years of Disability Advocacy and Action

Greetings!

The Key Coalition of Alaska has been hosting the annual Key Campaign for 37 years. The Coalition is made up of Alaskans with disabilities, their families and advocates, Peer Power Alaska, Alaska Alliance of Direct Support Professionals, and Alaska Association of Development Disabilities (AADD), the provider association. This year’s Campaign kicked off with a virtual Unity Lunch with guest speakers – Commissioner of the Department of Health Heidi Hedberg, Senior and Disability Services (SDS) Director Tony Newman, Alaska Mental Health Trust CEO Steve Williams and Governors Council Chair Jena Crafton.

Legislative visits were held both virtually and in-person in Juneau with advocates sharing the Coalition’s priorities with legislators. A rally was held on the capitol steps on February 28, attended by both Coalition members and members of the Alaska Behavioral Health Association (ABHA), who were also in Juneau for their annual conference.

The Key Coalition’s priorities this year include:

Priority 1: Continue the work of eradicating the Waitlist for Developmental Disability Services
Priority 2: Support Initiatives that address social determinants of health
Priority 3: Invest in Community Behavioral Health Services

Advocates also had an opportunity for a work session to address next steps in the five-year roadmap to eradicate the waitlist with Deputy Commissioner Emily Ricci as well as SDS leadership. The DD Shared Vision continues to be the north star guiding conversations to enhance disability supports in Alaska.

Learn More about Key Coalition

Shared Vision: “Alaskans share a vision of a flexible system in which each person directs their own supports, based on their strengths and abilities, toward a meaningful life in their home, their job, and their community. Our vision includes supported families, professional staff, and services available throughout the state now and into the future.”

Walk & Roll for Hope

Anchorage: Saturday, May 4, 2024

Kenai: Saturday, May 18, 2024

Lace up your sneakers and oil those wheels because the excitement is building for our 55th annual Walk & Roll for Hope! Mark your calendars and save the dates for both events in Anchorage and Kenai, and get ready to come together and make a difference for the people we serve! Every step, every roll, and every dollar counts!

Stay tuned in the coming weeks for more information and registration details.

Stone Soup Group's Parent Conference

March 21-22, 2024

This year's theme is "Hope Grows" and will feature keynote speaker Hasan Davis, a hope-dealer dedicated to improving the lives of young people. Join discussions on empowering youth with disabilities in areas like poverty, juvenile justice, and education. Table topics will include resilience, compassion fatigue, and positive strategies. Don't miss presentations on Universal Protocols and Family Engagement. Two days of powerful insights, awesome vendors, and catered lunch on both days.

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

March is a month of celebration and advocacy! In Alaska, diversity is our strength, and every member of our community contributes to the richness of experiences and talents. Join us in honoring Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month throughout March. Together, we can and will build a world that's committed to inclusivity, and where everyone can live happily and thrive.

Learn More

Women's History Month

March is also a time to honor the contributions and achievements of women throughout history. As we celebrate Women's History Month, we are always proud to highlight Nancy Stuart Johnson, the founder of Hope back in 1968. Her compassion and leadership paved the way for thousands of people with disabilities to receive the support and care they need. Let's continue to recognize and uplift the incredible women who have shaped our world and continue to inspire us every day.

Explore Women's Impact in the Disability Community

Lesko Discovery Center Summer Camp

Get ready for Hope's Lesko Discovery Center Summer Camp this June through August. This summer, we're gearing up to offer a wide range of activities and experiences, including art, music, sports, wildlife, cultural traditions, outdoor adventures, and more. Stay tuned for more information and registration details, and get your kids ready for an unforgettable summer full of laughter, friendship, and fun!

Honoring the Life and Legacy of Robert Owens

This month we mourned the loss and celebrated the life of a dedicated and loved Board member, Robert "Bob" Owens, who passed on unexpectedly on February 5th. Bob served on the Hope Board of Directors for 27 years, serving in multiple leadership roles throughout that time. As an attorney, Bob shared his knowledge of the law for the benefit of the organization. But his impact went far deeper because of the man he was. He walked through the world grounded in compassion and integrity, and he forged strong relationships with others. He leaves a legacy of impact, with his family, work, volunteer endeavors, and the community. We will forever miss his presence, but will strive to follow his example.

Take Care of YOU: Cold Weather Health

To help you stay safe and healthy for the remainder of this winter and in future seasons, our latest wellness bulletin is focused on various cold weather injuries and how to prevent them – from hypothermia and frostbite prevention to tips for avoiding dehydration and respiratory infections.

View Wellness Bulletin

Career Opportunities at Hope

We are actively looking for passionate people to join our team. If you or someone you know would be interested in one of the following careers, please apply below or reach out to our Recruiting team at 907-433-1730.

Payroll Specialist, Anchorage (full-time)
Health Supports Supervisor, Anchorage (full-time)
Registered Nurse, Anchorage (full-time)
Licensed Practical Nurse, Anchorage (full-time)
Lead RN Nurse, Anchorage (full-time)
Intensive Supports Associate, Anchorage (full-time)
Resident Manager, Anchorage (full-time)
Resident Manager, Matsu (part-time)
Resident Manager, Kodiak (part-time)
Intensive Supports Resident Manager, Kenai and Anchorage
Travel Direct Support Professionals

Apply Here

Daylight Savings

Sunday, March 10, 2024

As we near the beginning of Daylight Savings Time, we want to remind you to 'spring forward' and set your clocks forward one hour on Sunday, March 10, 2024.

Do you have questions, comments or feedback on our newsletter? Do you have suggestions or stories you would like to see in future newsletters? Send them to our Communications Specialist, Karen Fritsche, at communications@hopealaska.org.