Though a couple months have passed since our Summer Camp wrapped up, the memories and impact it left on our campers, staff, and community are still fresh in our minds. Thanks to generous grant funding from The Alaska Community Foundation, Hope was able to serve 34 campers!

Over the course of ten weeks, campers had a blast with various creative activities, hands-on learning, and outdoor adventures. Some of the many highlights included the Wildlife Week adventures, tie-dye shirt-making, ceramics class, meeting one of APD's police K9s "AC", and riding horses at the Flying Horse Equestrian Center.

Navigating the healthcare system can feel overwhelming, but being a strong self-advocate is important to getting the care you need. When communicating with healthcare providers, be clear about your symptoms and how they’re affecting your life. If a provider gives you a diagnosis, don’t be afraid to ask, “What else could this be?” Exploring all possibilities helps reduce the risk of misdiagnosis and ensures you receive the proper treatment.

Always bring documentation with you, including recent discharge paperwork, lab results, or imaging scans. Having a folder with your complete health history—such as past diagnoses, medications, allergies, and surgeries—can help providers get the full picture and avoid repeating tests or treatments. If you feel overwhelmed or that your concerns aren’t being fully understood, bring along a trusted person to help advocate for you. They can assist with clarifying your needs and making sure your voice is heard.

Self-advocacy is also important when insurance issues arise. Sometimes, doctors might recommend alternative tests or treatments because insurance won’t cover the preferred option. In these cases, ask questions like, “Is this the best option for my health?” or “What alternatives are available?” Don’t be afraid to challenge decisions that may prioritize cost over your well-being.

Finally, when you visit a healthcare provider, always make sure you fully understand the information that the provider discussed with you before you leave. Ask, “What are my next steps?” and “When and with whom should I schedule my next appointment? Repeat back what the provider tells you, and have them repeat what you’ve shared, to help prevent miscommunication. Remember that no one knows your body and health history better than you, so stay informed and be proactive in your own care to ensure your voice is heard, and your health is prioritized.

The 'Five Ds' of Healthcare Self-Advocacy

• Diagnosis. Understand your condition and ask if there are other possibilities.
• Drugs. Clarify what medications are being prescribed, their purpose, potential side effects, and interactions.
• Doctor. Confirm who is overseeing your care and who to contact with questions.
• Directions. Get clear instructions on your next steps and how to manage your condition.
• Diet. Ask if any dietary changes are needed to support your treatment of recovery.

Imagine starting or ending your day with a moment of intention, where you pause, take a deep breath, and set aside the distractions and stresses of daily life. In this quiet moment, focus on what you are grateful for and acknowledge the good moments in life that often go unnoticed. Consider the things you appreciate, and write them down. This simple practice can transform how you see the world and bring greater joy and optimism to your life.

The benefits of keeping a gratitude journal go far beyond just feeling good. Reflecting on what we are thankful for rewires our brain to focus on the positives rather than the negatives. Writing down what you’re grateful for counteracts the brain’s negativity bias and makes your positive experiences more memorable, allowing the good feelings to linger. This practice reinforces positive emotions, helping to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, boost self-esteem, and improve sleep. It can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, increase resilience in the face of struggles, and lead to greater inner peace. Gratitude helps you process and manage negative emotions more effectively, making it easier to access positive memories and bring a sense of calm and contentment to the present moment.

Begin by finding just one thing each day that brings you joy—it can be as simple as a kind word from a friend, a lovely sunset, or enjoying your favorite meal. Even on your toughest days, intentionally find something positive to write about. As you build on this habit, it will become more natural to spot these moments, and your list of gratitudes will grow longer and more detailed.

Instead of waking up overwhelmed by your to-list, or going to bed with a racing mind, start a gratitude journal as part of your daily self-care routine. It can become a source of comfort—especially on challenging days—and a reminder that there is always something to be thankful for.

Daily Gratitude Journal Prompts

• Write about one good thing that happened.
• Who are you grateful for and why?
• Describe a simple pleasure you experienced.
• What skill are you grateful to have?
• Reflect on a kind gesture someone did for you.
• What brought you peace or joy?
• What is one thing about your home, work, or daily routine that you appreciate?
• What is a small accomplishment that you’re proud of?
• Reflect on a moment of laughter you shared with someone.
• What did you do for someone else that you’re glad you could do?

This month, Hope Community Resources, Inc. proudly celebrates the 40-year anniversary of our Executive Director, Michele Girault, who has dedicated her career to advancing the mission of our organization and improving the lives of people who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Michele’s journey with Hope began in 1984 when she arrived in Alaska from Colorado for what she thought would be a summer job as a Direct Support Professional (DSP). Little did she know, that experience would spark a lifelong passion for both Alaska and serving people with disabilities, and she has since devoted four decades to championing people's rights, dignity, inclusion, individuality, self-advocacy, and opportunities to live full, meaningful lives. Her kindness and leadership have broken down barriers and changed people's lives for the better.

Michele’s career has been marked by her belief that small, persistent efforts can lead to big improvements in human dignity and quality of life. Her approach to leadership is rooted in kindness, advocacy, and empowerment, leading to transformative impact on both the organization and our broader community.

Reflecting on her journey, Michele shared, “I have loved being part of the stories of bringing people out of institutional settings into communities of choice, and witnessing the growth and joy in that process. Throughout my career, I have tried to look through a lens of abundance when scarcity is all around us. I have literally 'grown up' with many of the people Hope supports, and these relationships have created a deep commitment to staying the course."

Michele’s influence has inspired countless others within Hope and the broader community to take action for the greater good. Her legacy of courage, kindness, and empowerment has driven others to continue the important work that has defined Hope since its founding in 1968. The profound impact she has made is reflected in the heartfelt words of those who have had the privilege to work alongside her.

Hope’s Board President, Kendra Sticka, emphasized Michele’s role in transforming opportunities for people with disabilities in Alaska, stating, "Michele lives the values of Hope. She always brings the individual being served to the center of every discussion and decision, genuinely and authentically engaging with all parts of the Hope community. Over the past 40 years, she has been a part of a massive cultural shift in the world of disabilities. Her collaborative nature and willingness to always put people first have allowed her impact to stretch beyond Hope and into so many other spaces that improve our community and the lives of people who live within it. As both a board member and a mom of a young adult with intellectual disabilities, I would like to give a huge and heartfelt thank you to Michele for her decades of service in building a better community for those with disabilities."

Mercedes Barbaza, Executive Assistant, said, “Michele’s leadership has set a high standard for operational excellence and professional development, strengthening Hope’s core value of growth and innovation. Her dedication and visionary leadership have shaped Hope’s success and its impact on the community.”

Tom Hiratsuka, CFO, added, “Michele displays both compassion and accountability in her interactions with staff while embodying our core values. Her perpetual optimism and creative problem-solving inspire others to look at challenges differently and strive for positive outcomes.”

Sharayah Talarovich, former Chief Workforce and Risk Officer, said, “Michele cares about people first – always. Her integrity and focus on serving people make her incredibly effective. She’s brave and courageous, willing to challenge the status quo and prioritize our mission above other interests. Her heart for people is what truly sets her apart.”

Joe Sonnier, Board Treasurer, reflected, “Michele’s journey from institutional settings to vibrant community life mirrors her colorful, impactful presence at Hope. Her daily practice of kindness, advocacy, and empowerment has inspired countless others. Her extraordinary magic leaves a lasting imprint on our community and our lives.”

As we celebrate this extraordinary milestone, we extend our gratitude to Michele for her 40 years of commitment, visionary leadership, and impact. Her legacy will continue to inspire and guide us as we work toward a future where every person is empowered to live a full, meaningful life.

Hope received the 2023 Governor's Arts and Humanities Award for Arts Business Leadership, an honor recognizing businesses that made a significant impact on the arts in Alaska through financial support, creative initiatives, and programs fostering arts and business partnerships. Hope Studios plays a key role in integrating the arts into the community, engaging employees, and supporting local artists through collaborative efforts. Our team's dedication and contributions create a lasting impact across the state.

This award serves as a testament to the hard work and creativity of our artists and staff. The recognition highlights their commitment to promoting the arts and strengthening community connections throughout Alaska.

The Governor's Arts and Humanities Awards is an annual partnership between the Alaska Humanities Forum, the Alaska State Council on the Arts, the Alaska Arts and Culture Foundation, and the Office of the Governor to recognize and honor noteworthy contributions to the arts and humanities in Alaska.

Each year, these partners select awardees in several distinct categories, based on nominations submitted by the public.

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Hope Studios – Arts Business Leadership

Hope Studios is a community-based art studio operated by Hope Community Resources. Our Studio provides a welcoming space in Anchorage for Alaskan artists—including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities—to explore, create, and share their talents.

Renowned for its vibrant, unconventional artwork, our Studio fosters inclusive communities and empowers artists. Despite economic challenges, Hope Studios continues to be essential to our mission, impacting local businesses like Fashion Pact and creating stunning murals that celebrate diversity.

Participants in Hope Studios programs experience personal growth, pride, and a sense of belonging. Actively involved in the community, Hope Studios collaborates with schools, nursing homes, and local businesses on various projects. The artists' captivating artwork can be found across Alaska, making Hope Studios a gem in the Anchorage community and beyond, promoting hope and resilience through the arts.

Congratulations to our Hope Studios team, whose collaborative efforts have been impactful across the state. It’s wonderful to have the work of the artists and staff be recognized in this meaningful and impressive way!

We are grateful and proud to receive this honor and for our community's support in making arts and creativity available and accessible to Alaskans who experience disabilities. If you would like to be involved in ensuring this essential program can continue to excel, please consider donating to Hope Studios.