Upcoming Community Events

Black History Month
February 2026

February is Black History Month, and this year's theme is “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” marking 100 years of national observances dedicated to honoring the lives and achievements of African Americans. This milestone is an opportunity to not only reflect on history, but also to consider how Black history continues to shape our communities today.

Black History Month began in 1926 by historian Carter G. Woodson, and has grown into a month-long observance that encourages learning, dialogue, and reflection across the country. February was chosen to align with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, two pivotal figures in the abolition of slavery. Now and throughout the year, we acknowledge and appreciate the lasting influence of the Black community in culture, art, education, field, profession, civic life, social movements, and the everyday experiences that shape our shared society. This includes recognizing the 5.6 million Black Americans living with a disability.

As we observe Black History Month, we encourage everyone to take time to learn and engage with the stories and voices that have helped shape our shared history—and to continue building a community of inclusion and belonging for all.

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Learn the art of needle felting and create a textile portrait inspired by Alaska cotton blossoms. In this guided beginner-friendly class, participants will learn essential needle felting techniques while creating a framed textile portrait of cotton blossoms to take home. The class will include an introduction to materials and tools, how to layer and apply wool roving onto a felt base, and a step-by-step demonstration of the use of the needle felting tool and the process of building their design. Class size is limited to 10 participants. All materials and tools are included.

The class will be led by guest art instructor, Judy Potts. Judy is a lifelong Alaskan and has been a DSP with Hope Studios for about six years. She has 10 years of experience in needle-felting and fiber arts, and gets great pleasure teaching and watching people light up with the knowledge of new art techniques.

Sign up for Art Night

Learn how bleach can be used like paint to create bold designs, soft gradients, lettering, and patterns on fabric. This class is for beginners and experienced artists alike. You'll receive step-by-step instructions on the safety basics, design planning, and application, and you'll leave with both new skills and a finished one-of-a-kind hoodie with your own design on it.

The class will be led by Denali Ray, a Community Engagement Specialist with Hope and long-time artist. Denali loves to learn different art mediums and espeically enjoys being able to wear her own designs. This will be her first time teaching an art class and she is very excited.

Sign up for Art Night

Night to Shine is a complimentary event for people with differing abilities hosted by local churches around the world. The event is open to anyone living with disabilities, ages 14 and older. Some activities that may be included are a red carpet entrance, limousine rides, dancing, karaoke, gifts, a catered dinner, a Respite Room for parents and caregivers, a crowning ceremony where every honored guest will receive a crown or tiara, and more.

View more info and register

On February 14, Galentine’s Day gets a bold new twist with Anchorage’s first-ever sing-along brunch party!

Join your besties at 907 Alehouse & Grill for a sing-along, laugh-too-hard brunch experience you won’t forget. This fundraiser is presented by Hope, and it’s serving brunch and vibes with the incredible host Nicky T. and high-energy DJ Lefty bringing all the throwback hits you cannot stay quiet to. Singing loudly is not only allowed—it’s encouraged. The event runs until 2:00pm and may include interactive games, competitions, and other fun surprises throughout the afternoon.

Tickets are $40 per person and include a delicious brunch buffet. Whether you’re celebrating Galentine’s Day, a birthday, or just a Saturday with your favorite people—this isn’t just brunch . . . it’s a party and you’re the star!

This fundraiser is proudly presented by Hope Community Resources and AK Brunch.

Learn more and get your tickets

The Key Campaign is Alaska’s annual disability advocacy campaign, led by the Key Coalition of Alaska. Each year, the campaign brings together Alaskans with disabilities, family members, providers, staff, and advocates to strengthen disability rights and advance policies that expand opportunity, access, and independence across the state.

When you join the Key Campaign, you’re helping open doors to a more accessible Alaska—one where people with disabilities can live, work, learn, and participate fully in community life.

View more info and register

The UAA Center for Human Development's Alaska Training Cooperative, in collaboration with the State of Alaska Senior and Disability Services, the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, and the Stone Soup Group, is pleased to present the 25th annual Full Lives Conference for direct services professionals and care coordinators.

The 25th Annual Full Lives Conference is seeking proposals for break-out sessions inspired by this year's theme: "Honor. Celebrate. Advocate.” Submissions should use evidence-based best practices to motivate and educate professionals working with Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority beneficiaries: people who need support due to behavioral health, developmental disabilities, substance misuse, Alzheimer's and related dementia, and traumatic brain injuries. Each presentation will have a 60 or 90-minute time frame. Completed proposal applications must be submitted by 5 pm on Friday, February 23, 2026.

View event details and submit session proposal