Walk & Roll for Hope
Kenai: Saturday, May 10, 2025
Anchorage, Thursday, May 15, 2025
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Sign up for the 2025 Walk & Roll for Hope!
This year’s theme, "Hope Starts Here," highlights the importance of keeping children with disabilities and complex medical needs in Alaska rather than being sent out-of-state to institutions. By participating, you are helping to create a future where every child can receive the care and support they need right here in Alaska—their home.
This year, we're making some exciting changes to the Walk & Roll for Hope for Anchorage participants. For the first time, the event will take place on a Thursday evening instead of the traditional first Saturday in May, allowing participants to enjoy better spring weather. Additionally, we're bringing a new 'Taste of Anchorage' experience to the Walk route! During and after the Walk, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy delicious treats from some of Anchorage’s best local restaurants such as Humpy's Great Alaskan Alehouse and Spenard Roadhouse.
Sign up for Anchorage WalkSign up for Kenai Walk
Lesko Discovery Center Summer Camp
June 23 - August 8, 2025
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Registration is now open for our Lesko Discovery Center Summer Camp 2025! Registration is now online to make the application, financial aid, and registration process easier than ever!
Hope’s Summer Camp offers a fun, educational, and inclusive summer experience for children and young adults (ages 9-20) with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. From June 23 – August 8, campers will enjoy seven weeks of engaging activities and exciting adventures throughout the Anchorage community that promote teamwork, social skills, and confidence—all in a supportive environment led by our trained staff.
World Autism Month
April 2025
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April is World Autism Month, a time dedicated to promoting understanding and acceptance of autism. April 2nd is specially recognized as World Autism Awareness Day. Throughout this month, we encourage discussions on the language and symbolism associated with autism and participation in events that promote wellness and inclusivity.
Throughout April, we encourage everyone to work on and complete puzzles and share them with us! Send a picture of your finished puzzles to [email protected] or glue it together and bring it in to potentially be used as decorations. A finished puzzle isn’t about missing pieces or something that needs to be solved. Instead, it represents belonging—every piece, no matter its shape, fits together to create something whole. Just like a completed puzzle, every person is whole.
Autism Awareness Events
- April 26: The Alaska Autism Resource Center (AARC) is hosting an in-person Walk in Anchorage to raise awareness and acceptance for Autism. The event will feature family-friendly activities, and they will be giving away door prizes donated by the community. Click here for more details and to sign up.
- April 1-30: In an effort to get even more Alaskans involved in World Autism Month, the AARC and Special Education Service Agency (SESA) are also hosting a virtual Walk-a-Thon for the month of April. Click here for more details and to sign up.
National Month of Hope
April 2025
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April is the National Month of Hope, a time to recognize the power of hope to inspire action, connection, and change. Hope begins with us—in every interaction, every role, and every person we serve. This national observance was created to remind us all that hope is powerful…and contagious. When we choose to act with hope, we help others find it too.
Throughout April, we’ll reflect on the four pillars of hope—each one a reminder that hope touches every part of life.
- Hope for Self – Reignite belief in your own purpose, growth, and power.
- Hope for Family – Strengthen and honor the personal connections that keep you grounded.
- Hope for Community – Inspire hope through small acts in your community that make a big difference.
- Hope for the Nation & World – Recognize how your daily efforts contribute to something bigger.
FashionPact's Free Pictures with the Easter Bunny
April 19, 2025
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Our friends at FashionPact are once again offering free pictures with the Easter Bunny this year! Just bring your kids and your camera; they will have the Easter Bunny and a fun backdrop! And remember—when you shop at or donate to FashionPact, mention Hope and they will donate 30% of your purchase or donation to Hope!
Volunteer Appreciation Week
April 20-26, 2025
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During Volunteer Appreciation Week, celebrate all the amazing ways our community gives back. You can also honor the week by signing up to volunteer in your local community!
- We need volunteers at our Walk & Roll for Hope, happening May 10 in Kenai and May 15 in Anchorage. If you’re interested in helping with this event, please reach out to Cyndi at [email protected] for more details and to sign up.
- Sign up to volunteer in your local community using match platforms:
- Search ‘Alaska’ or your city
- Opportunities range from food banks to tutoring to remote options
- Search by zip code for local projects
- Great for family-friendly and one-time projects
To all volunteers, thanks for all you do — your time and talents make a meaningful difference!
Earth Day
April 22, 2025
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April 22 is Earth Day, so take time to honor, celebrate, and protect this planet we call home. Some activities to consider include:
- Planting a tree or garden
- Joining a local clean-up or picking up litter in your neighborhood
- Going for a nature walk or hike
- Starting a compost pile at home
- Biking or walking instead of driving for the day
- Reading a book about nature
- Attending a virtual or local Earth Day event
- Making eco-friendly crafts using recycled materials
- Sharing an eco-friendly tip or message on social media
Arctic Comic Con
April 26-27, 2025
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Hope Studios will be selling anime, cartoon and tech themed art at Arctic Comic Con, April 26-27 at the Dena’ina Center. Get your tickets to support Hope Studios and experience epic cosplay, gaming tournaments, celebrity guests, and more.
That's all for now! Check back regularly for updates.
