A Newfound Confidence | Graciela’s Story
Graciela’s warm and bubbly personality lights up every room she enters. She has a deep love for her friends, family, and all things Selena—especially belting out Como La Flor during karaoke. Graciela thoroughly enjoys her cooking classes, and when preparing meals alongside her fellow Half Moon Bay Day Program participants, she walks through each step as if she’s hosting her own cooking show. Her personality truly shines, and her time at Hope Services has helped her develop a newfound confidence that continues to grow each day.
However, as her sister Gabriela shares, Graciela hasn’t always been this way. Her journey is one of transformation and resilience.
Two years ago, Graciela ‘Chela’ Flores rarely left the house, and her family felt uneasy about letting her do things on her own. Today, she’s volunteering, taking transportation independently, dancing and singing, and thriving in ways her family once only dreamed of. All thanks to the power of community, connection, and the support from our Hope Services team in San Mateo County.
On April 3, 2025, we had the pleasure of speaking with Gabriela Flores about her younger sister, Graciela. They live in Pescadero, a small town with limited transportation and few resources for people with disabilities and Down syndrome. Before joining Hope Services, she spent most of her time at home, socializing only with family. While her family encouraged her to join activities like swimming and Zumba, Graciela often saw them as obligations rather than opportunities for fun or connection.
Everything changed when the family was introduced to Hope through the Regional Center. From the very beginning, Gabriela recalls,
“The staff at Hope Robin and Jan were wonderful. They took the time to get to know Graciela, made sure she was placed in the right program, and treated her with kindness and professionalism. They really understand how to connect with people and support different personalities.”
Hope Services arranged transportation so that Graciela could participate in the day program, and it has transformed her life. What once felt was impossible, independent travel, social engagement, and community involvement, has now become part of her everyday routine.
“Before Hope, we were terrified to leave her alone,” Gabriela admits. “Now she’s independent and more herself than ever.”
Graciela’s days are filled with meaningful activities, and she takes pride in volunteering and participating in group events. Through the program, she’s discovered a newfound confidence, one that shines through in her friendships, participation in cooking classes, and her love for karaoke and Selena’s Como La Flor. She’s no longer just attending; she’s engaging, connecting, and thriving.
She’s also developed healthy habits thanks to the support she receives around nutrition and exercise, something especially important to Graciela, who manages diabetes herself, and Gabriela is grateful for the positive influence Hope has had on her sister’s well-being.
“She loves going to Hope,” Gabriela says. “She even gets upset when she has to miss a day for something like a dentist appointment!”
At the beginning of her time with Hope, Graciela would sometimes run off on her own. With the guidance and structure of the program, she’s learned how to follow safety rules, respect boundaries, and take responsibility for her actions. “She’s matured so much. The growth we’ve seen is incredible.”
Gabriela encourages other families to take that first step:
“Hope Services has been great! I would encourage any family with a loved one who has a disability to reach out. Hope helps their participants fully reach their potential.”
