We're writing to you today as long-term Hope volunteers, donors and, most importantly, parents of a client. Just a few days ago, our son, Alex, turned 41. We recalled that 20 years ago no community-based program existed in our community. Alex would be exiting the public school system with no clear path forward. No programs existed in our community for someone like Alex who needed structure and daily support. How incredibly lucky we were to be introduced to Hope Services.

Fast forward to 2025. For almost 20 years, Alex has been supported by Hope’s Community Day Program, and for the past 8 years, Hope has provided Alex with Supported Living Services allowing him to live in his own home. Hope Services has had a huge impact on Alex’ life and ours, and so we watch with growing concern as cuts to programs supporting intellectually disabled, low-income adults loom on the horizon. We ask ourselves, “What would Alex do without the daily support provided by Hope Services? What would his days look like without Hope?” We suspect many of you would have difficulty picturing daily life for your family member without Hope Services.

Over 74 years of serving clients with intellectual disabilities, Hope has built a reputation for supporting clients while maintaining a focus on building financial strength so it can continue providing high quality, uninterrupted support to clients. But now, Hope faces increasing challenges posed by expected cuts to Medicaid and Medi-Cal which will impact regional center and county funding. Never has there been a more critical time to support Hope. With funding cuts on the horizon, we must grow revenues by expanding donations to minimize the risk of program reductions or eliminations.

Hope serves nearly 4,000 clients, yet last year fewer than 300 donations were made by client families. We need everyone’s help. A donation of any size makes a difference. We know that everyone has different giving capacity, but we also know that everyone can give something. Every dollar counts, and Hope will put each dollar to good use to maximize impact for our loved ones.

There is no better time. Please help protect our client programs to the extent that you are able. It’s time for families to support Hope and ensure that each and every client has a program to participate in each and every day of the week.

Thank you for your support!

Ruthie & Bill Palmer
Hope Volunteers, Donors and Parents