You may remember Donna—a Hope Services participant, donor, artist, and passionate advocate. She has been part of HopeSTUDIO since 2018. At HopeSTUDIO, artists receive a minimum of 50% of sales as commission, empowering them to build financial independence, self-esteem, and a renewed sense of purpose. Last year, Donna generously donated all her proceeds back to…

When Michael was just 13, his life changed in an instant—he was hit by a car. Over the years, he’s faced every challenge with quiet determination. In February 2024, he joined Hope Services’ Day Program in Gilroy, ready to take the next step in his journey. It quickly became clear that Michael brought more than…

Dear Hope Services Community, For more than 70 years, Hope Services has remained a pillar of support and advocacy for individuals with developmental disabilities and mental health needs. We’ve weathered political shifts and economic uncertainty before—but the challenges we now face present an unprecedented threat to the essential services we provide and to the broader…

George Abina has been a client of Hope Services since 1990. Born in Mountain View, he has spent most of his life in the Gilroy area. George comes from a large, close-knit family rooted in Hispanic heritage. With their support, he joined the Hope Gilroy Day Program. He was raised by loving grandparents and extended…

Five years ago, Mark was going through one of the most challenging chapters of his life. After a divorce, he found himself feeling isolated and uncertain. He had a choice to make—hold to what was familiar, or take a leap toward something new. Mark chose to start over. That leap led him to Hope Services…

At the Hope Services Senior Center in San Jose, transformation happens every day. Few stories illustrate this more powerfully than that of Rosalie Kenyon. When Rosalie, 57, joined the program in 2023, she was quiet, withdrawn, and easily overwhelmed. Staff recall an early moment when a loud noise triggered a disruptive outburst, revealing just how…

For the past seven years, Melisa Rillera has been a powerful champion for inclusion and opportunity at Hope Services. Starting her journey as a Community Support Facilitator and later promoted to Job Developer, Melisa has dedicated her career to building bridges between local businesses and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities seeking meaningful employment. A…

Lori lights up every room with her radiant smile and warm spirit, ensuring that everyone at Hope Services in Santa Cruz feels welcomed and included. For nearly 20 years, Lori has been a member of the Hope community, building lasting friendships with both staff and fellow participants. One of the most meaningful aspects of Lori’s…