News and Events
Rooted in Strength: George’s Story of Family, Culture, and Courage
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…
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Finding Purpose Through Perseverance: Mark’s Journey
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…
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One Step Closer to Their Dreams: Project SEARCH 2025
At Hope Services, we help people move closer to their dreams. Project SEARCH launched in 2012 in partnership with Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital and later expanded to Stanford Health Care. This one-year internship takes place entirely on-site, combining hands-on training with classroom instruction. The aim is clear: prepare participants for integrated, competitive employment. This year,…
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Blossoming Into A Rose | Rosalie’s Story
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 When Rosalie, 57, joined the program in 2023, she was quiet, withdrawn, and easily overwhelmed.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…
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Staff Spotlight: Melisa Rillera
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…
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It’s Never Too Late to Embrace a New Hobby: Senior Center’s CLUBS
To inspire participants to explore new interests and strengthen their skills, the Senior Center staff launched a project called CLUBS. For eight weeks, once a week, participants could choose a new activity or hobby to try—from crafts, embroidery, and painting to sewing and cooking. You might remember Twilla and Larry’s story, a married couple who…
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Lori: Healing Grief with Community, Independence, and Laughter
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…
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Anna Fernandez on Mental Health and being a Woman of Influence
Anna Fernandez, Executive Director of Behavioral Health at Hope Services, has been named one of the 2025 Women of Influence by the Silicon Valley Business Journal. A passionate advocate and visionary leader in the mental health field, Anna has dedicated 27 years to Hope Services. From Trainee to Executive Director, her journey has been marked…
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Hope in Action: How James Found His Dream Job
James first arrived at Hope Services in 2016, eager to find opportunities for growth and personal development. He joined the Employment, Media, and Community Connections (EMCC) program that same year, where he engaged in skill-building activities and explored various career possibilities. Over time, he voiced a clear preference for working in his community, outdoors, and…
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A Heartfelt Thank You to the Gilroy Foundation
Hope Services extends our deepest gratitude to the Gilroy Foundation for awarding us a generous grant that has brought dance classes to the Gilroy Day Program. This opportunity has brought so much joy to both our staff and participants, and we are incredibly excited about the positive impact it is already having. When our participants…
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