News and Events
Leadership Spotlight: Suanne Rinta
This month, we are proud to recognize Suanne Rinta, North District Director, as our Leadership Team Spotlight. Suanne recently celebrated an incredible milestone—45 years of service at Hope Services. Since joining the organization in 1980, she has dedicated her career to creating opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, helping them achieve greater independence,…
Celebrating Orlando’s First Year at HopeTHRIFT
When Orlando joined the HopeTHRIFT San Jose team one year ago, he was looking for an opportunity to continue building new skills, gain hands-on work experience, and connect with people in the community. Today, he has become a familiar face to customers and donors alike, demonstrating how meaningful employment can create pathways to confidence, growth,…
Relive the Magic of Innovate with Hope
On May 7, 2026, innovators, business leaders, advocates, philanthropists, and community members gathered at The Tech Interactive in San Jose for the inaugural Innovate with Hope. Together, we celebrated a powerful idea: that innovation is most meaningful when it creates opportunity, expands inclusion, and helps people reach their full potential. The sold-out event raised more…
Meet Chantell: Breaking Down Barriers Towards Quality of Life for Individuals with IDD
For many individuals with IDD, the path to employment begins with a daunting question: What happens to my benefits if I start working? The relationship between earned income and Social Security benefits is complex, and for many, the fear of losing critical support can feel like an insurmountable barrier standing between them and their career…
Celebrating Our Volunteers – You Make the Difference
Celebrating Our Volunteers During Volunteer Appreciation Week In celebration of Volunteer Appreciation Week, we are honored to shine a spotlight on the remarkable individuals who give their time, talent, and heart to Hope Services. From corporate partners to longtime community members, our volunteers make our mission possible every single day. Children and Family Services Volunteer…
Built on Hope: Staff Spotlight — Benon Kalisa
If you have ever been to the EMCC Program at Whittier, then you most likely have had the pleasure of meeting Benon Kalisa. While his technical title is Program Manager, he is so much more. Leader, friend, jokester, and soccer fan are just a few terms to describe Benon. Benon has spent most of his…
From Tech to Therapy: Mike Landeros’s Journey to Hope
From Intern to Full-Time Team Member Mike Landeros’s journey into Mental Health therapy hasn’t been typical. After nearly 20 years in tech project management, he made a bold career pivot into the field and hasn’t looked back. He joined us as an intern in September 2024 and transitioned to a full-time Clinician role after graduating…
At 90, Still Giving: Kathryn’s Story of Service at HopeTHRIFT
Kathryn has spent her life giving back to the communities she’s been a part of, and that commitment hasn’t slowed down at 90 years old. After decades of volunteering, she brought that same dedication to HopeTHRIFT in Watsonville nearly two years ago. There, she helps with everyday tasks like organizing clothing and keeping the store…
Catalina’s 10-Year Milestone at Google
This year marks a remarkable milestone for Catalina, who is celebrating 10 years of working at Google. After graduating from Mountain View High School in 2016, Catalina began exploring what her future might hold. With both her mother and sister already working at Google, the family wondered if there might be an opportunity for her…
2025 DEI Champion Award Announcement!
On behalf of the DEI Committee, it is my pleasure to announce that Traci Taber and Zen Chamberlain have been selected as the recipients of the Hope Services 2025 DEI Champion Award. Traci Taber, Store Manager for Hope Thrift in Watsonville, has cultivated a strong culture of inclusion at her location where associates, individuals served, and customers are recognized and appreciated every day. Through…
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