News and Events
Dungeons & Dragons as a Tool for Mental Health and Person-Centered Support
Adventure, bravery, and camaraderie unite a group of eight participants. Together, they guide heroes through dangerous quests, battle formidable enemies, rescue endangered dragons—and sometimes even each other. Mitchell, a 31-year-old participant with autism at Employment, Media, and Community Connections (EMCC) Whittier, has been attending Hope Services since 2017. In 2018, he secured a position at…
ICE Safety and Confidentiality
This past weekend’s tragic event involving immigration enforcement has deeply affected many across our region. Regardless of politics, the news coming out of Minnesota over the last two weeks has been incredibly alarming and discouraging. We unequivocally condemn the violence and loss of life we are witnessing, and we are appalled that families are being…
Advancing Opportunities for Neurodiverse Students: Hope and San Jose State University at TASH Conference
This month, Hope Services proudly presented at the TASH Conference in Denver, CO, an international gathering of leaders in disability advocacy. We highlighted our partnership with San Jose State University through the SPARTANS OCLS program, which supports neurodiverse students in preparing for competitive, integrated employment. The SPARTANS OCLS program offers a personalized academic, social, and…
A message from Hope parents Ruthie & Bill
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…
Where Love Leads: Paul’s Twenty Years of Compassionate Care
For Paul, love is at the heart of his care philosophy. A full-time companion to participants in the North District, he celebrated 20 years with Hope Services this fall. Though he has been encouraged to step into a supervisor role, Paul has chosen to remain in direct care, because providing hands-on support is where he…
Jozelle: Her Own Way Forward
Jozelle’s life reflects resilience. She has navigated profound loss, health challenges, and moments of adversity with a clear sense of who she is and advocacy. When she lost her mother at 17, her sisters stepped in to provide care and stability. She has lived with her sister Kathleen for the past 23 years, and their sister…
Years of Service Awards | Honoring 20+ Years with Hope
On Wednesday, October 29, Hope Services proudly hosted its annual Years of Service Awards. Congratulations to all our honorees! Your dedication and commitment drive our mission forward and make a lasting difference in the lives of our participants and fellow team members. Honorees 45 YearsSuanne Rinta 30 YearsKhang NguyenAlberto Palting 25 YearsJesus Valencia Alanza CribbsFlor…
Hope Participants Celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month at the 21st Annual Buddy Walk
Matt took the stage as DJ, and Hayley cheered with her pom poms as they invited everyone to join the Silicon Valley Down Syndrome Network (SVDSN) 21st Annual Buddy Walk. This year’s event was extra special—how perfect that it marked the 21st Buddy Walk, just like the extra 21st chromosome that makes our loved ones…
Hopeful Moments | Bridging Hope Forward
I am excited to share the latest episode of Hopeful Moments — a short video conversation that dives into our next chapter as an organization: Bridging Hope Forward, Hope Services’ new strategic plan. This plan was shaped by hundreds of voices across our community — including you. Through staff listening sessions, surveys, and candid conversations, we identified…
“Not About Us, Without Us”: Trisha’s Path to Advocacy
Lasting change happens when people with disabilities are directly involved in shaping the systems that affect their lives. As Sara, Central District Program Director and Policy Lead, shared, when decisions are being made about things that impact their lives, they need to be included. At Hope Services, that belief comes to life through self-advocates like…
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