News and Events

Building Inclusive Communities for Individuals with Autism

By Autumn Kelley | April 17, 2023

Creating inclusive communities is crucial for individuals with autism to feel a sense of belonging and acceptance in society. At Hope Services, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to participate fully in their communities and to reach their full potential. When individuals with autism are included and valued, they are more likely to thrive…

Read More

Overcoming Challenges to Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace

By Autumn Kelley | April 12, 2023

Promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace is not always easy. Despite the many benefits of a diverse and inclusive workplace, there can be challenges that arise. At Hope Services, we acknowledge these challenges and are consciously working to address them. Here are some common challenges to achieving diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and…

Read More

Addressing Common Myths and Misconceptions About Autism

By Autumn Kelley | April 6, 2023

As we observe Autism Awareness Month, it’s important to address some of the common myths and misconceptions surrounding autism. These misunderstandings can often lead to stigmatization and discrimination towards individuals with autism and their families. As a nonprofit organization that provides support and services to individuals with developmental disabilities, including autism, Hope Services believes in…

Read More

A Look into Hope Services’ DEI Efforts: Creating a More Inclusive Workplace

By Autumn Kelley | April 4, 2023

At Hope Services, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are not just buzzwords but a core value that drives everything we do. We believe that a workplace that embraces diversity and promotes equality creates a stronger and more creative environment that delivers better results. That’s why our staff have collaborated closely over the past year to…

Read More

Recognizing April as Diversity Month and Autism Awareness Month

By Autumn Kelley | April 1, 2023

On behalf of Hope’s Leadership and the DEI Committee, we would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the significance of two important events happening this April – Diversity Month and World Autism Awareness Day, which is celebrated annually on April 2nd. We believe that it is important to recognize and celebrate the diverse voices…

Read More

Remembering Cesar Estrada Chavez

By Autumn Kelley | March 31, 2023

Cesar Chavez brought a voice to the migrant farm workers of California, Texas, Arizona, and Florida. He exposed their exploitation by the American agricultural industry and successfully organized them into a union that earned better pay and working conditions for its members.  His example of servant leadership and persistence in the goal of achieving justice…

Read More

Meet Homestart Physical Therapist: Amy Funge

By Autumn Kelley | March 27, 2023

Amy Funge is one of our amazing Physical Therapists (PT) in the Homestart program! She has been a part of Homestart since 1998 – as she describes it, “back in the day when we needed to have Thomas Guide Mapbooks in our car to get to client homes!” As a PT, Amy supports Homestart families…

Read More

Celebrating Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month 2023

By Autumn Kelley | March 24, 2023

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM) raises awareness of the inclusion and contributions of people with developmental disabilities in all aspects of community life, and it’s a time to explore the work we still need to do to remove barriers. The 2023 theme, Beyond the Conversation, focuses on the question, “what next?” highlighting what individuals and…

Read More

Forever Young Foundation Recognizes Hope Services as a Hero of the Week

By hope_author | March 24, 2023

Every week during the 2022-2023 NFL Season, KNBR and Steve Young’s Forever Young Foundation honors a weekly Bay Area hero as the Forever Young Foundation Hero of the Week.  Hope Services was selected as one of 20 Bay Area organizations going above and beyond to make a difference in the community. As part of the…

Read More

Santa Cruz Holiday Parking Program Donates Over $22,000 to Hope Services

By hope_author | March 24, 2023

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. — Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley awarded $22,568 to local nonprofit Hope Services on behalf of the City of Santa Cruz and the Downtown Association’s Parking for Hope program at yesterday’s City Council meeting. The check was accepted by Hope Services staff and members of the organization’s Downtown Litter Abatement Crew.  …

Read More

Do you have a story of Hope to share?

Let us know so we can share it with our community!