News and Events
Addressing Common Myths and Misconceptions About Autism
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 MoreA Look into Hope Services’ DEI Efforts: Creating a More Inclusive Workplace
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 MoreRecognizing April as Diversity Month and Autism Awareness Month
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 MoreRemembering Cesar Estrada Chavez
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 MoreMeet Homestart Physical Therapist: Amy Funge
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 MoreCelebrating Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month 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 MoreForever Young Foundation Recognizes Hope Services as a Hero of the Week
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 MoreSanta Cruz Holiday Parking Program Donates Over $22,000 to Hope Services
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 MoreHow I Came to Work at Hope Services, and Why I Love It.
By Jackie Lance Community Support Facilitator Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Committee Member When I went to college I majored in Criminal Justice, feeling that I would be great in the field, but as I started to pursue a career I realized that I have more to give to ones who really need my help.…
Read MoreFORGIVENESS | A Poem by Jane for World Poetry Day
Sometimes in life, we hurt the ones that mean the most to us, the ones we love and trust. When that happens it’s important that we try to make amends and get back in good graces with them, that’s a must. You don’t lose anything by trying to ask for forgiveness, or at least have…
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