What is Unconscious Bias? Unconscious bias refers to the attitudes or stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions without us even realizing it. These biases can be based on factors such as race, gender, age, ability or other characteristics, and they can lead to a range of consequences for our communities. Unconscious bias can…

For Mary Schell, service has long been a way of life. Her father was a dentist who taught his children tothink of the needs of others. So, in high school Mary helped at an orphanage, caring for children withdisabilities. Later, she joined the U.S. Navy and provided aid as a Registered Nurse. Today, she is…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…