Article written by: Jacqueline Fortino-Lance & Alia Haque, Members of Hope Services DEI Committee

April Basuini is Hope’s resident artist, using her creative vision and talent to help the clients we serve thrive. Born and raised in Silicon Valley, April is a proud Irish American who strongly identifies with Italian culture. She is a daughter, sister, wife, and mother. Married for 35 years into a large Italian family, she has four adult children and cares for her beloved mother-in-law. April loves to laugh, enjoys sarcasm, and spends her free time quilting, sewing, antique hunting, and collecting vintage Pyrex and toy sewing machines.

For the past seven years, April has brought her 33 years of fiber art experience—including sewing, quilting, and hand embroidery—to our Day Programs. She considers it a great privilege to manage and develop the Arts Program, where she recognizes clients’ creative skills and provides the support they need to succeed. April also challenges perceptions of disabilities through her work. Whether hosting visitors at HopeSTUDIO or attending art fairs, she finds joy in watching people admire the beautiful artwork on display—followed by the surprise and excitement of learning that these incredible pieces were created by individuals with diverse abilities.

When asked how she found herself at Hope Services, April shared:

“I managed a quilt shop for 15 years, but when the owners and I decided to pursue a different vision, the shop closed. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do next, but I knew I didn’t want a typical desk job with a long commute—I wanted to give back. I had lived in Willow Glen for 30 years and often saw some of Hope’s clients in the area. Then I saw a Craigslist ad for a position at Hope. Since I love fabric and people, I applied. I was hired to sew for Hope’s original weaving program, which started in 2017. Unfortunately, the program closed just four months after I joined. I was devastated because I had already seen the huge impact art had on the clients—it’s therapy! Thankfully, the program director encouraged me to stay and find a way to use art in a different capacity. I was determined to keep the program alive, and I did.

When I first started at Hope, I stopped trying to diagnose people. I didn’t concern myself with who had autism or developmental disabilities—I just saw people. My focus was on meeting their unique needs. Looking back, I wonder why it took me 30 years to get here, living just three-quarters of a mile from Hope!”

When you meet April, you immediately see the love she has for the individuals at Hope Services. She admires their hearts, humor, and the way they care for each other. April stated, “They are amazing, talented, and deserving of being included in the world we live in.”

Thank you, April, for your unwavering dedication and vision. Because of your persistence, HopeSTUDIO continues to grow and thrive. It provides meaningful opportunities for individuals who may not be able to work in traditional community jobs—allowing them to create beautiful products, earn their own money, and take pride in their artistic contributions.