Hope comes from many sources like Suzie Tabata, a talented artist born with cerebral palsy who spent time during her life as a client of Hope Services. In her memory, the Tabata Living Trust recently made a donation of nearly half-a-million dollars to Hope Services.

Unstoppably perseverant, Suzie pursued her interests and creative outlets with passion. She learned to type with her toes and to communicate through a word processor, and she learned to use sign language.

Art is where Suzie truly shined. She used her left foot to hold a paint brush and created amazing works of art.

Sue Bell, Director of Human Resources at Hope Services, has a piece titled “Fluffy and Zeek,” named after Suzie’s pets. Bell said, “The art was made by Suzie when she was my client many years ago. I cherish it and continue to proudly display it.”

Suzie’s parents Janet Tabata and Flyer Crata had been long time major donors to Hope Services and included the organization in their planned giving.

“We are profoundly grateful to them and the Tabata Living Trust for this extremely generous donation which will be especially impactful as we recover from the global health crisis during which time we continue serving clients,” said Chip Huggins, President/CEO of Hope Services.

Hope Services is the leading provider of services to more than 3,200 people with developmental disabilities and mental health needs in six Bay Area counties for nearly 70 years.  Hope Services delivers a range of services for infants through senior citizens in six counties (Alameda, Santa Cruz, San Benito, Santa Clara, Monterey, and San Mateo). Services include children’s services (ages 0-5); day services, including site-based and community-based programs; employment and job training; mental health services; senior services; and community living services. Hope Services is accredited by CARF International, the most prestigious accreditation agency in the disability sector.

For information on gifting a donation from your estate, please contact Charles “Chip” Huggins,

President/CEO of Hope Services, JD, at development@hopeservices.org.

For information on other ways to support clients like Suzie, please visit:

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