We are proud to share that Joe Campbell received the prestigious "Above Self Eagle Award" in recognition of his outstanding leadership and advocacy. In his remarks, Santi Rogers, Executive Director San Andreas Regional Center, highlighted Joe's exceptional advocacy impacting the lives of myriad people with disabilities. Congratulations, Joe!

For the award ceremony video, please click here

Ronnie Evans, HOPE client and employee at Save Mart on Capital Avenue in San Jose, acknowledged his manager, Mark Woods, for his exceptional support by presenting Mark with a Commendation from HOPE. Ronnie, who works as a Service Specialist at Save Mart, says that Mark has made a huge difference in his work experience. Ronnie has been with the company for over 10 years, and considers Mark the best manager he could imagine. Mark goes out of his way to give Ronnie the support he needs, and Ronnie has thrived under Mark's wing. Thank you, Mark!

In recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Olive Garden Restaurant on Blossom Hill Road, San Jose, hosted a free luncheon for a group of HOPE clients (thank you, Chris Wright, for facilitating). Olive Garden's manager, Bill Anderson, graciously invited our clients to freely choose from the menu. Not last thanks to their wonderfully attentive and friendly staff, this delightful Italian feast mirrored Olive Garden's motto: Hospitaliano - our passion for 100% guest delight. Thank you, Olive Garden!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hope - the name of this sweet dog who will be joining our programs in Monterey, thanks to the Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) program. Loveable, for sure! But also very well trained to be a patient, gentle companion to our clients. So many are eagerly awaiting your arrival, Hope...

Suanne Rinta, Chris Wright and John Koncoli hosting a table at the S3 Tri-Chamber Mixer (San Jose Chamber, Sunnyvale Chamber, and the Santa Clara Chamber of Commerce ) in downtown Sunnyvale last night. The mixer presented an excellent opportunity for HOPE Services to connect to the community and raise awareness about our programs and events.

"Back-to-School" Bicycle "Recycling" Sale at Yamagami's Nursery Benefiting HOPE Services

Join HOPE's second huge sale of new and pre-owned bikes at Yamagami's Nursery on August 20th from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. in Cupertino. A wide selection of pre-owned bikes for adults and children, all expertly refurbished and lovingly maintained by HOPE Services' clients, are waiting for their new owners. If you are looking for a safe ride through town or to school, or a fun workout in the fresh air, we have the right bike at a great price for you. Don't forget, HOPE employees will receive a 25% discount! Proceeds from the bike sale benefit HOPE Services' programs for individuals with developmental disabilities.

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August 20, 2011, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Yamagami's Nursery, 1361 S. De Anza Boulevard #2, Cupertino.

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Walk To the Future - A 5k walk for Silicon Valley's Youth

The VMC Foundation, the Santa Visits Alviso Foundation and the FireHouse Community Development Corporation Proudly Present: Walk to the Future. A 5k walk for Silicon Valley's Youth. Bring the whole family for a stroll from Jubilee Christian Center to the Alviso Marina and join Supervisor Dave Cortese's free "Day on the Bay!"

When:
Saturday, September 17, 2011

Where:
Check-in starts at 7:00am
105 Nortech Parkway, San Jose 95134

Information:
Please Choose HOPE Services as your cause! Walkers are invited to join our "HOMESTART" team.

(Click image to enlarge)

Michelle Compton - New Individual and Corporate Gifts Manager

Please join the Development Department in welcoming Michelle Compton, HOPE Services' new Individual and Corporate Gifts Manager. Prior to her HOPE engagement, Michelle held managerial positions at Room to Read, Stanford University and the National MS Society, which provide her with over 14 years of corporate, non-profit, and educational work experience, including six years of fundraising experience. Feel free to introduce yourself when you are at Las Colinas.

Welcome, John!

John M. Christensen began his tenure as CEO of HOPE Services in July 2011, following 13 years as HOPE's VP/COO. Mr. Christensen has dedicated nearly 40 years of service to people with developmental disabilities. He has been employed in the field since 1974, and holds a Masters in Rehabilitation Administration from the University of San Francisco, where he was alumnus of the year in 1999. Prior to his employment with HOPE Services, Mr. Christensen was President/CEO of Skills Center Inc. in Santa Cruz. He also served as the Director of Gateway Industries in Monterey and Mayacama Industries in Ukiah. John has served on several Boards of Directors; to date, as Secretary of NIAC, the Nonprofit Insurance Alliance of California, and previously as Secretary of NANI, the National Alliance of Nonprofits for Insurance; Secretary of AMS, Alliance Member Services; President of Cal-APSE, the Association of Persons in Supported Employment; and director for CRA, the California Rehabilitation Association. Additionally, he served as an Administrative Survey Consultant and Board Member for CARF, the accreditation commission on rehabilitation. As of October 2011, Mr. Christensen participates on the Parents Helping Parents (PHP) Advisory Board Council.

Thank You Joe!

On June 30, Dr. Joe Campbell officially steps down from his role as HOPE Services' CEO, passing on the reins to John Christensen, former HOPE Services' COO/VP.

During his 14 years of dedicated service, HOPE made significant advances in developing new community based programs which have assisted our clients in their moves toward independence, and becoming more active members of their community. In response to the drastic rise of autism, HOPE Services' newly created committee started the first autism program, the Bridge Program. Under Joe's leadership, HOPE Services grew from a 17 million to a 40 million agency.

Besides laying the groundwork to ensure that HOPE's clients consistently receive first class services, Joe was also politically active, rallying for disability rights and empowering people with developmental disabilities to be fully included in the community.

Joe will be available as a background consultant after he returns from his month-long family vacation reconnecting with his roots in Ireland.

Thank you, Joe, for your great leadership! - Go dté tú slán!

HOPE Services' Seaside Crew honored by Assembly Member, Bill Monning

Norman Yassany and his group of "Seaside Volunteers for Improving Parks" in the Monterey area help with planting and structure work at parks in their community. After learning that it was HOPE Services' Grounds Maintenance crew who was keeping Seaside's parks so well maintained and clean for everyone to enjoy, they worked with Assembly Member, Bill Monning and presented Certificates of Appreciation to the HOPE Crew at Laguna Grande Park earlier in June. Thank you to Mr. Yassany and his group for building community, and kudos to the Seaside Crew for doing their job so well!

JOURNALIST, JANE PAULEY HEADLINED ANNUAL FUNDRAISER FOR HOPE SERVICES

Award-winning broadcast journalist and New York Times Bestselling author, Jane Pauley captured the attention of more than 500 guests gathered for HOPE Services' 7th Annual "Rise & Shine" Benefit Breakfast on Thursday, June 2nd.

Pauley, known for her 13-year tenure on NBC's Today program, later 12 years of Dateline NBC, masterfully wove her experience with her personal challenge with a later-in-life diagnosis of Bi-Polar disorder into her remarks.

NBC Bay Area Business/Technology Reporter, Scott McGrew eloquently led over 500 local community leaders through a program of inspiring speeches by HOPE Services' incoming CEO, John Christensen, and HOPE Services client, Jane Malkofsky, who emphasized how HOPE Services helped her to believe in her own abilities, and to find and hold a fulfilling job with benefits. Finally, Silicon Valley community philanthropist, Helen Marchese Owen, asked everyone to join her in supporting HOPE Services' efforts.

The night prior to the breakfast, event sponsors and major supporters of HOPE Services were treated to an exclusive, private VIP reception with Jane Pauley at San Jose Country Club.

"HOPE Services is extremely grateful for the fantastic support of the community and proud of the acknowledgement of the importance of our high-quality programs," states HOPE Services' incoming CEO, John Christensen. "Our clients directly benefit from donations, employment opportunities, and volunteer hours which are critical for them to be able to move towards independence, community membership, and self-sufficiency in their lives."

Quack, Quack The Ducks are Back!

Support HOPE Services at the 4th Annual Silicon Valley Duck Race & Festival
Sunday, June 12th at Vasona Park in Los Gatos

Enjoy a fun filled day of activities, food, and entertainment as you watch 15,000 rubber ducks race across the lake. Sponsor a duck for HOPE Services for just $5, and you will have a chance to win $1,000,000 and many other fabulous prizes!

The Silicon Valley Duck Race is a "quacky" fundraising opportunity for HOPE Services. For every duck sponsored HOPE will receive $2. Proceeds from the event will benefit individuals with developmental disabilities so they can live and participate fully in their community.

So don't miss out on this quacktastic event! Please visit Silicon Valley Duck Race to sponsor a duck for HOPE Services today! For questions, please call Deanna Williams at 408-284-2858 or email dlwilliams@hopeservices.org.

Paul (aka The Rabbit) loves to run!

So he heads to the trails with his trainer, and runs five miles every day. Paul's passion for running has turned into 15 marathons; his most recent was the storied Boston Marathon where he finished in just under 3 ½ hours! Paul's passion for running has helped him to succeed in his professional life as well. Paul had always dreamed of a job. However, the economic downturn in 2008 made it difficult for him to find employment. Paul was determined to stay the course and be an active volunteer in his community until the right job came along. Last March he was hired by Sodexho in the café at Hewlett Packard as a busboy. Congratulations, Paul!

Jane Malkofsky selected as HOPE's Client Speaker for the "Rise & Shine" Breakfast

Congratulations to Jane Malkofsky who has been selected to be the client speaker at the 7th Annual Rise & Shine Benefit Breakfast. Jane joined HOPE Services as a client in 2000, and will share how her life has been changed by participating in several of HOPE's programs. Today, Jane lives on her own and holds a job as an office assistant at Housing Choices Coalition. We very much look forward to hearing Jane's inspiring story on June 2nd. Please join us in congratulating Jane and Jane's job coach, Florence Clayton for her nomination.

Congratulations to HOPE's Bike Crew on their successful Bike Sale Event at Yamagami's Nursery on Saturday, March 12th

With the beautiful weather and a steady stream of customers, the HOPE Bike Crew sold 29 bikes on Saturday, March 12th – a new record!

A huge thank you to our partner, Yamagami's Nursery, for providing us with plenty of space right inside of their nursery, and assisting with the publicity for this fun kick-off for HOPE's new "every second Saturday of the month" weekend sale schedule.

Check out HOPE's Facebook page for more photos. Kudos to the Alfred Street clients and staff bike team who worked very hard and volunteered many extra hours to make this happen.

HOPE CLIENTS VOLUNTEERING AT MEALS ON WHEELS OF THE SALINAS VALLEY

Diedra Edwards, HOPE Service Community Support Facilitator, coordinates the volunteer team of Hope Services clients who have been volunteering for Meals on Wheels of the Salinas Valley since 2005. Edwards says they volunteer as a team because her personal belief is that "everybody is capable of helping others no matter what your disability. The community supports Hope Services and we can support our community. We want the community to see Hope Services as an asset."

She also points out that the most rewarding thing about volunteering is giving back to the community and seeing her team members have a relationship with people in their community that they would never have met otherwise. "I believe that Meals on Wheels is really needed because the people we deliver to wouldn't have food in their house or a way to get to the grocery store. Some of them are not physically able to stand or walk very far." She encourages others to volunteer, saying "they will love it and find it very rewarding."