Our October newsletter highlights the story of John Riek's Legislative Citation and Leslie Davis's 35-year Hope Anniversary. Plus, learn about our upcoming community events.
Leslie Davis recently celebrated 35 years with Hope! She serves as the Office Manager for our Wasilla, Kodiak, and Seward regions. Her kindness and dedication shine through in everything she does. She supports and guides our DSPs from the moment they join Hope and helps them excel out in the field. She also participates on several advisory teams and committees that contribute to agency improvements and lasting change. “It’s special to me to help others and hopefully be a blessing to those who cross my path,” she says. Leslie says her 35 years at Hope have been fueled by her belief in the agency’s mission, particularly Hope's focus on “building bridges, not barriers.” Helping the most vulnerable is a passion she holds dear, and she admires Hope’s ability to think creatively about how to serve those in need. She also appreciates the opportunities Hope has given her to grow and develop and use her skills in ways that benefit the entire organization. Some of her most memorable and rewarding experiences include receiving Agency Awards, participating in the Key Campaign that pushed for autism insurance legislation, serving on the steering committee for Alaska’s Shared Vision, and her work in Hope’s Mental Health network. Leslie makes a difference at Hope every day and in the lives of countless individuals in our community. Her voice of advocacy and compassion inspire us all, and we’re so grateful she’s shared her gifts and talents at Hope for 35 years!
At our Disco Gala, we had the great honor of presenting two special awards that celebrate the power and unity of our community. The first, the Journey Award, was given to Becky Twitchell, whose strength, kindness, and joy remind us of the power of the human spirit. Despite facing significant challenges, including being born prematurely and sent to Morningside Hospital in Oregon at age 14, Becky has thrived throughout her life, working various jobs and building strong connections in her community. She now lives in Kodiak and enjoys painting, going to church, and spending time with her loved ones. We honor Becky, not only for her journey these past eight decades in Alaska, but also for the impact she has had on all of us. The second, the Outstanding Community Partnership Award, was presented to Alaska Frontier Services LLC and its owners, Max and Gina Withrow, in appreciation of their support and dedication to ensuring accessibility for Hope's assisted living home properties. Their partnership has helped Hope continue providing affordable and accessible housing. Max and his team exemplify the impact of those who give their time, talent, and passion to our mission. Congratulations and heartfelt thanks to both of this year's inspiring award recipients! 🎉🎉
