EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING SERVICES, MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES, SENIOR SERVICES, COMMUNITY LIVING

We will lead with initiatives that help develop society’s acceptance of people with disabilities. We

Source: Nonprofit submitted responses

Goal One: Obtain top rating for quality services in a value-based environment.

Goal Type: Grow, expand, scale or increase access to the existing programs and services.

Goal Two: Improve the recruitment, retention, and satisfaction of the workforce.

Goal Type: This goal reflects our commitment to further our advocacy work for our organization and or cause area.

Goal Three: Sustain Financial Health

Goal Type: Invest in the capacity of our organization (financial, management, technical, etc.).

Describe an investment in leadership

Hope Services has been actively engaged in participating in Open Minds conferences and trainings throughout this past year. These conferences allow administrators the opportunity to network, attend leadership trainings and learn about best practices within other organizations. Keep Learning Going is a platform within Hope Services that offers an array of trainings related to leadership, professional development and skill development. Additionally, Hope also offers online trainings through EverFi that include trainings related to leadership, management and professional development. Hope Services currently utilizes the Fred Pryor Institute for ongoing trainings for managers and directors. This coming year, our goal is to continue to expand our leadership development trainings and develop a standardized program that is required for all existing and new managers within Hope Services. We also encourage managers to identify trainings to attend and reimburse individuals for this expense.

This organization mobilizes for mission in the following ways:

• Strategic Partnerships

• Networks of Collective Impact Efforts

• Thought Leadership

• Raising Awareness

• Community Building

• Policy Advocacy

What are this organization’s external mobilizaton efforts?

Partnerships include comm. organizations, colleges, regional centers, courts, hospitals, employment agencies & local support groups. Presented at several national and international conferences. Organized a Symposium in 2021. Clients provide volunteer time to other non-profit organizations, including Senior Centers, Food Banks, & animal shelters. Held food drives for homeless shelters. Offer External & Training Conf. Program for all employees. Marketing activities include online platforms, multimedia stories, and e-newsletter. Offline channels include printed, television, and radio advertising. Annual signature fundraising event called In Concert with Hope. Advocacy partnerships include CA Disability Services Assn., State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Behavioral Health Contractor Assn., CA Council of Community Behavioral Health Agencies, National Council on Behavioral Health, American Network of Community Options & Resources, National Alliance for Mental Illness.

Hope Services has adapted to numerous external changes in the last year. The most significant changes have been a result of the pandemic. More than two years ago, the shelter in place order required that we pivot quickly as an organization to determine creative strategies to continue providing quality services to our clients. From Hope to Home™ was born of necessity. Initially, this program was slated as a temporary solution that has since been adapted this past year to continue to meet the needs of our clients. Today the program hosts hundreds of participants each day and offers a learning space that is focused on interpersonal exchange, personal development, and always trying new ways to offer clients choice and self-direction. With generous grants and donations, we purchased hundreds of tablets and located low-cost resources for connectivity to close the digital divide for homes and families. Daily themes address community and world awareness, safety, health, social interaction, self-advocacy and FUN. Afternoons are completely devoted to client’s varied interests and our partners in the California Community College system round out the offerings. Home delivery of materials and wellness calls bridge the gap to create safe, personal exchanges, and even provide tech support from time to time. Staff and participants alike are learning technology skills at breakneck speed, gaining those vital 21st century work skills. Other external changes include the expectation from regional centers to begin transitioning clients and staff back to the office and to begin offering services in-person again. Changes related to staffing shortages significantly affected our ability to re-open all of our programs. This was managed by hiring a recruitment specialist, increasing compensation, offering additional employee benefits, and creating additional marketing materials to create awareness about the benefits of working at Hope Services.