The Special Hope Foundation to become WITH. Ryan Easterly to serve as Executive Director
(Palo Alto, CA, July 11, 2017) – The Board of Directors of Special Hope Foundation recently announced that the foundation has officially changed its name to WITH (Working for Inclusive and Transformative Healthcare).
Lynne O’Hara, President of the Board, explained that the new name reflects the evolving focus and standards of the organization as it better reflects the vision and mission of the Foundation, adding that the name “Special Hope” was not an encouragement to the people that it serves. “Many of the members of the communities that we serve are not particularly interested in being special,” said Ms. O’Hara, “they just want to be included.”
The Special Hope Foundation, founded in 2002 by Lynne O’Hara, is a private foundation with the mission of promoting the dignity of individuals with developmentally disabled in health care settings. The foundation provides grants to organizations that address the specific healthcare challenges experienced by adults with developmental disabilities.
Change in Leadership
It was also announced that Lynne O’Hara is leaving the position of Executive Director after 15 years of leadership. She will remain the organization’s President of the Board of Directors. Ryan Easterly will serve as Executive Director of WITH Foundation.
Ryan Easterly is an experienced philanthropist, strategist, and advocate. He previously served on SHF’s Board of Directors. He was a Co-Founder and Director of Northern California Community Relations at MySupport, Inc. He also served in several roles at The HSC Foundation from 2007 to 2015, including Manager and Senior Coordinator of the National Youth Transitions Initiative. He also worked at the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy from 2006 to 2007. In 2016, President Obama appointed Ryan to the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities. He serves on the boards of Community Resources for Independent Living and the Ala Costa Centers.
Ryan’s perspective and experience have made him sought after as a facilitator of discussions that take place at the intersections of race, class, and disability. Ryan has a degree from Troy University.
“We’re excited to begin of a new chapter at the foundation,” said Lynne O’Hara, “We are delighted that Ryan Easterly has committed to lead us going forward.”
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The mission of the WITH is to promote the establishment of comprehensive health care for adults with developmental disabilities designed to address their unique and fundamental needs.