Who We Are
Since 1981, VOA Alaska has taken on the most difficult tasks to help the most underserved.
When the first Volunteers of America (VOA) was founded in 1896, the concept of “volunteering” meant serving others as a vocation. While our understanding of the term has evolved, our dedication to serving others has not.
In 1981, VOA arrived in Alaska with the opening of ARCH, our youth residential treatment facility in Eagle River. Today, VOA Alaska is providing a range of mental, emotional, and behavioral healthcare and support services to youth and their families.
As a non-profit, VOA Alaska’s services are offered at low or no cost, and no one is turned away due to the inability to pay. Click here to learn more about fees and paying for services.
From prevention and early intervention, to mental health therapy, substance use counseling, family support, and life-skills development, to supportive housing and residential treatment, our team strives to meet the need of every child, teen, and young adult in our care.
Our Mission, Vision, and Values
Our vision is a community that supports the hope, health, and healing of every Alaskan.
Our mission is to empower Alaskans and uplift the human spirit through recovery services, housing, and promoting healthy communities.
We are driven by our values of courage, connection, hope, innovation, joy, and responsibility.
Our Strategic Focus
VOA Alaska exists to eliminate suffering for youth in Alaska, and to make Alaska a place where all youth can thrive. To achieve this, we’ve developed four Strategic Focus Areas:
- Client-Centered Services: Improved Client Experience
- Engage and Empowered Workforce: Improved Employee Experience
- Efficient Use of Resources: Lower Cost
- Data-Driven Decision Making: Better Outcomes
Under each of the four strategic focus area, several initiatives exist that represent the path forward to accomplishing our purpose.
Embracing Our Shared Resiliency
In our 2021 Community Impact Report, discover how our team came together with a renewed sense of resiliency to face the year’s challenges and continue serving Alaska’s youth and families.
Read the Latest News and Stories from VOA Alaska
Finding Strength in Family: A Story of Recovery and Healing
Sarah Weber, Family Support Coordinator, shares her recovery journey and her message of hope that WE DO RECOVER.
It only takes one person to make a difference in a youth’s life.
In this month's newsletter, hear from our Board Members how our team shows up everyday to shine a light in the darkness for Alaska's youth.
Peer Support: Helping Alaskans on the path to recovery
Alaska Peer Support helps people navigate behavioral health and addiction treatment services — and proponents say the program is transforming its field.
The Hydra of Homelessness: Relationship is Therapeutic
Our Supportive Housing team joins a local podcast to discuss and debunk stereotypes about substance use and houselessness.
Finding Strength in Family: A Story of Recovery and Healing
Sarah Weber, Family Support Coordinator, shares her recovery journey and her message of hope that WE DO RECOVER.
It only takes one person to make a difference in a youth’s life.
In this month’s newsletter, hear from our Board Members how our team shows up everyday to shine a light in the darkness for Alaska’s youth.
Peer Support: Helping Alaskans on the path to recovery
Alaska Peer Support helps people navigate behavioral health and addiction treatment services — and proponents say the program is transforming its field.
The Hydra of Homelessness: Relationship is Therapeutic
Our Supportive Housing team joins a local podcast to discuss and debunk stereotypes about substance use and houselessness.
How can you Be the Light for Alaska’s youth?
Now, more than ever, youth in Alaska need champions like you to be the light.