2022 Community Impact Report

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In 2022, we emerged from the height of the pandemic bonded together in our fight to protect hope and help our youth, friends, and neighbors find healing.

Through it all, one thing has always been clear: no one stands alone.

We cannot end suffering for youth, alone. We cannot end the experience of youth houselessness, alone. We cannot show up every day for our clients and do this challenging work, alone.

Together we are the threads that weave the fabric of Alaska’s wellness.

In this year’s Community Impact Report, you will find this theme of connection on every page. Our impact is your impact, our partners’ impact, and our community’s impact.

Stories of Impact

Connecting the Thoughts: Tyler overcomes his doubts to graduate Day Treatment

“Okay, listen. Listen. You need to fix yourself because you’re going down a path you don’t want to go down. It’s not worth it. It’s not worth it.”

That’s what Tyler says he would have told himself a year ago, when he thought friends were just people that smoked together. When he thought his probation officer was bluffing about drug testing. When he thought no one cared about him.

Today, Tyler says he feels “like my life is going super, super well right now.” He’s 15, loves riding his longboard, and just started his first job at a fast-food restaurant.

'Not Just Housing:' Partnering with Covenant House to end the experience of houselessness

Madison was 21 when she first visited Covenant House Alaska’s youth shelter in downtown Anchorage. Already struggling with suicidal thoughts when she was kicked out of her home, Madison found a supportive team committed to helping her heal and succeed.

Chris Reppel, a mental health clinician with VOA Alaska, was one of those people. Chris first began his work at Covenant House in 2019 as part of an ongoing partnership between VOA and the shelter.

'Just a Part of My Day:' Partnering with schools to increase access to care for Anchorage's students

On the first week of classes, a student visited the mental health clinician, Mi’chelle McCoy’s, office at Romig Middle School. The student was experiencing severe social anxiety, crying, throwing up, and missing class. They had recently suffered the loss of close family members and were being passed between homes.

To support the student, Mi’chelle walked with them to class and even sat with them when needed most. She worked with the family, teachers, and school staff to identify ways they could best support the student. During their sessions, Mi’chelle worked with them on positive reinforcement, exposure therapy, and helped them untangle harmful thinking patterns surrounding her fear of social situations.

'Connection is the Key:' Empowering families to join their youth on the journey of recovery and healing

Fifteen years ago, Lori received an early morning call from the police. They explained that her daughter had just given birth in her home, and if Lori didn’t come get the baby, he would be turned over to the state. Still in her nightgown, she slipped on her boots and drove over to pick up her grandson.

“It’s important for family to be together,” Lori says. “I don’t want my grandchildren out there. I’d rather make sure they’re safe with us.”

Years later, when Lori got another call, this time from VOA Alaska, it was a welcome surprise.

Who We Serve

* Fiscal Year 2022 includes dates July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022

Our Impact

Our Supporters

VOA Alaska sincerely appreciates the organizations and community members who joined with us in Fiscal Year 2022 to support Alaska’s youth and families.

As a non-profit organization, achieving our mission would not be possible without the contributions of cash, time, and other resources from the champions listed here.

Thank you for helping VOA Alaska spread hope and eliminate suffering for youth and families in need across our state.

Connection Champions: $100,000+

Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield
Providence Health and Services Alaska
Rasmuson Foundation
Trend Alaska Fashion Show

Hope Champions: $25,000 - $49,999

Alaska Community Foundation
Campbell Monroe Foundation

Innovation Champions: $10,000 - $24,999

* Includes in-kind donations.

Courage Champions: $5,000 - $9,999

Huna Totem Corporation
Liz Harpold
Odom Corporation*

* Includes in-kind donations.

Responsibility Champions: $2,500 - $4,999

* Includes in-kind donations.

Joy Champions: Up to $2,500

* Includes in-kind donations.

VOA Alaska had the honor of being the beneficiary of the 2022 Trend Alaska Fashion Show. Nearly 400 Alaskans came together to celebrate fashion in Alaska while rising over $125,000 to support essential mental health services for the youth who turn to VOA for healing.

The highlight of the night was the “Phoenix,” designed by Cynthia Gibson to celebrate the resilience of Alaska’s youth. Members of the VOA Alaska team and youth residents of ARCH joined the “Phoenix” on stage holding signs displaying our core values as the entire room cheered.

2022 Community Impact Report

In 2022, we emerged from the height of the pandemic bonded together in our fight to protect hope and help our youth, friends, and neighbors find healing.

Stories of Impact

Connecting the Thoughts: Tyler overcomes his doubts to graduate Day Treatment

'Not Just Housing:' Partnering with Covenant House to end the experience of houselessness

'Just a Part of My Day:' Partnering with schools to increase access to care for Anchorage's students

'Connection is the Key:' Empowering families to join their youth on the journey of recovery and healing

Who We Serve

Our Impact

Our Supporters

About VOA Alaska

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