2024 Community Impact Report
In 2024, VOA Alaska reached over 3,200 youth, young adults, and families across the state.
Imagine a lunchroom filled with 100 young Alaskans.* They are high schoolers, each representing communities from all over our state—yet they share an invisible burden.
• 41 of them feel like they don’t matter.
• 43 of them feel so sad or hopeless, daily for two weeks in a row, they stop doing their usual activities.
• 46 of them feel isolated and alone.
And tragically, 19 of them have attempted suicide in the past year, and 23 of them are considering it. These alarming numbers make Alaska the state with the highest youth suicide rate in the country.
You know one of these kids. Maybe it’s someone you know, perhaps a student of yours, a friend of your child, or even your own child.
This is where VOA Alaska steps in.
*Based on data from the 2023 Alaska Youth Risk Behavior Survey, Statewide Traditional. Data has been rounded to whole numbers.
Stories of Impact
On His Terms: Val's Story
At fourteen, Val moved from Missouri to Anchorage to live with his father, leaving behind a troubled past marked by abuse. Hoping for a fresh start, he soon faced new challenges—within his family and his mental health. In search of support, Val found VOA Alaska.
His journey began in the Outpatient Mental Health program, where he worked with a therapist to improve his well-being. He then transitioned to the Supportive Housing program with the goal of securing stable housing.
Healing Through Music: Kaylyssa's Story
After experiencing a significant loss, Kaylyssa’s mother turned to VOA Alaska for support, hoping to help her daughter navigate the overwhelming grief. At the time, Kaylyssa was in third grade, and the emotional weight was making it difficult for her to manage her emotions and stay focused in class.
Kaylyssa began receiving care from G, one of VOA’s School-Based Clinicians. Our School-Based Services program is designed to meet students exactly where they are—ready to help in moments like these. With licensed clinicians placed directly in schools throughout Anchorage, Kaylyssa and other students can quickly connect, or reconnect, with the right support.
Second Chances: Keagan's Story
Keagan’s first experience in residential treatment felt easy—he knew he’d be returning home to a support system of family and friends.
However, soon after graduating from VOA Alaska’s Adolescent Residential Center for Help (ARCH), his old habits resurfaced, and the cracks in his support system deepened.
Having started experimenting with substances at a young age, his use escalated—cocaine, meth, MDMA, and more. His situation worsened, leading to multiple moves between family members. Before long, he began having thoughts of self-harm and was in deep mental distress. In crisis, Keagan knew he could reach out to ARCH for help. They quickly connected him with VOA’s Rapid Response program. This team of mental health clinicians and peer support specialists provides immediate support to youth, young adults, and families across Anchorage within 60 minutes—or statewide via telehealth. They helped him stabilize and reconnect with VOA.
Stories of Impact
Reflecting on Our Responsibility: A Message from CEO Julia Luey
As a direct-service provider on the front-lines of the youth mental health crisis, our responsibility takes us far beyond the walls of our offices.
Roman’s on the Road to Recovery
After being arrested for an attempted break-in, an Anchorage teen finds purpose and healing at ARCH.
VOA’s Summer Camps Help Kids Build Friendship and Resiliency
Bringing adventure, joy, and social-emotional learning into the lives of Anchorage youth.
Connection is Prevention in VOA’s Prime for Life Class
VOA’s Prime for Life teacher challenges students to reflect on themselves and the world around them.
Who We Serve
* Fiscal Year 2024 includes dates July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024
