Below is VOA Alaska’s September 2024 Community Newsletter. To receive this newsletter and other updates directly to your inbox, sign up here.
September marks National Recovery Month, a time to honor the strength of individuals who have overcome substance use and mental health challenges.
At VOA Alaska, we are especially proud of our staff members who have walked this path. Their resilience embodies our core values of courage, hope, joy, innovation, responsibility, and connection.
For Mike Cunningham, Training and Support Specialist, recovery brought him COURAGE.
He says, “During my two years of recovery, there were many things I had to face that were uncomfortable. All of that required great courage.” Mike attributes this courage to others who modeled recovery and within his faith, explaining, “When He is in charge, it ALWAYS works out as it’s supposed to.”
Heather Painter, a Behavioral Health Associate at ARCH, found HOPE in recovery.
“I found hope again, which led me to knowing I was much stronger and smarter than I gave myself credit for. In finding hope, I found myself and now pass that knowledge on to others,” she shares.
Caden Wassmann, Communications Specialist, says recovery brought him JOY.
After years of struggling with substances and mental health challenges, he realized, “Once I decided enough was enough, genuine joy began to enter back into my life.” While he says he still faces difficult days, Caden chooses joy and gratitude daily.
For Felicia Nichols, Lead Family Case Manager, recovery required INNOVATION.
She says, “I am always trying to find creative ways to stay sober. For example, I meet my loved ones at family-friendly places to keep drugs and alcohol away. It shows that we can have fun without substances, with love and support for one another.”
Marsha Williams, an MSW Intern at ARCH, explains how recovery taught her RESPONSIBILITY.
“I am responsible to my Higher Power, whom I call God,” she says. Marsha has been in recovery since 1985 and finds joy in her 12-step community, stating, “We let the love and peace of the program grow in our hearts one day at a time.”
VOA Alaska’s President and CEO, Julia Luey, shares that recovery taught her about healthy CONNECTION.
In her younger years, she struggled with identity and purpose. Through her healing journey, she overcame codependency and learned who she truly is. “My healing journey connected me to the person I am, authentically and unapologetically,” she reflects.
Our staff inspire each other every day at VOA Alaska, and we are grateful for how each one embodies the values that drive our mission to empower Alaska’s youth, young adults, and families. Every journey is unique and worth celebrating!
We invite you to join us in supporting those in recovery and fostering a community of healing and connection.
Celebrating School-Based Services Partners and Impact
VOA Alaska was pleased to bring together staff and partners to celebrate the incredible impact of School-Based Services. The event honored the partnerships that make this vital work possible and shared our vision for the future of supporting young Alaskans and their families.
A special thank you to our distinguished speakers—Heidi Hedberg, Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Health; Brendan Wilson, Principal Coach for the Anchorage School District; and Sven Gustafson, Chief Academic Officer at ASD—for your inspiring words and commitment to Alaska’s youth.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined us in celebration. You can read highlights from the event and watch our new video showcasing the impact of our School-Based Services team on our blog.
Thank You and Farewell to Andy Lohman, VOA Alaska Board Member
VOA Alaska extends our sincere appreciation and best wishes to Andy Lohman as he steps down from our Board of Directors. Since 2019, Andy has provided invaluable leadership gained from his years of experience as an engaged community volunteer and advocate. As Area President of iHeart Media, he also played a key role in raising awareness of VOA’s services by coordinating on-air interviews and donated radio spots.
“One of the reasons that I serve, is I feel that when you can impact the life of a youth, the return is so much greater…that person can impact other people in the community for a long, long period of time.”
Andy Lohman on why he joined VOA Alaska’s Board of Directors.
Thank you, Andy, for being a tireless champion of VOA Alaska and the youth and families we serve.
Welcoming Our New Board Member, Latisha Rossi!
VOA Alaska is excited to welcome Latisha Rossi to our Board of Directors!
Latisha grew up in the mountains of North Carolina, where she met her husband of 25 years. In 2014, Latisha and her family relocated to Alaska, where she continued her passion for advocacy by volunteering as a Court Appointed Special Advocate, eventually becoming a guardian ad litem. She is currently pursuing a law degree, aiming to further her impact in the legal field.
A Voice for Youth: VOA Alaska and Premera Social Impact
Thanks to Premera’s generous support, VOA Alaska provided intensive community-based support services to 207 youth and permanent supportive housing for 80 youth. We are now excited to share a moving new video produced by Premera as part of their WellBeyond campaign, highlighting their investments in breaking down barriers and improving the health of underserved communities.
The video features the incredible work our dedicated and compassionate team is doing to empower young adults on their journey toward self-sufficiency and independence. We invite you to watch and be inspired by the remarkable stories of resilience and hope.
Thank you, Premera, for your support and partnership!
It’s Almost Here: VOA’s Fall Festival is Sunday, October 6!
We can’t wait to join our community for the 2024 Fall Festival! VOA and our partners have so much fun in store for youth and families, with face painting, crafts, games, giveaways, free food, and live music. Learn all the latest details on our Fall Festival page!
The Fall Festival runs from Noon to 4 pm on October 6 at The Nave in Spenard, and entry is free for everyone. Thank you to ConocoPhillips and other generous sponsors for making this event possible!
