VOA Alaska has been recognized as an Outstanding Peer Support Organization during the 2023 Healing Kinships: Alaska Peer Support Conference, which was held June 6-7, 2023. The award is dedicated to organizations that go above and beyond in the growth, empowerment, integration, and employment of Peer Support Specialists and integrating peer support services.
Those who nominated VOA Alaska for the award shared: “They go above and beyond to bring Peer Support Specialists not just into services but into leadership. VOA makes every effort to bring their Peers to the table to share their experience and to advocate for the need to not just best serve their population but also to best serve their staff and mission.”
“We are honored to be recognized as an Outstanding Peer Support Organization. We believe healing occurs in relationships and that begins with connection. Peer Support Specialists share their personal experiences to establish trust and understanding with the youth and families we serve, enabling us to support them in whatever stage of their journey they may be in,” said Julia Luey, President and CEO.
“I feel fortunate to work for an organization that has supported my recovery journey. It is a blessing to come to work every day and create ways to offer genuine care, encouragement, and support to those we serve. We strive to help them heal and reach their full potential, while also taking care of each other along the way,” said Mike Cunningham, Program Director of Access & Engagement.
VOA Alaska’s Access & Engagement team exists to support youth and families the moment they reach out for help. Consisting of peer support specialists and a mental health clinician, this team provides crisis intervention, community outreach, and engagement activities while reducing barriers to accessing care.
Learn more about VOA’s peer support services at voaak.org/peer-support
Press Release: VOA Alaska Awarded ‘Outstanding Peer Support Organization’ [PDF]
About VOA Alaska:
As an Alaskan direct-service non-profit organization, VOA Alaska has empowered our state’s youth and families since 1981. Our services promote wellness in all areas of a person’s life through mental health therapy, substance use counseling, family therapy and kinship care, supportive housing, and residential treatment. Our vision is a community that supports the hope, health, and healing of every Alaskan. For more information, visit voaak.org.
Media Contact:
Dj Tyson
Director of Communications, VOA Alaska
(907) 279-9646 or djtyson@voaak.org
