By SCF Public Relations

The holidays are traditionally a time when special memories are made as families and communities come together. With COVID-19 still active in many areas, including across Alaska, it is vital to try new traditions to help keep your friends, families, and communities safe. Families are tasked with finding new ways to share holiday cheer while remaining diligent in efforts to contain the COVID-19 virus.

“Now is the time to hunker down, keep within our households, be vigilant about mask wearing and distancing, and be safe at work and at home,” said Southcentral Foundation interim President/CEO April Kyle.

To minimize occurrences of the virus spreading to loved ones, it is best to celebrate this holiday season only with household members for in-person activities and to include others in your celebrations virtually by phone or video chat. Avoid hosting holiday parties, potlucks, and or gatherings that are not within your household.
“Celebrating holidays will take creative, virtual approaches this year since we are not able to have in-person parties, potlucks, and gatherings,” said Kyle.

Despite eagerness to spend time with friends and family as holiday plans are made, considerations should be taken for the associated risks.

“One idea is to gather virtually and share three or four things you are grateful for,” said SCF’s Clinical Director of Employee and Community Support KJ Worbey. “These can be small in size but big in meaning – hearing the laughter of a child playing, witnessing a moment of beauty in nature, enjoying a favorite recipe. This can generate positive feelings that can be savored. It is also a reminder that peaceful and joyful moments surround us when we stop to see them.”

While finding new ways to create holiday memories, remember to:

• Physical distance at least 6 feet from others when possible.
• Wear a well-fitting mask in common areas and in public.
• Practice frequent hand hygiene.
• Wipe down high-touch and shared surfaces.
• Limit social contacts and keep your bubble small.
• Limit public gatherings.

The containment efforts do work, and it is very important they continue. Working together, we can decrease the spread of COVID-19 and keep Alaskans healthy.

“Staying connected with family and friends is more important than ever,” said Worbey. “Strong relationships are a key component of resilience, and so is gratitude.”
If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or need to contact your provider, if in Anchorage call 907-729-3300.

By SCF Public Relations

Southcentral Foundation’s Family Wellness Warriors Initiative hosted virtual learning events to raise awareness for National Domestic Violence Awareness and Action Month. The virtual commencement featured Alaska Native cultural performances and special guest speakers Alaska Public Safety Commissioner Amanda Price and Alaska Native Heritage Center Executive Director Emily Edenshaw.

Activities included webinars, radio interviews on KNBA, and traditional storytelling to break cycles of abuse for the next generation. The webinar discussion explored how latest data and evaluation outcomes show development of protective factors and the reduction of risk factors associated with domestic violence and child abuse.

FWWI seeks to address the devastating problems of domestic violence, abuse, and neglect in the Alaska Native Community. Its purpose is to equip organizations and individuals to effectively address the spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical effects of domestic violence, abuse, and neglect.

Click below to hear the KNBA radio interviews focused on encouraging healthy lifestyle choices and relationships.

1. A Template for Raising the Next Generation

   Listen to the values and stories passed down to a young girl growing up in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region. These stories highlight the Yup’ik value of raising children with positive encouragement.

2. Walking Soft

   Hear the story of a girl’s experience as she walked on the soft tundra with her Lakota grandfather. She remembers the Indigenous values of connecting softly with others, discovering healing on the other side of our stories, and how our own healing whispers hope and promise to the next generation.

3. When He Remembered He Was a Warrior

   Listen to the story of a Tlingit Elder who shares his journey of healing from addiction and how community helped him find his inner warrior.

4. She Will Become the Words That You Speak

   Hear the story of an Alaska Native woman, who remembered the wisdom of her Cup’ik grandmother. Her grandmother’s words helped the young woman find hope amid her own struggles.