“Come home and give those kids a life.” These were the words from Family Wellness Warriors Director Bobbi Outten’s father that saved her. Outten had been married for 11 years when she left her husband for the seventh and final time. She ran with just a few personal belongings, her three young children, and one on the way. Outten shared she felt desperate and credits her parents, pastor, and a caring network of people for supporting her to find the strength to leave a home laced with addiction, chaos, control, and violence. Because she found a safe community, Outten never turned back.

Southcentral Foundation Learning and Development Clinical Advisor Carol East, of Aleut descent, found out about the Dental Assistant Training Program in 1999. At the time, East was seeking a career change.

Southcentral Foundation Executive Vice President Melissa Merrick accepted the Social Worker of the Year award at the biennial conference of the National Association of Social Workers Alaska Chapter on Sept. 22.

Six villages surround Iliamna Lake: Igiugig, Kokhanok, Iliamna, New Halen, Nondalton, and Pedro Bay. While each community has a small clinic with one or two health aides, there are limitations, especially regarding trauma and emergency response. In 1999, the villages enlisted the help of Southcentral Foundation to plan, develop, and build a facility to offer more comprehensive services to the Iliamna Lake Region, including Port Alsworth.

As Alaskans, we expect the snow to fall, sun to shine, and fish to run each year. Just as we expect these annual events, we can also anticipate the seasonal flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus. Fortunately, there are steps you can take during months with higher rates of respiratory illness to keep yourself, your family, and your community protected.

There was a time when this land was pristine and inhabited by multiple cultures living in reciprocity and respect alongside each other, the animals, and the elements. Thousands of years have passed, and many of these cultures Indigenous to Alaska are still thriving today.

With days that look like nights and skies lit by aurora borealis, Alaska can be a wintry wonder, reminding us of why we choose to live in this beautiful state. Here are some tips on how to stay safe and warm while enjoying and appreciating the splendors of the Alaskan winter season.

Walking beside family members or friends as they face life’s challenges can make a big difference in their lives. However, helping a loved one get needed support can, at times, feel challenging.

The first bridging ceremony for Benteh Nuutah Four Directions Outpatient Treatment Center participants was held this summer. Individuals who completed the program are invited to gather to acknowledge their journeys. A bridging ceremony honors the transition from being in treatment to living in recovery.

The imagery of Alaska Native and American Indian youth pulling nets abundant with fish from the mouth of the Kenai River seemed but a distant memory for Southcentral Foundation’s Raise Program during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.