Several factors, including outgrowing existing facilities or occupying aging facilities, have evolved over the past few years that have led several non-profit service organizations to co-locate services into one single facility. But the most important factor is the dream of having one central location that provides improved client access and centralized intake and case management.

Currently, the services of Cook Inlet Tribal Council, The CIRI Foundation, the Alaska Native Justice Center, and Koahnic Broadcast Corporation are scattered in 10 separate sites throughout Anchorage. These four organizations serve more than 15,000 clients annually, many of whom receive services from more than one of the agencies.

“Our organizations provide social services and programs that are vital to the Native community of Anchorage, regionally and statewide. This new facility will allow us to better serve our Native population while also benefiting the entire community,” said Gloria O’Neill, president and chief executive officer of Cook Inlet Tribal Council.

Federal funds and the donation of land by CIRI are making this project possible. Cook Inlet Tribal Council is taking the lead to oversee the development, design, and construction of the facility to be known as the Non-Profit Services Center.

The setting for the facility is a 6.47 acre wooded site in the Northway Business Park. The CIRI Board of Directors provided strong leadership and voted to donate the land in October of 2002, and CIRI President and Chief Executive Officer Carl Marrs transferred the land title to Cook Inlet Tribal Council in mid-May.

The facility will be four floors with a total of 75,000 square feet. The organizations that will be located at the center currently occupy 61,000 square feet. The facility will include a large conferencing center that will be available to the community as well as groups throughout the state. The architecture and décor of the building will honor the Dena’ina Athabascan culture as well as reflect all of the other Alaska Native cultural groups.
Construction of the facility will begin in August with a ceremonial groundbreaking. The facility is projected to be completed in December of 2005.