Southcentral Foundation Head Start
For many income eligible families, Head Start is the key to success. Head Start helps children and families achieve their full potential by providing comprehensive child development services for children, ages three to five, and their families. Children receive developmentally and culturally appropriate early childhood development services, in both full-day and part-day programs. Families are provided childcare, transportation and information in health, nutrition, education, employment and other family services. For more information, visit www.ak-scf.org.

“I am a single father, and I wanted to thank you for everything that Head Start has done for my family. I was really struggling to take care of my family, and you really helped me create a good life for my children,” said a Head Start parent.

Tyonek Boys & Girls Club
For the last nine years the Tyonek Boys & Girls Club has been providing a safe and drug-free environment for youth ages seven to 18. In this small village of 185, youth have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities such as learning computer skills, homework assistance, arts and crafts, sports, and developing their Native cultural knowledge and skills. The Tyonek Boys & Girls Club offers an environment where youth are encouraged to make positive and healthy life choices. Since the club was established, community leaders, parents, and village police officers have reported a significant drop in youth-related crimes, drug use, and no youth suicides. For more information, visit www.bgcalaska.org.

“The Boys & Girls Club is a cool place to hang out and talk with my friends. We can play on the computers, watch TV, or play pool. The club gives us somewhere to go and have fun, and is safe. You can’t even call people names at the club. But nicknames are okay,” said Sally, age 15, a club member.

Cook Inlet Tribal Council’s Tribal Training Grant Program
For some people, the opportunity for employment or fulfilling a dream is one training course away. The Tribal Training Grant program provides funding to low-income Alaska Natives, American Indians and Native Hawaiians for vocational training. The program funds training in hazardous waste and materials, asbestos abatement, computer and commercial driver’s license training and other types of training. Many recipients go on to full-time work as a result of the vocational grant. To learn more about this program, visit www.citci.com.

“Because of CITC’s financial assistance, I am a certified drug and alcohol counselor. I am thankful for their support and the opportunity to help others,” said Ray Nuipok, 2002 Grant Recipient.

UAA’s Recruitment and Retention of Alaska Natives into Nursing (RRANN)
With the shortage of nurses in the healthcare system, RRANN’s work to recruit and retain Alaska Native nurses is vital to the industry. Before RRANN, there were very few Alaska Native nurses. Since 1998, RRANN has helped more than 220 students find their start at UAA and helped 14 Alaska Natives experience graduation day. RRANN creates a community for students to help them succeed and support each other. The program includes mentoring, academic advising, monthly gatherings, tutoring, on-campus housing and stipends. For more information, visit http://nursing.uaa.alaska.edu/rrann

“The RRANN program creates an inviting environment, especially for those far away from home. The RRANN community is important for the success of Alaska Native nurses,” said Flora Baker from Ambler, Alaska, 2001 graduate.