Celebrate Youth Em"POWER"ment with AYA!


Mission: To advocate and foster the well being of at risk youth so they may lead productive lives.
POWER Teen Center Update
Our awesome Peer Outreach Workers continue to keep the drop-in center humming along, with new leadership. Seina Bell is now managing the center in her new expanded role as program manager for Alaska Youth Advocates, added to her previous role as program manager for Alaska Seeds of Change. Luckily, she's had lots of help from AYA's parent company, Anchorage Community Mental Health Services. 

TAY youth who stop by the center have access as always to tons of information about the community resources available to them, clothing and food, help with resumes and other paperwork tasks. They also have access to mental health services in a low-stigma setting (the same building as the drop in center) through ACMHS. Staff from the Child & Family program are helping Seina run the Power Teen Center, and helping interested youth access those services.
Help Needed!  

Auction Volunteers: Last year's Warm Hearts Silent Auction fundraiser was so fun! Time to start planning this year's event.  We're looking for auction volunteers, including an Auction Coordinator, who will get lots of help from our youth staff. Please email Seina if you'd like to help out! 

TAY Clinical Associate: The Clinical Associate will work with the ACMHS Child & Family team but spend most of their time supporting youth at AYA and Alaska Seeds of Change. 
Check out the job posting  here  for a TAY Clinical Associate and send applicants our way!
Anchorage Pride Festival

On June 16, AYA attended the Anchorage Pride festival on the Delaney Park Strip. POW's Sarah and Courtney really enjoyed the day, despite rain and wind. They talked to about 150 people, many of whom hadn't heard of AYA and were happy to learn that this resource exists for Anchorage youth.  TAY youth who stopped by were especially happy to learn about free STI testing kits, and to pick up condoms. Little kids attracted by the spinning info wheel enjoyed the candy instead. 

Upcoming Youth Training Opportunities
If you're between the ages of 13 and 23 years old, join us at the POWER Teen Center, 704 W 26th Ave., every 3rd Thursday from 4 pm-5 pm for a peer led presentation. There will be food and door prizes at each presentation! Topics vary each month and if you have a recommendation for a presentation topic, please don't hesitate to bring it up to the team. Here are our upcoming topics:

Birth Control - 7/19/18
Marijuana - 8/16/18
AYA is Hiring!

Alaska Youth Advocates is hiring Peer Outreach Workers!  Peer Outreach Workers help staff the Power Teen Center, give community presentations, represent AYA at events like Anchorage Pridefest, and do street outreach -- looking for youth in the community who need help and connecting them to resources.   For more info, stop by the Center, Monday - Thursday between 1 pm and 5 pm, or look here for more info.  

Ways to Support Alaska Youth Advocates
 
We are currently requesting:
  • Men's gently used dress clothing and any men's shoes!
  • Men's and women's underwear
  • Self Care Supplies - journals, notebooks, adult coloring books, colored pencils, ect.
  • Water Bottles
  • Granola Bars
  • Backpacks
  • Deodorant 
AYA offers Anchorage the promise of healthier young people who are able to make good decisions about their lives, complete their education, support themselves, and contribute to the community. Because of the way we operate - with a small staff, lean budget and effective partnerships - we also promise efficient use of dollars invested. Your donation gives at-risk youth employment, education and housing. Thank you. Please contact 929-2633  if you have any questions or if you would like to donate.
 
Donate online
http://www.akyouthadvocates.org/donate/
Monthly Donor: join others making a monthly commitment to at risk youth. Participate in a workplace campaign such as Federal, State or Anchorage School Districts Combined Campaign or United Way.
 
Volunteer:  Without volunteers and interns Alaska Youth Advocates could not reach the number of youth reached each day. We use the skill set of volunteers to meet every day needs. Volunteer opportunities may include but are not limited to:
  • Bring cardboard, aluminum and plastic to the Recycling Center (once a month)
  • Sorting and organizing donations
  • Planning and organizing fundraising opportunities 
Beneficiary Designations: Continue supporting at risk youth even after your lifetime by naming us as a beneficiary of your retirement plan, life insurance or insurance annuity assets.
 
Memorial and Honorary Gifts: If you have a family member or friend whose life has been touched by Alaska Youth Advocates and/or the issues we work to resolve, we hope you'll consider making a gift to us in honor of that person.
Alaska Youth Advocates | 907.929.2633 |  [email protected]