Back-to-school pictures often capture some of families’ favorite memories. A child poses in their first-day-of-school outfit with their backpack slung over their shoulders. They smile a cheesy grin, waffling between excitement and nervousness. Even when you’re not the child’s parent, you probably still feel, at least, a twinge of joy. Every student should feel the […]

The world rings in the new year each January 1. Some of us also like to celebrate the start of another (fiscal) year: July 1. It marks our new 365-day income and expense cycle. Being energized by a new fiscal year does seem a bit nerdy—we get that. But would you please hear us out? […]

In March 2023, the Alaska Court System created its Eviction Diversion Program. Thanks to funding from the National Center for State Courts, this program provides free mediation to landlords and tenants. It prevents many disputes from going to court. Do you need help navigating an eviction? Contact the Eviction Diversion Program directly. You can request […]

There are staff members in the Anchorage School District who serve in just as important roles as teachers, especially for students experiencing significant life events. We can provide funds when they identify students who have pressing expenses. Our support allows them to purchase items so that the students receive the help they need.  One group […]

“WHO WANTS S’MORES?!” a Camp Fireweed counselor yelled. A fire blazed, and the sun shone bright. The kids who were playing and eating lunch nearby and heard the question called back, “I DO!” Counselors guided campers to marshmallows, graham crackers, chocolate and roasting sticks. This week, 168 five to 15 year-olds are registered. We coordinated with Camp […]

Alaska 211 has connected callers to resources and services since 2007. Our community resource specialists are often asked to provide referrals for mental health and addiction. Between January 1 and December 31, 2023, 562 of Alaska 211’s callers had requests related to those issues. If you’re experiencing a mental health emergency, dial 9-8-8. Last year […]

“2013 was my first year being an ECC.” Katie Bender recounts her history overseeing workplace campaigns for United Way of Anchorage. She serves as one of Northrim Bank’s Vice Presidents and is its Community & Public Relations Manager. While 2013 was Katie’s first time to be an ECC, which stands for Employee Campaign Coordinator, it […]

Our Community Impact team oversees work related to our education, financial stability and health efforts. We recently hired someone to help bring positive changes to our community’s high school students. Now, Misha Chakraborty fosters collaboration between Anchorage School District (ASD), local workplaces and us. Misha says, “When this position was brought to my attention, I […]

Shedding light on common challenges our community members face exposes what holds us all back. The more we understand them, the more we can find and advance solutions that improve our community. That’s why we’re producing a written word and visual storytelling project, called BACKLIGHTS, featuring people like you. To share your story, submit this […]

Do you remember those times you heard a baby say their first word? Maybe the infants were your sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, or friends’ children. You probably smiled and coaxed them to say it again. Your encouragement made them giggle and repeat it over and over. Some first words are […]