When we rebooted Walk 4 Warmth in 2020, we had no idea how good our timing would prove to be. We knew there was need. Lutheran Social Services of Alaska (LSSA), long one of our partners in this work and an agency of compassion and expertise in helping people keep their homes, had no help […]
A Look Back and a Light Forward
Looking back at 2020 in Anchorage, the first word that comes to my mind is gratitude. That might be surprising, but it’s true. I’m thankful for the way so many of you reading this have played the hand we were dealt in the pandemic – with abiding care for your neighbors that makes “LIVE UNITED” a powerful reality […]
If You Don’t Have Coverage, Call Us
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“If you don’t have coverage, call us.” – Jane Straight, Director of Income/Health Impact for United Way of Anchorage That’s the simple message we’d like to get out during the Affordable Care Act open enrollment period for 2021 that began November 1 and runs through December 15. Our mission at United Way is that we […]
We Look Out For One Another
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Anchorage hasn’t changed. I returned here after a 26-year career in public health in Washington state to become President of United Way of Anchorage. And I can tell you it’s heartening to say Anchorage hasn’t changed. I don’t mean that it’s the same city I left a generation ago. Of course, there have been changes. […]
The Secret Sauce in Volunteering
Published April 5, 2019, by Rachel Lee What makes a successful life? Is it money, power, or perhaps a combination of the two? That would have summed up my definition if you asked me ten years ago. What I’ve experienced since has given me a different perspective. I’ve learned that a successful life is defined […]
Small Business, Big Change
Published December 19, 2018, by Rachel Lee It is the season of giving and small businesses around Anchorage have gotten in the spirit for Lake Hood’s Community PLUS Schools Adventure Club. Alaska Escape Rooms, Get Air, Alaska Rock Gym, and Midnight Sun Car & Van Rental have all donated their services, time and attention for […]
All You Need is Love…and a Little Food
Published October 24, 2018, by Rachel Lee The sound of laughter floated down the hallway at Airport Heights Elementary. In the classroom kitchen, Community PLUS Schools students were participating in cooking club. I was greeted with big grins and welcomes. The students were clearly excited I was there, after all, they were going to be […]
The Power of Partnership
Published September 17, 2018, by Rachel Lee You’ve heard the mantras before: positive lasting change, improving lives in our community, Live United. But what does that really mean? What does change really look like? Where’s the proof? How are you making a difference? Amy Alston and her son are the proof. After a series of […]
Chalk for Change
Published August 14, 2018, by Rachel Lee Coming from a single-parent home in Anchorage and having three siblings in school at the same time, I remember a handful of years when back to school plagued me with fear. Worries like, “What if mom spent too much money on my school supplies? Will the other kids […]
