Shaping Change

Understanding the Mission and Impact of Nonprofits Vying for 2025 Lend a Hand Support

As we look ahead to the 2025 Lend a Hand recipients, it’s important to understand the incredible work being done by local nonprofits that are making a lasting impact in our community. These organizations are dedicated to causes that matter, from supporting vulnerable populations to preserving the environment. In this post, we’ll explore the mission, values, and contributions of these nonprofits, highlighting the difference your vote can make in helping them continue their vital work.

1. Alaska Songbird Institute

Mission and Work: ASI’s mission is to conserve Alaska's boreal birds through research and education. Their long-term projects, such as the bird banding station and tree swallow nest box initiative, provide essential data on declining bird populations. ASI also mentors youth in STEM through field trips, internships, and community programs.

Alignment with Co-op Market’s Mission: SI shares Co-op Market’s values of sustainability and community collaboration, focusing on conservation and environmental education. They use community-based research to foster connections between people and the natural world. Together with the Co-op, ASI aims to make a difference in bird conservation and local ecosystems.

Use of Lend a Hand Funds: Lend a Hand funds will support ASI’s Future Scientist Fund, offering scholarships for local students in mentoring programs and field trips. These funds are essential for sustaining long-term bird conservation projects. ASI, a small grassroots organization, relies on community donations to continue its work.

Past Co-op Funding Impact: ASI first received Co-op Market Lend-a-Hand funding in April 2014, which helped establish an educational internship program. They have not received funding since then, but the support was vital for early project development.

2. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska

Mission and Work: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska (BBBSAK) creates and supports one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Serving over 300 children annually across Alaska, BBBSAK pairs youth ("Littles") with mentors ("Bigs") to build stability, social skills, and resilience. In Fairbanks, 45 youth have been supported in 2024, with 26 awaiting matches.

Alignment with Co-op Market’s Mission: BBBSAK aligns with Co-op Market’s values of service, health, and community by fostering mentoring relationships that build confidence, prevent risky behaviors, and create a healthier, more equitable community. Like the Co-op, BBBSAK emphasizes service and inclusivity in its work.

Use of Lend a Hand Funds: Lend a Hand funds will support Fairbanks youth by recruiting and matching Bigs and Littles and maintaining strong mentoring relationships. Funds will also enable social media outreach, community presentations, and partnerships with schools and social services to strengthen our impact.

Impact of Past Funding: Co-op Market’s September 2024 funding helped BBBSAK match 15 new Big/Little pairs in Fairbanks, support 45 ongoing matches, and provide activities to strengthen these bonds. It also supported recruitment efforts, coinciding with Big Brothers Big Sisters' 120th anniversary.

3. Bread Line Inc. - Stone Soup Café

Mission and Work: The Bread Line’s mission is to “feed people & affirm lives” through four programs: Stone Soup Cafe, a low-barrier soup kitchen offering free meals; Stone’s Throw, a culinary job training program; Stone Soup Garden, which provides fresh produce to those in need; and Kids Cafe, where children and families help combat hunger while learning valuable skills.

Alignment with Co-op Market: The Bread Line and Co-op Market share a commitment to health, sustainability, and social responsibility. Together, they focus on meeting local needs and fostering community care, with Alaskan people and businesses supporting anti-hunger efforts through compassion and collaboration.

Use of Lend a Hand Funds: In 2024, Stone Soup Cafe served a record number of meals each month. With growing need outpacing food donations, Bread Line has relied on purchasing food, and funds from Lend a Hand are essential to continue providing for those who depend on their services.

Previous Funding Impact: As a past recipient of Lend a Hand, Bread Line has used these funds to buy quality food and further its mission of feeding people and affirming lives, ensuring support reaches those who need it most.

4. Calypso Farm and Ecology Center

Mission and Work: Calypso Farm & Ecology Center fosters local food production and environmental awareness through hands-on education. It provides outdoor programs for all ages and grows fresh, accessible food for the community.

Alignment with Co-op Market: Calypso supports the Co-op’s mission by connecting people to healthy, local food and offering inclusive educational opportunities. Its programs, like the Southside Community Farmers Market, prioritize sustainability, social equity, and accessibility through initiatives such as Pay What You Can discounts.

Use of Lend a Hand Funds: Funds will sponsor free Community Meals at the Southside Market, offering locally sourced, chef-prepared meals to Fairbanks' most food-insecure neighborhood. These meals are open to everyone, fostering food security and community connection.

Previous Funding Impact: Past Co-op Market funds supported youth garden education, community food relief, and the Pay What You Can system, which enables fresh food access for disadvantaged community members.

5. Chena Tool Library

Mission and Work: The Chena Tool Library (CTL) empowers the community by providing access to tools, knowledge, and support. Operating since 2018, it serves over 300 members with a donation-based membership model, offering access to 600+ tools through an online reservation platform. CTL is supported by volunteers, staff, donations, and local sponsors, with operations overseen by a volunteer board and one paid staff member.

Alignment with Co-op Market’s Mission: CTL aligns with Co-op Market’s mission through community service, sustainability, and social responsibility. It fosters resilience, reduces waste, and promotes equal access to tools and skills. Partnerships with local organizations further its impact, supporting environmental, social, and economic sustainability.

Use of Lend a Hand Funds: Funds will support CTL’s strategic goal of securing a larger space for growth, including workshop areas for tool use, maintenance, and classes. They will also cover daily operations like rent, utilities, and staff wages, easing financial burdens and enabling long-term planning.

Past Co-op Funding Impact: Previous Co-op Market funding was used for daily operations, including rent, utilities, and staff wages, supporting CTL’s mission of equitable tool access and community building.

6. Fairbanks Animal Shelter Fund

Mission and Work: Founded in 2002, the Fairbanks Animal Shelter Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that enhances the care provided by the Fairbanks North Star Borough (FNSB) Animal Shelter. By funding services and items not included in the Borough’s budget, the Shelter Fund improves conditions for domestic and farm animals. Its primary focus is on providing veterinary care, helping hundreds of animals find adoptive homes each year.

Alignment with Co-op Market’s Mission: The Fairbanks Animal Shelter Fund aligns with the Co-op Market’s values by fostering community health, supporting local businesses, and promoting sustainability. Through partnerships with local veterinarians, the Fund ensures animals receive essential care while contributing to the local economy. This work also reduces the spread of animal-borne diseases, enhancing safety for both animals and people in the Interior.

Use of Lend a Hand Funds: If selected for the 2025 Lend a Hand Program, the Shelter Fund would use donations to provide veterinary care for animals at the Shelter. These funds would help treat infections, stabilize animals for adoption, and address the growing needs of farmed animals entering the Shelter. By improving animal health, the Shelter Fund ensures safe adoptions and protects public health in the community.

Past Co-op Funding Impact: The Shelter Fund’s participation in the October Lend a Hand Program demonstrated the community’s enthusiasm for supporting both the Shelter and the Co-op Market. Publicizing the partnership increased awareness of the Co-op’s mission, bringing in new inquiries about membership and store details. If chosen again, the Shelter Fund would continue these efforts, benefiting animals and strengthening the Co-op’s presence in Fairbanks.

7. Fairbanks Children’s Museum

Mission and Work: The Fairbanks Children’s Museum is dedicated to inspiring and connecting families through discovery and the power of play. It offers children and families a safe, interactive space to develop critical and creative thinking skills. Through a range of programs such as exhibits, classes, and sensory days, the museum fosters growth, learning, and joy for all who visit.

Alignment with Co-op Market: The museum embodies Co-op Market’s commitment to community, education, and inclusivity. By providing programs that nurture both individual growth and family connections, the museum mirrors the Co-op's focus on supporting local needs and creating opportunities for learning. Its emphasis on accessibility and meaningful engagement strengthens the bonds within the community.

Use of Lend a Hand Funds: Funds from the Lend a Hand program will enhance the museum’s ability to provide vital services, including workshops, summer camps, foster care visitation, and parent support groups. This funding supports the staff essential to running these programs and ensures the museum remains a vibrant, welcoming space for families. Each dollar invested helps expand the museum’s capacity to enrich the lives of children and families in the region.

Impact of Past Funding: In 2017 and 2018, Lend a Hand funding supported the museum’s rapid growth during a pivotal time. These resources helped the museum solidify its role as a cornerstone of the Fairbanks community. Thanks to this support, the museum continues to provide essential services and programs that benefit families throughout the Interior.

8. Fairbanks Community Food Bank

Mission and Work: The Fairbanks Community Food Bank's mission is to collect surplus food from local sources and distribute it to individuals in need. This effort addresses food insecurity by redistributing local surplus food directly to households and other local nonprofits.

Alignment with Co-op Market's Mission: By collecting and distributing over 5 tons of food daily to 60 households and local nonprofits, the food bank supports the community's health and sustainability. In 2023, they provided over 800,000 meals and redistributed over 900,000 pounds of food to other local agencies.

Use of Lend a Hand Funds: The funds help sustain operations by covering vehicle costs. For example, the $2,287.43 received in 2023 funded nearly three months of operating expenses for the food bank's four vehicles, critical to their food collection and distribution efforts.

Past Use of Funding: Previous contributions from the Co-op's Lend a Hand Program allowed the food bank to maintain its vehicle fleet for several months, ensuring consistent food deliveries despite rising gasoline prices.

9. Fairbanks HopeLink

Mission and Work: Fairbanks HopeLink (FHL) is committed to meeting individuals where they are, providing essential services to ensure they remain warm, safe, and connected to vital community resources. The organization's primary focus is the Emergency Warming Center, which offers a safe, heated space during the cold weather months. By operating seven days a week, FHL ensures individuals in need have consistent access to shelter, warmth, and community support.

Alignment with Co-op Market: Fairbanks HopeLink’s mission aligns strongly with the Co-op's core values of community focus, sustainability, and inclusion. The organization works to create a welcoming environment for everyone, emphasizing the importance of connecting individuals to local resources. FHL’s commitment to offering low-barrier, after-hours shelter reflects a shared vision of fostering a supportive, caring community for all.

Use of Lend a Hand Funds: Lend a Hand funds will support the operational needs of the Fairbanks HopeLink Emergency Warming Center, helping to expand its capacity and services during the colder months. These funds will be used to provide essential resources such as snacks, beverages, and shelter supplies. They will also ensure that the Warming Center is staffed with well-trained professionals, enabling FHL to offer a safe and supportive environment for up to 45 individuals per night.

Impact of Past Funding: Past Co-op funding has enabled Fairbanks HopeLink to develop and strengthen its emergency shelter operations, ensuring that individuals in need have access to warmth and support. This funding has been pivotal in enhancing the Warming Center’s capacity and staffing, allowing it to serve a growing number of individuals during the winter months. With continued Co-op support, FHL can further expand its outreach and solidify its role as a vital community resource.

10. Fairbanks Soil & Water Conservation District (FSWCD) - AFFECT Farmer Training Program

Mission and Work: The Fairbanks Soil & Water Conservation District (FSWCD) supports food security, sustainable land development, and natural resource management. Collaborating with the community, FSWCD provides education and assistance on agriculture, water, forestry, invasive species, and other related issues.

Alignment with Co-op Market’s Mission: FSWCD and Co-op Market share a commitment to health, sustainability, and local agriculture. Through the AFFECT program, FSWCD trains farmers in sustainable practices, increasing access to local food while reducing reliance on imports. Both organizations emphasize education—FSWCD empowers future farmers, while Co-op Market educates consumers on healthy food choices, fostering a resilient, community-based food system.

Use of Lend a Hand Funds: Lend a Hand donations will support the 2025 AFFECT Farmer Training Program, funding educational materials, farm visits, mentorships, and scholarships. This ensures tuition-free access for aspiring farmers and provides hands-on learning, business development support, and practical training in sustainable farming practices.

Past Co-op Funding Impact: FSWCD has not received funding in the past.

11. The Folk School

Mission and Work: The Folk School’s mission is to perpetuate the joy of hands-on learning. They offer year-round classes for all ages in traditional crafts, woodworking, outdoor skills, and arts and sciences. Programs include activities like pottery, carving, blacksmithing, food preservation, and wild plant identification, with options tailored for kids, adults, and homeschooling families.

Alignment with Co-op Market’s Mission: The Folk School aligns with Co-op Market’s focus on health, sustainability, and community by offering classes in sustainable harvesting, cooking with local ingredients, and traditional skills. They prioritize service, sustainability, and social responsibility by promoting well-being, supporting local partnerships, and fostering an inclusive, anti-discriminatory learning environment.

Use of Lend a Hand Funds: Funds will help make programs affordable by strengthening the scholarship fund and covering costs for supplies and facilities. This ensures more people can access hands-on learning opportunities in a safe and welcoming environment.

Past Co-op Funding Impact: Previous funds have supported scholarships for various classes and contributed to repairs and improvements at their facilities, such as the cabin and workshop in Pioneer Park.

12. Friends of Creamer’s Fields

Mission and Work: Friends of Creamer’s Field fosters environmental stewardship and lifelong learning by conserving the natural and historic resources of Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge. They offer free programs such as nature walks, bird-watching tours, and festivals like the Sandhill Crane Festival, emphasizing education, conservation, and community engagement.

Alignment with Co-op Market’s Mission: The organization shares the Co-op Market’s values of sustainability, social responsibility, and service by offering free, family-friendly programs and promoting stewardship of local natural resources. They operate sustainably and support local businesses while encouraging conservation ethics through education.

Use of Lend a Hand Funds: Funds will support free community programs, expand events like the Sandhill Crane Festival, and introduce initiatives such as citizen science projects, Spring Break activities, and Outdoor Safety Seminars.

Past Co-op Funding Impact: Past funding enabled free educational programs, refreshed interpretive signage, and maintained year-round access to clean facilities through local partnerships.

13. Georgeson Botanical Garden

Mission and Work: The Georgeson Botanical Garden Friends (GBGF) promotes research, education, and outreach focused on high-latitude horticulture, enhancing community understanding of plants and supporting local food production. Their work aims to improve the Fairbanks area through sustainable agriculture and community engagement, fostering a healthier local economy and food system. GBGF also provides valuable research to aid local farmers and encourages sustainable practices.

Alignment with Co-op Market’s Mission: Like the Co-op Market, the GBGF supports local food production and sustainability, particularly through research on crops suited for Alaska’s climate. They assist local farmers, enhance regional produce, and donate thousands of pounds of fresh produce annually. Notably, their Far North Currant Festival aligns with the Co-op’s mission to promote local food education and support community engagement.

Use of Lend a Hand Funds: Lend-A-Hand funds will support the 2025 Third Annual Far North Currant Festival, including expenses for tables, tents, currant plants, signage, and hiring Indigenous chef Flora Deacon for cooking demonstrations. These funds will help enhance the educational and community outreach of the event. The Festival aims to build on its previous success, offering expanded activities and resources.

Past Co-op Funding Impact: In 2023, the Co-op Market’s Lend A Hand program supported GBGF’s educational, research, and community initiatives, particularly those related to the Alaska Harvest Collaborative. This partnership helped further the Garden’s mission of promoting sustainable food systems and local agriculture. The Co-op’s support has been vital to GBGF’s ongoing work in the community.

14. Green Star of Interior Alaska

Mission and Work: Green Star of Interior Alaska, a 501(c)(3) established in 1998, aims to foster recycling and sustainability in the Fairbanks North Star Borough. They collect and process electronics, manage event recycling, and educate the community about sustainability. Since 2022, they’ve operated the FNSB Central Recycling Facility, working to expand recycling opportunities.

Alignment with Co-op Market’s Mission: Green Star promotes community health, sustainability, and justice by recycling electronics, reducing toxic waste, and providing refurbished technology to those in need. Their work protects the environment, supports rural communities, and encourages reuse over disposal, aligning with Co-op Market’s values of sustainability and inclusivity.

Use of Lend a Hand Funds: The funds will support Green Star’s programs, including recycling education, donations of refurbished electronics to low-income residents, fluorescent bulb recycling, and Village Backhaul initiatives, which assist rural areas with recycling logistics.

Past Co-op Funding Impact: Co-op Market’s support has bolstered Green Star’s recycling services, raised awareness about recycling in Fairbanks, and funded programs like laptop donations and event recycling for community festivals. This partnership has strengthened Green Star’s role in local sustainability.

15. Guys Read Gals Read

Mission and Work: The mission of the program is to foster a love for reading in children, particularly 4th graders, by providing adult role models who read exciting books to them during lunchtime and donate copies to school libraries. This encourages children to enjoy reading while showing that it's "cool" to do so.

Alignment with Co-op Market’s Mission: The program aligns with the Co-op's mission of health, sustainability, and social responsibility by improving children's literacy skills, which helps them become informed, open-minded individuals and better caretakers of their community and planet.

Use of Lend a Hand Funds: Donations support the purchase of books, volunteer recruitment, advertising, and coordination. Most of the program’s work is done by volunteers, and the organization operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Past Co-op Funding Impact: The program successfully adapted to an online format during the Covid-19 pandemic, using funds from the Lend A Hand program to enhance its website and software. Now back in schools, funding will go towards purchasing books for the program.

16. Interior Alaska Cancer Association

Mission and Work: The Interior Alaska Cancer Association (IACA) was founded in 2002 to help cancer patients and families in the Interior facing financial hardship. As an all-volunteer nonprofit, 97% of funds directly support patients with heating fuel, groceries, and transportation to treatments. IACA serves communities across the region, including Fairbanks, Delta, Tok, and Arctic Village.

Alignment with Co-op Market’s Mission: IACA embodies the Co-op values of service, sustainability, and social responsibility by providing practical support to those in need. Assistance with food, heating, and transportation promotes stability and well-being for patients. By addressing unique challenges, IACA strengthens the community, a core Co-op principle.

Use of Lend a Hand Funds: Funds from Co-op Market’s Lend a Hand program help cover heating fuel, groceries, and transportation costs for cancer patients. These donations ease financial stress, keeping families warm, fed, and able to access medical care. Every dollar provides direct relief to those in need.

Past Co-op Funding Impact: In 2021, Co-op Market’s support helped IACA provide essential services like heating and food assistance. These funds brought stability to families facing cancer, keeping homes heated and food on tables. IACA’s efficient use of funds ensures donations create meaningful impact.

17. Interior Alaska Center for Non-Violent Living

Mission and Work: The Interior Alaska Center for Non-Violent Living (IAC) envisions a community free of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child sexual abuse. It provides emergency shelter, advocacy, education, and crisis intervention for survivors, creating an empowering and inclusive environment. IAC assists individuals in understanding their options and taking steps toward safety and healing.

Alignment with Co-op Market's Mission: IAC shares Co-op Market's values of service, sustainability, and social responsibility by ensuring safety, advocacy, and education for survivors and the broader community. Their work enhances social quality, fosters well-being, and seeks to eliminate violence by addressing systemic and individual conditions that perpetuate it.

Use of Lend a Hand Funds: Funds will be used to enhance supportive services for survivors, including care packages, clothing, food, and addressing unexpected barriers. These efforts empower survivors and provide immediate, tailored support during their transition to safety.

Past Use of Funding: IAC has used Lend a Hand funds to purchase essential items like toiletries, clothing, and supplies for group therapy sessions. The funds also helped create welcoming environments for new families, with resources like age-appropriate activities and comfort items, making their transition smoother.

18. Irene Sherman Project

Mission and Work: The Snedden Family Foundation, through the Irene Sherman Project, is dedicated to improving parks and recreational opportunities in Alaska's Interior. The project specifically honors Irene Sherman, a remarkable Fairbanks pioneer known for her resilience and connection to the community. The goal is to install a statue in downtown Fairbanks to celebrate her legacy as the “Queen of Fairbanks” and to inspire future generations with her story.

Alignment with Co-op Market’s Mission: The Irene Sherman Project reflects Co-op Market’s commitment to honoring local history and supporting community-centered initiatives. Just as the Co-op fosters connections among individuals, the project celebrates a figure who embodied the spirit of community and resilience. The creation of this statue serves as a tribute to the values of perseverance, generosity, and local pride, which align with the Co-op's mission.

Use of Lend a Hand Funds: Lend a Hand funds will help further the Irene Sherman Project’s goal of raising $250,000 to complete the installation of the statue. These funds will support the final stages of the project, including sculpting, installation, and public recognition. Donors will be acknowledged on the project’s website and in media, ensuring that their contribution is recognized as a pivotal part of preserving Fairbanks’ history.

Past Co-op Funding Impact: While past funding from Co-op Market has not been directly linked to the Irene Sherman Project, the Co-op has been a consistent supporter of local initiatives that contribute to community enrichment. Funding from the Lend a Hand program would continue the tradition of backing projects that enhance the cultural fabric of Fairbanks. The project’s completion will stand as a lasting testament to the Co-op’s impact on the region's growth and development.

19. Literacy Council of Alaska

Mission and Work: The Literacy Council of Alaska provides essential literacy services, including English Language Learning, GED preparation, Digital Literacy, and more, benefiting a broad community. They also donate 15,000 books annually through a book recycling program to support those in need.

Alignment with Co-op Market’s Mission: The Co-op’s values align with the Literacy Council’s mission of service, sustainability, and social responsibility. They focus on empowering individuals through education, helping community members live healthier and more productive lives.

Use of Lend a Hand Funds: The funds from the Co-op partnership help support Literacy Council programs that fall outside grant funding, ensuring continued service to the community.

Past Co-op Funding Impact: Past funding from the Co-op and round-up customers has been crucial for the Literacy Council, helping cover educational materials and resources not funded by grants. This support allows them to adapt and maintain services as community needs evolve.

20. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - Fairbanks

Mission and Work: NAMI Fairbanks supports individuals experiencing mental health challenges and their loved ones through peer-led support groups, education, and advocacy. As a local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, it strives to reduce stigma, promote awareness, and improve access to resources, creating a stronger, more inclusive community.

Alignment with Co-op Market’s Mission: NAMI Fairbanks aligns with Co-op Market's values by serving community needs through accessible mental health support and education, promoting equity and justice, and fostering community resilience, which supports long-term health and sustainability.

Use of Lend a Hand Funds: The funds will expand free mental health education programs for middle and high school students, focusing on recognizing mental health conditions, reducing stigma, and encouraging early intervention, empowering youth and families in the Fairbanks North Star Borough.

Past Co-op Funding Impact: Previous funding helped relaunch free support groups and distribute educational materials, benefiting hundreds by raising awareness and accessibility to mental health resources and fostering a supportive community.

21. North Star Council on Aging

Mission and Work: The North Star Council on Aging, also known as the Fairbanks Senior Center, enhances the quality of life, independence, and dignity of older adults through various support services. Key programs include Meals on Wheels, transportation to appointments, home modifications, and senior meal congregates, serving over 400 seniors annually with a focus on vulnerable populations facing health, economic, or social challenges.

Alignment with Co-op Market's Mission: Both the North Star Council on Aging and Co-op Market prioritize community health and well-being, with a shared focus on nutrition. The council’s emphasis on providing nutritious meals to seniors aligns with the Co-op’s commitment to healthy, local food access and supporting Interior Alaska residents.

Use of Lend a Hand Funds: Lend a Hand funds will support the Meals on Wheels food budget, helping the North Star Council on Aging continue providing free meals to seniors in need. With demand growing, these funds ensure vulnerable elders can maintain dignity and independence through consistent nutrition.

Current Meals on Wheels Program Impact: Meals on Wheels serves over 225 meals daily to seniors in the Fairbanks North Star Borough, with 454 individuals helped in the last fiscal year. Rising demand has led to a waiting list of 50 seniors as of mid-2024, highlighting the program’s critical role in addressing food insecurity among older adults.

Past Use of Funding: In 2023, Co-op Market funding was allocated to the Meals on Wheels food budget, directly supporting the program’s mission of providing nutritious meals to vulnerable seniors in the community.

22. North Star Imagination Library

Mission and Work: The mission of North Star Imagination Library is to inspire a lifelong love of reading by sending age-appropriate books each month to children under five in the North Star, Denali, and Tanana Chiefs Conference communities. A volunteer board handles registration and fundraising. Local partnerships and the website encourage families to engage with the books.

Alignment with Co-op Market’s Mission: The Co-op Market supports education from birth by promoting a love of reading.

Use of Lend a Hand Funds: Funds raised for Imagination Library cover book and mailing costs, which total over $6,000 per month for 2,800 children. An anticipated 20% increase in costs in 2025 will require additional support. The organization has minimal overhead as it is volunteer-run.

Past Co-op Funding Impact: Several years ago, Imagination Library was a recipient of Lend a Hand funds, which helped purchase hundreds of books for young readers.

23. Resource Center for Parents and Children

Mission and Work: The Resource Center for Parents & Children (RCPC) is dedicated to creating a culture that values parenting and child safety through education, advocacy, and family support. Programs include the Family Education Program (offering parenting education, resources, and a new chestfeeding support initiative), Stevie’s Place Child Advocacy Center (providing a safe, child-focused setting during abuse investigations), and Behavioral Health Services (offering trauma-informed therapy to families).

Alignment with Co-op Market: RCPC’s commitment to service aligns with the Co-op’s mission of promoting health and community well-being. RCPC’s efforts to support pregnant and postpartum families through new initiatives demonstrate a shared value of addressing community needs proactively, ensuring no gaps in essential services like health and nutrition support.

Use of Lend a Hand Funds: The funds will address an urgent need for hygiene items like soap, menstrual products, and deodorant for children and families. These items are essential for children recovering from acute sexual assault, providing dignity and care, and for those entering foster care, easing their transition. Ensuring a steady supply will profoundly impact these vulnerable groups.

Impact of Past Funding: Previous funding enhanced outreach and prevention efforts, including updated materials for Stevie’s Place and the Family Services Program. In 2023, funds supported a pilot program addressing nutrition and food insecurity, helping raise awareness about child abuse prevention, resiliency building, and community education in Fairbanks.

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