By MJ ViewegChantelle grew up watching her parents volunteer in the community. Her mom would help at the school, and her dad would often help neighbors or teach basic carpentry skills to the Girl Guides (Canada’s equivalent to USA’s Girls Scouts) so they could earn a skills badge. Her family believed that if you have time and relevant skills you have …
A Heart ( and Ear) for Youth
By MJ Vieweg Carla Dudley may be just starting the process of becoming a Passage House mentor but she’s especially suited for the role. When asked what her ‘mentor superpower’ might be, her response was “just listening”. As it turns out, Carla is an expert at listening. Besides volunteering at Passage House now that she is semi-retired, Carla is a …
A Champion of Change: Robert’s Journey with Covenant House Alaska
At Covenant House Alaska, our volunteers are the heartbeat of our mission—passionate individuals who transform lives and create pathways to hope for youth experiencing homelessness. Today, we would like to introduce, Robert Champion, a remarkable volunteer whose commitment goes far beyond traditional support. A Calling to Serve Robert’s journey with Covenant House began with a powerful story—an article about a …
Volunteer Spotlight: Kailyn Hooley
Meet Kailyn Hooley, a dedicated volunteer who has been making a difference in The Art Room at the Youth Engagement Center for most of the last two years. Almost every Thursday from 5:30 to 7:00 PM, Kailyn opens the doors to creativity and healing for our youth. A Consistent Presence For Kailyn, volunteering isn’t just about teaching art—it’s about building …
Volunteer Spotlight: Alyssa Hickerson – Soaring High with Patience, Empathy, and Presence
At Covenant House Alaska, our volunteers play a crucial role in supporting youth experiencing homelessness. Today, we’d like to introduce you to Alyssa Hickerson, a dedicated mentor whose journey to becoming a pilot is as inspiring as her commitment to making a difference in a young life. Alyssa is a pilot for Alaska Airlines, but her path to the skies …
Volunteer Spotlight: Meredith Basdaras- Celebrating Important Days
At Covenant House Alaska (CHA), birthdays are transformed into celebrations of hope, largely thanks to volunteers like Meredith Basdaras. As a dedicated member of CHA’s Birthday Club, Meredith ensures that every young person at Rights of Passage (ROP) feels special on their big day, whether through homemade cakes or carefully selected store-bought treats. Meredith clearly loves birthdays. “I love my …
Volunteer Spotlight: Josh Bohannon
All-Star Mentor that Consistently Shows Up for Covey Youth At Covenant House Alaska, our dedicated volunteers are the heart of our mission to serve youth experiencing homelessness or trafficking. This month, we’re shining the spotlight on Josh Bohannon, a mentor with our Rights of Passage (ROP) program. Josh embodies the phrase, “a servant’s heart” and generously shares his time and …
Unsung Heroes: Celebrating Covenant House Alaska’s ‘Behind the Scenes’ Volunteers
Today, at the close of Volunteer Appreciation Month, we want to shine a light on the unsung heroes who make our mission possible – the “behind the scenes” volunteers. While we often highlight the amazing volunteers who work directly with the youth we serve, there are hundreds more who tirelessly contribute their time and talents in supporting roles. These are …
What About Bob?
Retired Scientist Brings Compassion and Creativity to Covey Youth Bob Winfree first came to Covenant House several months ago to offer a landscape painting workshop for our youth, but soon signed up to volunteer each week in our art room. He is a retired National Parks scientist and research manager who settled in Alaska about twenty years ago with his …
Mothers Helping Others
By: Kerry Reifel As a mother of two, Rachel Camm understands the challenges young moms face. That perspective is evident in her role as a volunteer mentor at Passage House, a program run by Covenant House Alaska that supports young mothers and their children. Rachel draws on her own experience raising kids to provide a listening ear, words of wisdom, …
