By: Kris Johnson

Aubrey Morgan grew up around young people in need of support, her mom and aunt setting the example of giving back by including her in the work they did running a group home.  

So when a former Covenant House Alaska staff member overheard Aubrey expressing a desire to get back into volunteering, they both knew she’d be a perfect fit for serving our young people. 

“Growing up helping individuals with special needs became a passion at a young age,” Aubrey said, adding that in high school she began working with Partner’s Club, a group that brings high school students and physically/intellectually disabled students together to provide sports training for Special Olympic Sports. She also volunteered at the Special Olympics. 

“I always had so much fun watching the kids smile and laugh. Seeing someone’s true happiness is such an incredible thing,” she said. “Sometimes I think we take the simple things for granted.”  Aubrey remembers going on home visits with her mom as a young girl. Her mom would coordinate a Secret Santa game every Christmas and Aubrey vividly remembers helping to wrap gifts and bring them to the kids in the homes. She says experiences like these made “fortunate enough to learn the meaning of gratitude at a young age,” and she hopes to pass the lesson along to her daughter. 

Being in the beauty industry allows her to help make people feel beautiful, a skill she says is fun for her. 

“So I thought, why not give back to my community and make everyone feel that way? These young adults already have so many challenges and obstacles they are overcoming, why not make them feel good doing it?” Aubrey said. “The confidence a simple haircut can bring back to someone is amazing. And watching people smile at themselves at the end gives you such an amazing feeling.” 

Aside from giving haircuts, Aubrey has also helped with prom at Covenant House Alaska, and is hoping to be able to get involved in other ways. 

“Being a new mom and a business owner keeps me so busy sometimes, but I read every email to see if there’s one of the volunteer needs I can fit into my schedule.” 

Aubrey said she also regularly keeps track of the work all the employees and volunteers are doing at the site. 

“They have built such a beautiful and welcoming community for our young people here in Alaska. The amount of time and work these individuals put in every day is inspiring! I hope to be able to give back just as much one day.”