Volunteering in the Clothing Closet – It’s Much More Than Clothes 

coveyhouseVolunteer Stories

By MJ Vieweg
Chantelle 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 an opportunity to help someone in the community. She is raising her own kids with the same understanding, by modeling how to be of service in the local community.

 “I chose to volunteer at Covenant House Alaska in part because I knew others who did but I loved that Covenant House Alaska had so many different ways to volunteer, all in the mission of protecting youth,” she said.

Three years ago, Chantelle brought some of her marketing skills to Covenant House Alaska, supporting fundraising efforts in a variety of ways. “Being part of the fundraising events comes naturally to me and I’m glad I can provide a skill that allows the Covenant House Alaska staff to focus on other important things that make an event run smoothly,” she said.

Chantelle has also been volunteering in the Clothing Closet at Covenant House Alaska. From accepting, sorting, and inspecting clothing donations to keeping the space inviting to arranging the clothing in appealing ways. The Clothing Closet is an important place for the youth.  It’s a place where young people come for any of the clothing items they need, including everything from essentials like underwear and undergarments to pajamas and loungewear, sneakers and workout clothes to be active in our multi-purpose room.  and Chantelle knows it can have a meaningful impact.  “It’s a bit like shopping in a giant walk-in closet,” she said.

 “I think for young people, what they wear can be important for feeling good and showing their personality,” she said, “Clothing donations that are clean, age- and season-appropriate is a basic for supporting youth. They should not have to worry about having enough clothing to go to school or work.” 

For Chantelle, the days when staff bring some of the youth in to “shop” for new clothes while she is volunteering are special. “I see their enthusiasm about finding an outfit they are excited to wear,” she said. “As a volunteer (and a mom), to hear a young person say, ‘I love this and can’t wait to wear it’ – that means a lot”

Learn more about what items are needed for the Clothing Closet, and how you can help, at https://covenanthouseak.org/give-stuff/in-kind/. You can also shop off CHA’s Amazon Wishlist at https://covenanthouseak.org/give-stuff/amazon-wishlist/.

Dog Days at Covenant House Alaska 

coveyhouseEvents

By MJ Vieweg
One of the most popular visitors to Covenant House Alaska may well be a dog named Gracie.  Gracie is a highly trained therapy dog who, accompanied by her handler, Linda Shepard, visits the Covenant House residents about once a week.

Not every dog is suited to become a therapy dog, but Gracie is a Golden Doodle, a mix of Golden Retriever and Poodle, and according to her handler, Linda, Gracie is a perfect fit.

“She is very friendly and enters a room with her tag wagging.  She can offer a handshake, a “paw hug” and will even give kisses if invited to do so,” said Linda. “If invited to, Gracie will sit next to one of the residents if they are seated in a chair but many times they will move to the floor.  Gracie will then lay down next to them to let them pet her.  She is a calming presence, and some residents will sit with her for a long time.”

Visits with Gracie often spark conversations between the residents and Linda.  Some residents talk about a dog they had in their life before or Linda might notice that a resident interacts with Gracie in a way that indicates a comfort level with dogs in general.  She will often compliment a resident on their approach to Gracie.

“Sometimes visiting with Gracie can bring up some sadness: a resident may miss a pet they used to have, or be touched by Gracie’s calming, non-judgmental presence. If sometimes tears come, they seem to be healing tears,” said Linda. “A dog like Gracie has an innate ability to connect with someone.”

That ability to connect goes both ways. During a visit with Gracie, when a resident is petting or sitting alongside her, they are giving her affection and attention.  “They can feel good because they are giving and see how Gracie is responding to them with joy,” said Linda.

To become a therapy dog, Gracie went through several levels of training.  Even before beginning the process to become a registered therapy dog, Gracie had to go through obedience training and earn her Canine Good Citizen designation.  Her training as a therapy dog (through pet partners.org) is ongoing.  Linda has had training – to become a therapy dog handler.  Her training is ongoing as well to meet criteria every two years in order to maintain Gracie’s designation as a registered therapy dog. Linda prepares Gracie for her visits by making sure she’s rested and has had some exercise.  Gracie will don a vest, her “uniform” of sorts, when she is going to visit. 

When Linda first reached out to Covenant House about volunteering, she thought she might spend her time in the music room.  Linda plays both the guitar and ukulele. She does on occasion engage with residents in the music room who are interested in learning to play.  When she found out that dog visits were something that was greatly appreciated by both staff and residents, however, that became her primary role.

“Every time I witness the power of Gracie’s love for people, I am overwhelmed with gratitude,” she said. “It is pure joy!”

Interested in volunteering with your own therapy dog? Submit a volunteer form to get started!

A Heart ( and Ear) for Youth

Kerry ReifelMentor, Volunteer Stories

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 flutist with a flute choir, provides technical support during live-streamed church services and trains Stephen Ministers for area churches (including her own). Stephen Ministers are laypeople that provide support, both spiritual and emotional, primarily through listening, for people going through difficult times.

The fact that Carla is drawn to these particular activities underscore her listening skill.  As a musician she listens for cues from not only musical scores but her fellow flutists, as livestream tech support she listens for any indications of audio glitching, and as a Stephen Ministry trainer she guides other volunteers in the art of listening with care and encouragement.

Carla also always has had a “heart for youth” which she followed in the past to serve on the boards of organizations that offer services to youth.  But when she asked about volunteer opportunities with the young mothers at Passage House, she may have been speaking from the part of her heart that was shaped by her own mother. 

 “My mother was a single teen mother and didn’t have much in the way of positive adult support during a very difficult time,” she said. “I hope that I can provide some positive influence by just getting to know the girls.”

By participating in Passage House activities as fun as baking cookies, playing board games, or making different craft projects with the young moms, Carla is looking forward to getting to know each of them.   “Baking cookies can be an easy way to start talking,” she said.  “I’m still very early in this process (of becoming a mentor). However, my goal is to simply be present with the group and hope that someday one of them may look back to this time with fondness.”

A Champion of Change: Robert’s Journey with Covenant House Alaska

Kerry ReifelEvents, Mentor, Volunteer Stories

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 mentor that sparked his curiosity and compassion. What started as casual interest quickly evolved into a deep, meaningful engagement with our organization and the young people we serve.

More Than Just a Volunteer

As a mentor in our Rights of Passage (ROP) program, Robert has become a crucial support system for youth transitioning to independence. ROP is more than just a housing program—it’s a comprehensive approach to helping young people build self-sufficiency. Through educational assistance, job readiness training, financial planning, and personal goal setting, the program equips youth with the tools they need to thrive.

Robert’s involvement is hands-on and heartfelt. He doesn’t just mentor from a distance; he actively participates in the lives of the youth. From dining out together to accompanying residents to job interviews and exploring local attractions, he creates meaningful connections that extend far beyond traditional volunteering.

A Personal Mission

As a father of three young boys, Robert’s commitment to Covenant House is deeply personal. He brings a unique perspective to his volunteer work, particularly in understanding the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth who may be disconnected from their support networks.

“I take great pleasure in spending time with the youth, witnessing their growth despite challenges, and achieving their goals,” Robert shares.

Making a Tangible Difference

Robert’s impact extends beyond one-on-one mentorship. As co-chair of the 2023 Corporate Sleep Out, he played a pivotal role in raising over $325,000—a testament to his leadership and dedication to ending youth homelessness.

A Champion in Every Sense

Robert Champion embodies the spirit of true advocacy. He is not just supporting youth; he is actively helping them reimagine their futures, build confidence, and create sustainable pathways to success.

Through volunteers like Robert, Covenant House Alaska continues to provide hope, support, and transformation for youth experiencing homelessness.

Inspired by Robert’s story? Learn more about how you can make a difference here.

Volunteer Scores Big with Youth Through Sports and Music

Kerry ReifelEvents

By: Shauniece Frazier

Although Jack Hoen has a full schedule with work and applying to medical school, he makes time to volunteer at Covenant House Alaska in the gym and music room with residents. Jack recognizes the value and importance that these moments make on a young person’s journey, and is committed to investing his time, energy and resources into seeing young people at Covenant House Alaska win. 

Looking to make a positive impact in his community, Jack was inspired to volunteer at Covenant House Alaska after hearing the stories of friends who had also volunteered there. He brought with him his love for athleticism, having previously worked as a rock climbing and swim coach. During his time volunteering, Jack works in the Anchorage site’s full gym space playing basketball, volleyball and football.  

The Youth Enrichment Program at Covenant House Alaska is dedicated to providing a safe space for youth to develop wellness skills and habits. This is done through structured recreational activities that promote social, physical, and intellectual wellbeing. I like helping them be active and challenge themselves, and this motivates me to keep involved, as there is always someone who wants to play basketball or exercise there. I can see how happy it makes them, and it is such a good habit to form,” Jack said. 

Each week, Jack sees the impact of his work as youth get the chance to “just be youth” by playing sports with each other, despite the circumstances which may have brought them to Covenant House. By engaging with youth on a recreational level, Jack is helping hone their teamwork skills, as well as a space to build habits to overcome life’s obstacles. He says he hopes to further enhance a sense of community and wellbeing by creating a resident basketball team. Basketball is a popular sport amongst Covenant House Alaska residents, and with basketball season just around the corner, Jack is hoping to create a March Madness-like Tournament with teams made up of youth residents.  

When reflecting on his own impact, Jack humbly admits that he is a “small part in the group that helps out at Cov House Anchorage,” and that “the staff and residents are so great that it blows [him] away.” 

“I’m proud of them, and they should be proud of themselves for all the good work they do.” 

The Realities Of Youth Homelessness In Alaska

Kerry ReifelEvents

By: Aurora Ford

November is National Youth Homelessness Awareness Month, a cause close to our hearts at Covenant House Alaska. Youth across the nation face unique challenges to stable housing that differ from those of adults, often with increased risks. This is especially true in Alaska. In addition to the factors that lead to youth homelessness everywhere, like family instability, incarceration, mental illness, addiction, and poverty, youth in Alaska face a perfect storm of environmental, economic, and social conditions that make them exceptionally vulnerable to exploitation and the kinds of compound traumas that can lead to patterns of adult homelessness. So, in the spirit of the month, we would like to share some insights from our work.

Last year, we served over 1,200 teens and young adults through our programs. These young people come to us for various reasons beyond their control. In any given year, roughly 60% of our youth had either aged out of, or were still actively in, the foster care system. Between 55 and 60% disclose they have experienced domestic violence. Our experts estimate this number is probably greater, as DV is often underreported. Three out of four of our youth struggle with mental health issues, disabilities, or chronic health conditions. Also unique to Alaska, nearly half come from small rural communities throughout the state and face the sometimes overwhelming challenge of adapting to city life.

We have seen, in our 36 years of service, that with the right support and resources, these young people can overcome obstacles and thrive. We provide not just shelter, but a comprehensive range of services including transitional living, housing programs, healthcare, counseling, education, and employment support. Most importantly, we offer caring relationships and help our youth build strong connections within the community. This is particularly important as our data indicates that youth with strong relationships with at least two stable, supportive adults are less likely to experience long-term homelessness.

You play a crucial role in this work. You can donate to provide essentials like warm clothes, host a fundraiser, or volunteer your time and skills, and engage with young people who are struggling that you encounter, with kindness and respect.

This month, we are calling on Alaskans from all walks of life to use their influence, networks, and unique abilities to help end youth homelessness. Your advocacy for young people is a powerful way to educate your friends, family, community and elected officials who drive policy change. With awareness and understanding of youth homelessness and its causes, we can better support our teens and young adults who are already experiencing it, and prevent its occurrence in the future.

Please reach out to us if you want to learn more, participate in trainings we make available to the public, volunteer with your family or work teams, or help us spread the word. As we dip into winter, we want to thank you for believing in our young people as we do, and being their champions, during this Youth Homelessness Awareness Month, and always.

Volunteer Spotlight: Kailyn Hooley

Kerry ReifelVolunteer Stories

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 trust and being a reliable presence in the lives of young people who have often experienced instability. “Even if it’s only one day a week, they can expect to see me,” Kailyn says. “I want to be known as someone who can be counted on.”

The Power of Art

As an artist herself, Kailyn understands the healing power of creativity. “Art is my outlet, my way of processing,” she shares. “It’s really healing, and it’s cool to see how other people are able to use art as a healing method as well.” Her belief that everyone is an artist shines through in her work with the youth at Covenant House Alaska.

Personal Connection

Kailyn’s commitment to the youth at Covenant House Alaska is deeply personal. As someone who has faced her own struggles with mental health, including depression, an eating disorder, and suicidal ideation, Kailyn is open about her experiences. “I want to break down the stigmas around mental health,” she explains. “At that time in my life, I felt so alone, and I really don’t want anyone else to feel the way I felt.”

Beyond The Art Room

When she’s not volunteering, Kailyn keeps busy with two part-time jobs and an active lifestyle that includes rock climbing, hiking, backpacking, and skiing. She’s also applying to a master’s program at UAF, demonstrating her commitment to personal growth and education.

A Memorable Moment

One of Kailyn’s most significant experiences at Covenant House Alaska involved working one-on-one with a new resident. They spent hours talking and creating a mixed media collage together. “At the end, just the talking left the youth from being really upset and struggling to leaving with a smile on their face,” Kailyn recalls. This moment exemplifies the impact that a caring, attentive volunteer can have.

Advice for Future Volunteers

For those considering volunteering at Covenant House Alaska, Kailyn offers this advice: “Keep an open mind and be flexible. The youth might not be as enthusiastic as you hope they would be, but it still matters that you’re there. You may not be outwardly thanked, but it still matters—just showing up consistently makes a difference.”

Kailyn’s dedication, empathy, and creativity make her an invaluable part of the Covenant House Alaska community. Her commitment to showing up, being present, and using art as a tool for healing continues to make a positive impact on the lives of the youth we serve.

Volunteer Spotlight: Alyssa Hickerson – Soaring High with Patience, Empathy, and Presence

Kerry ReifelVolunteer Stories

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 wasn’t an easy one. From a young age, Alyssa dreamed of flying, but with her family unable to afford flight school, she had to find her own way. Determined, Alyssa worked tirelessly through her late teens and early 20s, using a small grant and a tiny student loan to help fund her training. “I just worked really hard,” Alyssa shares, reflecting on her journey. Her story is one of perseverance, self-reliance, and unwavering determination—values she now passes on to the youth she mentors.

For the past year and a half, Alyssa has volunteered as a mentor in our Rights of Passage program, where she works one-on-one with a resident to provide support that goes beyond what staff can offer. Her role includes accompanying her mentee to appointments and job interviews, assisting with job searches, and conducting general wellness check-ins. But perhaps most importantly, Alyssa sees her primary job as simply being there to listen.

“Sometimes we might even just drive around in the car for an hour,” Alyssa shares. These car rides have become an unexpected source of comfort and openness for her mentee. “I found it interesting that she feels very safe and open in the car. Creating a safe space of nothingness is really profound.”

Alyssa’s commitment to volunteering stems from being at a stable place in her life and a desire to give back. With a personal history of overcoming challenges, she felt drawn to Covenant House’s mission. “We really struggled when I grew up,” Alyssa recalls. “There was a lot of hard work, a lot of resilience, a lot of radical self-reliance.”

This firsthand experience with adversity has shaped Alyssa’s approach to mentoring. She strives to instill in her mentee the belief that they can overcome their circumstances through perseverance and hard work. “My goal is to impress upon her that you can get through it. It’s not going to be easy, and it’s not going to be handed to you, but it’s possible.”

Alyssa’s role as a mentor has not been without challenges. She admits that one of the biggest hurdles has been managing her expectations when plans fall through or appointments are missed. “I have to just accept that she’s in a different life space than I am,” she says, emphasizing the importance of patience and understanding.

Despite these challenges, Alyssa has witnessed significant growth in her mentee. Her kind eyes shine as she shares that her mentee has held a job for nearly a year—a major accomplishment for someone who previously struggled with employment consistency.

For those considering volunteering with Covenant House, Alyssa offers three key pieces of advice: patience, empathy, and presence. “If you got a bunch of garbage at home, or you had a bad day at work, you can’t bring that stuff in,” she advises. “You need to check it at the door and focus on being present in the moment.”

Balancing her volunteer role with her personal and professional life requires intentionality. Alyssa schedules her mentoring commitments a month in advance, treating them with the same importance as any other appointment. This approach ensures consistency, which she views as crucial in building trust with her mentee.

Outside of her volunteer work, Alyssa leads an active life. She’s a mom, an aerial silk performer, practices salsa dancing with her husband, and has a passion for house plants and exotic pets, including frogs, fish, and a bearded dragon.

Reflecting on her journey from humble beginnings to her current stable life, Alyssa emphasizes the importance of perseverance. “You can’t quit. You have to keep pushing forward day by day,” she says. This mindset, instilled by her hardworking parents, is something she hopes to pass on to the youth she mentors.

For Alyssa, volunteering at Covenant House has been a mutually beneficial experience. “It’s been wonderful. It’s been nourishing,” she shares. “Sometimes I need Covenant House more than they need me.”

Volunteer Spotlight: Meredith Basdaras- Celebrating Important Days

Kerry ReifelVolunteer Stories

Meredith and Titters: Titters has crossed over the rainbow bridge, but she describes him as her “ride or die” always in her heart and adds, “he loved a good selfie”.

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 birthday; I will celebrate it till I am dead,” she laughs. This enthusiasm drives her belief that every young person deserves to feel cherished on their special day. Since becoming a birthday club volunteer, Meredith has helped celebrate approximately 19 birthdays.

Before birthdays, her journey with CHA began in the kitchen, volunteering alongside her mother. These early experiences opened her eyes to the impact of her work and the resilience of the youth she serves. “I have a really good memory of my mom and I volunteering together, and I think that was my first time seeing how wonderful the youth are here,” Meredith recalls.

Meredith’s dedication to helping others is rooted in her own challenging upbringing in Anchorage, Alaska. Born into a family struggling with poverty, she often relied on social assistance and food donations. These experiences fostered a deep empathy for those facing similar hardships and a strong desire to give back.

By day, Meredith works in accounting for the city government. Her academic determination led her to earn scholarships and a degree in accounting, even becoming president of the accounting club at her university.

Meredith’s personal history, which includes growing up in a home affected by family violence and financial scarcity, gives her a unique perspective on the troubles faced by the youth at CHA. She recognizes the complex challenges of housing insecurity, especially in Alaska’s harsh climate. This understanding allows her to approach her volunteer work with deep compassion and a unique perspective.

What sets Meredith apart as a volunteer is her ability to connect with youth on a personal level. She brings not just cake and ice cream, but understanding, empathy, and a willingness to listen and learn. Her interactions with the youth are characterized by mutual respect and growth, creating a supportive environment where both volunteers and youth can thrive. Meredith openly shares her own struggles, such as her experiences with dyslexia in professional settings, and in turn, learns from the youth about topics like neurodiversity.

For Meredith, volunteering is about building a stronger community. She believes that if more people contribute even a little time and effort, the collective impact can be tremendous. Her advice to potential volunteers is simple yet profound: approach the experience with a positive mindset and an open heart and you will have a much better experience, and build a stronger connection not only to youth, but other volunteers.   

As Meredith continues her volunteer work with CHA, she serves as an inspiration to others. Much like a candle on a cake, Meredith is shining a light for our youth.

When she’s not working or volunteering, Meredith enjoys water sports, hiking, and spending time with animals, finding joy and solace in nature and furry companions alike.

Volunteer Spotlight: Kelley Nixon Creates Safe Spaces

Kerry ReifelEvents

For the past year, Kelley Nixon has been a dedicated volunteer at Covenant House Alaska, bringing her passion for arts and crafts to the youth we serve. Weekly, Nixon opens the art room, creating a space where our residents can express themselves creatively and find moments of joy amid their challenges.

Nixon’s journey to volunteerism was born from a combination of opportunity and personal history. “I was at a stage in my life where I had a little bit of free time and the financial ability to volunteer regularly,” she explains. But her motivation runs deeper than mere convenience.

Nixon understands the importance of mentorship during life’s toughest moments. “In my 20s, I was a bit lost coming out of a difficult home,” she reflects. “But I was very lucky to have a mentor who taught me coping skills, opened my mind to other ways of living, and helped me gain the confidence I needed to thrive.” 

This experience shapes Nixon’s approach to her volunteer work. From seasonal crafts like cork pumpkins and Halloween banners to more practical projects like sewing drawstring bags, Nixon provides a space where self-expression flourishes.

“I love making connections,” Nixon says with a smile in her voice. “It’s about providing support in whatever form that takes, not just to the youth but to the staff as well.  They have a hard job and if I can make it easier for them, even just a bit, that’s good.” Her commitment goes beyond art projects; it’s about building trust with the youth through consistent, small interactions.

Nixon’s impact is evident in the stories she shares. She recalls a resident who, despite struggling with mental health issues, found solace in the Art Room. “They came in and sat there, and I could tell that just by being there, that resident had a safe space,” she says, her voice filled with gratitude.

For Nixon, volunteering at Covenant House is a way to honor the mentor who bettered her life. “If I can help people develop useful tools and support their growth as young adults like my mentor did for me, that would be great,” she says. Her approach embodies the lessons she learned: find humor in life’s challenges — or even in spite of them, learn to really listen, and remember that hardships are temporary.

The impact of Covenant House Alaska extends far beyond its walls. Nixon recounts a chance encounter at Target, where a cashier shared how the organization had helped her sister. “I realized just how important CHA’s programs are to not just clients but also to their loved ones,” Nixon marvels.

To those considering volunteering, Nixon’s message is clear: “Do it. Be absolutely open-minded. Just show up.” She envisions a future where the volunteer-to-resident ratio at Covenant House is even greater, providing more consistent support for youth who have experienced trauma.

As our conversation winds down, Nixon’s passion for her work shines through. “We’re reminding residents that they matter, that we want them to succeed, and that we’re rooting for them,” she says. In the Art Room at Covenant House Alaska, Kelley Nixon isn’t just teaching crafts – she’s crafting hope, one project at a time.