Opening Soon — The Door — On August 6 we broke ground on The Door—surrounded by many who were instrumental in seeing this dream come true. We are honored to be part of this giving and caring community. A generous grant—such a blessing—covers most of the new shelter construction costs. However, we still need to raise $72,000 in order to open the doors. Construction is on a fast track and funds need to be raised immediately. With your generous gift, we will open in November and provide 24-7 shelter for Fairbanks youth this winter! ——— Jessica’s Story Jessica came for just an hour the first time. Wary and not sure what to expect, she was coming to scope us out and see if it was safe for both her and her baby. Her following visits to the shelter were similar—each night’s stay was a little longer until finally they overnighted. Recently she reached out to us for help accessing community resources. A caring staff said, “I can tell this is important to you.” Jessica responded, “All my life I have never been wanted. This baby is going to know she is wanted.” We want the Jessica’s in our community to know they are wanted.
Dream Big -- These days I spend most of my time with the business of running a shelter and preparing for opening The Door. But every once in a while I get to hang out with young people at the temporary shelter. Lately I’ve been reflecting on all that we have accomplished together since opening last December. We’ve gone from having one youth overnight with us to as many as 21. As of July 31 we’ve seen over 140 different youth, including three babies. Each youth has a unique story. When I sit with them and listen, I am left in awe of their strength, their courage, and their perseverance to overcome adversity. In short, the youth are amazing. In seeking safety they are finding a place of peace and rest—a place where they are heard, where food is good, and where they can connect with caring adults who encourage them to make good choices. Your community is no longer void of this needed resource. Thank you for helping dreams come true. Journey with us, dream big, embrace the challenges and let’s make a difference. ~ do justly, love mercy, walk humbly ~ Marylee
Youth Voices: “I stay here because my family is here.” ~ Youth, age 16 “I have never had people like you guys be so sweet to me!” ~Youth, age 18 Wrapping himself in a crocheted personal size grandma type blanket; “I feel wrapped in love, I really do!” ~Youth, age 16 “I don’t know what I would do without this place... this place really makes a difference you know. It’s peaceful.” ~Youth, age 19
Our Volunteers Rock! Every night our staff are joined by community volunteers. These amazing volunteers hang out with youth, build positive relationships, and help staff to operate the shelter. Since we opened our doors, 50 volunteers have served over 1500 hours. These volunteers are changing lives.... “I was listening to some of the youth talk today, and one of the girls said, ‘I’m tired of taking care of my mom when she’s drunk. Its humiliating.’ It just reminded me how important it is that we’re here for them. They need a safe place. And I want to be here for that. For them.” - Bob S., Volunteer Why do you volunteer with us? “The kids. ... for the kids.” - Brian K., Volunteer
Copyright © 2013 Fairbanks Youth Advocates, All rights reserved.Our mailing address is:

Fairbanks Youth Advocates

PO Box 10337

Fairbanks, AK 99710

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