Who We Serve

Fairbanks Youth Advocates believes that assisting at critical times in the lives of young people is vital to their present and future well-being, ultimately contributing to the stability and long-term health of our community.

Our services are available for youth aged 12-18. Fairbanks Youth Advocates provides its services to ALL youth regardless of race, color, creed, disability, national origin, gender identity, gender expression, or religion.

We respect and honor the human dignity of all people. Under no circumstances is it required or expected that an individual believes a sure way to access or receive services. We accept all as they are; however they are.

Listen to the Pick-Click-Give Interview with founding ED Marylee Bates

Download our flyer here.

Guiding Principles

• That as a community of citizens, we bear a local responsibility to help those in need, especially young people who have, for reasons beyond their control, found themselves in need of shelter,
• We must speak up for those who are unable to speak for themselves and advocate for the rights of those in need,
• We are most effective when we partner with like-minded agencies, without duplication of services, allowing one another to be and do what we are uniquely tasked to do.

We Believe . . .

• “Doing” defines our true beliefs. (1 John 3:18)
• All people have the right to be loved & treated with respect and dignity. (1Corinthians 13, 1 Peter 2:17)
• Do unto others as we would have done unto us. (Matthew 7:12)
• God requires us to love mercy, act justly and walk humbly. (Micah 6:8)
• To whom much is given, much is expected. (Luke 12:48)

Clearwater Counseling is a program of FYA dedicated to providing quality therapeutic counseling services to the general community. Clearwater Counseling also offers family counseling and mediation, and reconciliation services to youth and their families.

Executive Director

Brian Taylor

Executive Director Brain Taylor

I grew up in a Washington-Idaho border town, and shortly after high school, relocated to Yakima, WA. In Yakima, my family and career(s) launched, and it was in a small central Washington church that I sensed God was calling me to serve Him. But to do that, I needed education, training, and mentors.

For more than 30 years, I trained and worked in various fields: mental health, chemical dependency counseling, education, electrical, business management, accounting, administrative, pastor, and hospice chaplain. I was blessed to have some of the world’s best mentors help me develop my hard and soft skills. Ironically, the culminating event was the “Covid Crisis.” I was laid off, began a nationwide job search, and landed in Alaska–150 miles from Russia.

After spending the past year in Nome, AK, God graciously paved the way for my wife, Stephanie, and me to come to the Fairbanks North Star Borough. I am humbled to be entrusted with the servant-leadership mantle of FYA. My passion is people, serving others, and providing hope to those who are down on life. I am an ordinary man who has been extraordinarily blessed. My goal at FYA is very basic: I want to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

Jim Williams

President

Municipal manager, government administration

I moved to Fairbanks in January 1989 from Texas during my first enlistment in the Air Force. I met Sheila during that time, and we married shortly before reassignment back to the lower 48 in 1991. As a newlywed couple with already strong ties to Fairbanks, we always knew we would come back to our hometown and raise our family. In 2003, I was fortunate to be assigned to Fort Wainwright, and in 2007 I retired from active duty. My first encounter with FYA was in the 2012-ish time frame. I was on Session at First Presbyterian Church. I received a letter from FYA requesting assistance with setting up a shelter for homeless youth – it was an easy ‘yes’ for our church, and we got busy getting the Door’s temporary shelter set up in the basement. When I was approached to serve FYA again in 2019, it was an easy ‘yes.

It has truly been an honor to serve the FYA organization – whether it was in the capacity of just getting the ball rolling in the basement of a church or, now, serving on the board. I hope that the gifts that I have been blessed with can be used to help FYA not only meet its mission but help FYA to be a model of hope, compassion, and justice for our beloved Fairbanks community.

Leland Rich

Treasurer

Business Owner

I moved to Fairbanks with my parents when I was eight years old and attended school at University Park, Main, Ryan, and Lathrop, followed by a BS degree in Mathematics at the University of Alaska. I received an MS graduate degree in Computer Science from Northwestern and then returned to Fairbanks, where I’ve remained. Fairbanks is Home. I owned a small business performing IT work for companies across the state. I’ve been married to my wife Margaret for almost 30 years. Now that I’m semi-retired and have available time, I can’t think of any better way to give back than to help FYA help kids in need in our community.

Volunteer to Serve on the Board

Fairbanks Youth Advocates is currently seeking to expand our board with passionate and skilled individuals who share the desire to help the homeless, runaway and at-risk youth in the Interior Alaska Community. Although not limited to these skills, we are seeking individuals who have experience in fundraising, business, legal matters, graphic design and website management.

Please read through the documents below and send your application to Board President Jim Williams.

• Board Member Expectations
• FYA Board Member Application