Alaska Seeds of Change

Alaska Seeds of Change is currently in a construction phase as improvements continue across our greenhouse and program spaces. During this time, we are not hosting volunteers, apprentices or clients. Updates will be shared as this work continues. Follow along on Facebookand Instagramto see our progress! Alaska Seeds of Change is a joyful and welcoming vocational program that supports young people ages 16-24 and Alaska Behavioral Health clients to build job skills and personal resiliency while growing fresh produce year-round. We grow in outdoor garden spaces in summer and an indoor vertical hydroponic farm year-round. Alaska Seeds of Change offers a trauma-informed, nature-based space for healing, skill-building, and real-world growth. Alaska Behavioral Health clients are invited to engage in structured group or individual activities at Seeds under the direction of their clinical teams, and may continue to volunteer on their own. To learn more, speak with your AKBH clinician orcontact the Seeds team. Alaska Seeds of Change works with young people ages 16-24 to help them develop the vocational and personal skills needed to become successful adults. Most young people initially start at Seeds as paid or volunteer apprentices; they then may apply for continuing work mentoring the next generation of apprentices. Apprentices do not need to be Alaska Behavioral Health clients or have previous work experience. Alaska Seeds of Change offers two types of apprenticeship programs to youth ages 16-24. Paid Apprenticeships Through Community Partners Youth enrolled in job training programs with Nine Star,Cook Inlet Tribal Council, and the State of Alaska Division of Vocational Rehabilitation can apply to have their work-site experience at Alaska Seeds of Change. Youth may be able to earnschool creditthrough a volunteer apprenticeship at Alaska Seeds of Change. We partner with King Tech High School, SAVE High School, and the ASD Gifted Mentorship Program. Contact ourprogram supervisorsto learn more! Training:Youth receive on-the-job training in basic workplace expectations and specific job skills for agricultural industries, including growing, data tracking, sales and marketing. For additional support, youth are encouraged to enroll as Alaska Behavioral Health clients and participate in group services offered next door at POWER Youth Drop in Center. Topics include a wide variety of topics, from healthy relationships to budgeting to cooking. Long term support: Youth are encouraged to keep coming to Alaska Seeds of Change after their apprenticeship or employment ends as volunteers to continue receiving support or to share their experiences and mentor others in the program. Referrals: Peer Support Specialists next door at the the POWER Centerare knowledgeable about localresourcesand can assist youth in getting connected with financial, educational, employment, parenting, healthcare, and housing supports, among others. Mental Health Support:Youth have the option to enroll in mental health services at Alaska Behavioral Health, through which they can receive formal case management, skill development, and clinical therapy. POWER Center: The POWER Centeryouth drop-in program next door offers free laundry, showers, access to kitchen facilities and other resources for youth. Peer support specialists help youth identify and meet their needs through individual conversations and education groups. Alaska Seeds of Change is always looking for passionate, community minded folksof all agesto join us! How to get started volunteering! What to expect from Volunteering – When available, we’ll send you home with free, fresh produce – After 30 hours you’ll get a Seeds of Change shirt Watch our Volunteer Orientation Video Working together as a team at AK Seeds of Change is a great opportunity for corporate or academic team building team, learning about hydroponics, and supporting Anchorage’s youth!  Please contact our volunteer coordinatorvolunteer