My third fellowship visit was to Alaska Seeds of Change (Alaska Behavioural Health), a wonderful vocational program supporting young people aged 13 to 23.
Here I met with the incredibly passionate Holly McCamant (Peer Support Specialist, pictured above), Brett (Greenhouse Shift Lead and former apprentice), Arlo (Shift Lead) and Meg (Program Supervisor).
Seeds of Change was initially developed in response to the ‘Bring the Kids Home’ initiative (2004-2014). This initiative set out to address reliance on out of state mental health placements for Alaskan youth, with Alaska Native youth being overrepresented within this population.
Apprentices of Alaska Seeds of Change are provided with the opportunity to work in the organisation’s hydroponic greenhouse, growing herbs and greens which are then sold to the local community.
However, whilst a vocational program at root, it was apparent from talking to staff and past apprentices, just how much more the Seeds of Change program had to offer...
Holly emphasised the importance of community, reflecting on Seeds vital role in instilling a sense of connection and belonging amongst its members. She also discussed the validity of having alternative options to the more traditional routes offered by schools and colleges.
There was a sense that the door to community remains open at Seeds, with qualified apprentices having the option to apply for continued work as a Greenhouse Grower mentoring future apprentices. Invites to past and current members are sent out for special events such as Thanksgiving celebrations and individual achievements are celebrated, with numerous success stories shared on the inside walls of the building.
Meg reflected on the importance of having a safe space, not just in terms of physical safety, but a place in which individuals could feel comfortable and accepted without judgement. They described Seeds as a ‘place to feel safe and grow’.
Supporting young people in their transition to adulthood is also a central tenet of the program. In addition to work in the greenhouse, daily personal development time is offered to work on specific goals e.g. CV development; budgeting and interview skills. Goals for the main part have a vocational focus but there appeared to be flexibility around this, with Holly acknowledging that not every young person had a caregiver available to talk to or support them.
Seeds offers numerous groups in conjunction with the Power Centre (Youth Drop in Centre) such as baking; cooking; art; healthy relationships; sleep hygiene, knitting and a games day. There is also regular ‘team time’ to acknowledge attendance, achievements and to bring everyone together via activity.
Brett enthusiastically provided me with a detailed overview and tour of the greenhouse. His knowledge and passion was clearly evident and the greenhouse was an impressive operation!
And what a beautiful thought that young people can grow through growing!
(With thanks to Holly, Brett, Arlo and Meg for their time and to Jessica Cochran, Alaska Behavioural Health for organising the visit)
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