Alaska Seeds of Change:

My third fellowship visit was to Alaska Seeds of Change (Alaska Behavioural Health), a remarkable vocational program supporting young people aged 13 to 23. 

At Seeds of Change, I had the pleasure of meeting Holly McCamant (Peer Support Specialist, pictured above), Brett (Greenhouse Shift Lead and former apprentice), Arlo (Shift Lead) and Meg (Program Supervisor). Each of them brought incredible passion to their work, making clear how deeply they cared about the program and its impact.

Seeds of Change was developed in response to the ‘Bring the Kids Home’ initiative (2004-2014). This initiative set out to reduce Alaska's reliance on out-of-state mental health placements for youth, particularly Alaska Native youth, who were over-represented in these placements.

At Seeds, apprentices work in the organisation's hydroponic greenhouse, cultivating herbs and greens that are sold to the local community. While this greenhouse work is the heart of the program, conversations with staff and apprentices revealed that Seeds of Change offers so much more than vocational training.

Holly spoke about the importance of community, emphasizing the essential role Seeds plays in fostering a sense of belonging and connection among its members. She also discussed the value of providing alternative pathways to the traditional routes through school and college, highlighting the validity of different choices for different people.

There was a sense that the door to community remains open at Seeds. Graduates can apply for positions as Greenhouse Growers, where they mentor new 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 displayed on the building's walls. 

Meg highlighted how having a safe space, in the fullest sense, is at the core of Seeds. Beyond physical safety, Seeds offers a place of acceptance, where young people feel comfortable and free from judgment.

A central tenet of Seeds is supporting young people in their transition to adulthood. In addition to greenhouse work, apprentices have daily personal development time to focus on specific goals such as: CV building, budgeting and interview skills. Although many goals have a vocational focus, there is flexibility based on individual need. Holly acknowledged that some young people may lack caregiver support and guidance, which makes the program’s support all the more vital.

Seeds also collaborates with the Power Centre (Youth Drop-in Centre) to offer various group activities such as: baking, cooking, art, healthy relationships, sleep hygiene, knitting, and games. Regular “team time” brings everyone together, acknowledging attendance, celebrating achievements, and strengthening the group through shared activities.

Brett enthusiastically provided me with a detailed overview and tour of the greenhouse. His knowledge and passion were clearly evident and the greenhouse was an impressive operation!

And what a beautiful concept: young people growing through growing!

(With thanks to Holly, Brett, Arlo and Meg for their time and to Jessica Cochran, Alaska Behavioural Health for organising the visit)