While in Alaska, I had the opportunity to visit the POWER Center (Alaska Behavioural Health). The POWER Center is a youth drop-in center based in Anchorage and offers invaluable support to young people in the area.
The POWER Center is staffed by Peer Outreach Workers, whose own lived experiences allow them to connect meaningfully with young people. This peer-led approach creates a sense of belonging and understanding that can be vital for youth seeking guidance.
Serving individuals from ages 13 to 23, the Center’s aim is to offer a safe, inclusive space for youth to interact with peers, access educational resources and receive practical assistance. Here, young people can access much-needed essentials such as free meals, laundry facilities, showers, hygiene products and computers with internet access. The Center aims to address both immediate needs and long-term self-sufficiency.
In collaboration with Alaska Seeds of Change, the Center hosts workshops and group activities designed to support healthy living and personal growth. Topics range from healthy relationships and sleep hygiene to self-esteem, job skills, and other life skills. Additionally, hands-on activities such as baking, cooking, art sessions, and a weekly games day promote community bonding and practical skill-building.
Peer Outreach Workers play a dual role, connecting young people to broader community resources and mental health services as needed. Their outreach extends into the wider Anchorage community, where they offer support and raise awareness about the Center’s offer, ensuring youth know they have a safe place to turn.
I valued the POWER Center's focus on community building and proactive outreach. This combination of a safe space, practical assistance, and community engagement makes the POWER Center a vital support system for Anchorage’s youth, fostering resilience, self-efficacy, and community connection.
(With thanks to the POWER Center workers and to Jessica Cochran, Alaska Behavioural Health, for organising the visit)