ABCFM GOES ON MISSION TO ALASKA

BY HEATHER NOEL, ABCFM DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Birchwood Behavioral Health, formerly Alaska Baptist Family Services, serves the most vulnerable youth of Alaska. When I say that, it is not merely a cliche statement. The kids with the hardest stories and the greatest challenges, have somewhere to find refuge and a better way forward because BBH exists. 

This children’s home has its own unique set of challenges. Alaska has the highest rates of depression and suicide in the nation which causes high rates of homelessness, trafficking, sexual abuse, and educational problems. They have challenges that the lower 48 states simply do not face. Rural communities in the Alaskan Bush make family services near impossible. A transient population makes it difficult to establish a donor base. Church partnerships are rare because this ministry is misunderstood, for layers of reasons. They have existed for 75 years, with only 16 church partners who have given in any way in their entire history and only 5 individual donors in their history.

Even with these challenges, they are making a life-changing difference in the lives of the children who receive their services. Most days are messy days filled with crisis from the brokenness. Yet, this staff keeps showing up, caring, and loving. Because they fundamentally believe these kids are worthy and deserving to live the life God created them to live. 

Despite the challenges, this team is passionate about their calling to bring hope and healing to the kids of their community that are forgotten, unseen, and written off. They are led by an Executive Director who has a heart to face those challenges that many would say are impossible, head on. Because she deeply believes these kids and their families are worth facing every obstacle. She loves Jesus. She loves these kids. She has a vision that is inspiring and will impact the mental health crisis in Alaska generationally. 

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During our two weeks serving BBH Alaska, we have provided them with communications resources to expand their partnerships so that they can serve more Alaskan youth. We have spent time with some incredible kids and met some of their most immediate needs like backpacks and a rocking chair. By the time we leave, our construction crew will have installed and painted all new office cabinetry in the admin office, built and installed all new shelving in the pantry of one cottage, built/installed/painted mudroom storage for one cottage, built/installed/painted new shelves in every bedroom closet of one cottage, built/installed/painted bottom kitchen cabinets in one cottage along with new plumbing and appliances. They have worked so hard with such joy. It has been an honor to see this ABCFM team work so diligently to serve another agency. 

Join us in praying for the ministry here at BBH Alaska. Pray for more church partners and donors. Pray for the endurance of this staff. Pray for the children, youth, and families they serve.