Contributed by Linda Kabealo, Community Program Director
As a new school year begins across the Mat-Su Valley, REACH 907 is moving full speed ahead with a growing calendar of services, programs, community gatherings and opportunities to get involved.
At the heart of this work is a simple belief: it takes a community to help children and families thrive.
Central to the way REACH 907 serves children is Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®), a trauma-informed, attachment-based approach that helps adults understand the needs behind a child’s behavior and build connection, trust, safety and healthy relationships.
For REACH 907, TBRI is more than a training or single program. It is foundational to how we approach our work with children and families. Whether a young person is receiving behavioral health support, participating in school-based services, attending a camp or club, or being supported through therapeutic foster care, relationships matter. Children need to know they are seen, valued, heard and safe.
Our Resilience School-Based Services (RSBS) program is moving into the new school year with full calendars, providing individualized behavioral health support to help children strengthen emotional regulation, coping skills, social skills, executive functioning and resilience. These services work alongside REACH 907’s wraparound clinical and behavioral health supports, helping meet children and families where they are.
REACH 907 is also moving forward with Therapeutic Foster Care, creating another important layer of support for Alaska children who need safe, stable and trauma-informed homes. TBRI principles are especially important in this work, helping caregivers understand that connection and trust can become powerful pathways toward healing.
Have you ever wondered what therapeutic foster care looks like? Do you have questions about becoming a foster parent or supporting children who have experienced difficult circumstances? Let’s talk. Sometimes the first step is simply having a conversation and getting your questions answered.
Fall also marks another season of our Resilient Warriors Club, a monthly opportunity for children to reconnect with trusted adults and friends while continuing to build confidence, relationships, life skills and resilience.
This fall also brings new informational meetings and community gatherings, offering opportunities to learn what REACH 907 is doing, meet the people behind the programs, ask questions and discover ways to get involved.
On Thursday, October 22, REACH 907 will host its Restoring Hope Community Luncheon at Chepo’s, sharing an update on where we are today, the impact being made in our community and the vision for what comes next.
Maybe your child or family needs support. Maybe you’ve wondered about therapeutic foster care. Maybe you’d like to volunteer. Or perhaps you’re looking for meaningful employment and have a genuine heart for working with children. REACH 907 has opportunities, and we’d like to meet you.
We’re here. We’re available. We’re growing.
Most importantly, we continue to believe in the power of relationships. When children experience safe connections, trusted relationships and adults who recognize their value and potential, lives can change.
It takes a community. Come be part of ours.
