By Mike and Linda Setterberg | Directors
First and foremost, Thank You for your continued support for Joel's Place and the youth who for 17 years now have come to play! Housing the only indoor skate park in Alaska has brought us many visitors this summer, some from as far away as Boston! As summer comes quickly to an end and the kids are back in school August 17th, we are extending our hours! We will be open before and after school for students ages 5-12 and Friday, Saturday and Sunday for youth ages 12 and older.
One of the highlights of our summer is Lunch and Lessons! Young skateboarders arrive about 12:30 for lunch followed by lessons by our Skate Park manager! This beginning instruction gives 5-12 year olds confidence and skills to skate our indoor park. It's the busiest time of our day. Yesterday at the Tanana Valley State Fair booth we were encouraged by many who thanked us for expanding our programs for the benefit of Fairbanks youth.
We have an announcement to make! The beginning of July we were awarded a suicide prevention grant from the Fairbanks Wellness Coalition to partner with them to bring a national best practice program "Sources of Strength" to Fairbanks. Two of our staff will become trainers over the next two years. This award came to us because of our history providing strength based youth programs! In our 17 year history working with young people we have not had a suicide, while every one of our teens has had a suicide loss of a friend or family member.
Every gift to Joel's Place strengthens our ability to give creative, adventurous and adrenalin seeking youth a good, positive outlet for their energy. That mission statement continues to speak of our heart to be a strength to the young people we serve. Thanks for partnering with us!
Directors
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