At Sunshine Community Health Center, we believe that strong families create strong communities. That’s why we are proud to collaborate with Alaska Family Services (AFS), a mission-driven organization dedicated to supporting families and ensuring access to essential resources. Through programs like Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and beyond, AFS plays a crucial role in helping Alaskans lead healthier, more stable lives.
The Mission of Alaska Family Services
Founded in 1979 as the Valley Women’s Resource Center (VWRC), AFS began as a response to the growing need for domestic violence support services in the Mat-Su region. Over time, the organization recognized that building healthy communities required a holistic approach, leading to the development of over 20 programs designed to empower individuals and families.
Today, AFS offers a wide range of services to address challenges related to health, safety, nutrition, and self-sufficiency, including:
✔️ Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) – Providing nutritious foods, breastfeeding support, and health education for pregnant women, postpartum mothers, infants, and young children.
✔️ Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services – Offering emergency shelter, advocacy, and intervention programs for individuals escaping domestic violence.
✔️ Substance Abuse & Mental Health Support – Providing outpatient treatment, counseling, and prevention programs for adults and youth.
✔️ Child Care Assistance & Early Childhood Programs – Helping families afford quality child care and supporting early childhood development.
✔️ Parents as Teachers & Parenting Classes – Empowering parents with education, guidance, and home visiting programs to strengthen parenting skills.
✔️ Work Services & Supervised Family Contact – Assisting families with employment readiness and structured visitation programs to support healthy family dynamics.
✔️ Tobacco Prevention & Control – Educating and supporting individuals in making healthier lifestyle choices.
Through these programs, AFS provides crucial assistance that goes beyond WIC, ensuring families have the tools they need to navigate life’s challenges.
Our Partnership: Bringing WIC & Other Resources to Our Community
At Sunshine CHC, we are proud to work alongside AFS to make sure these services reach families in our region. Our collaboration has brought WIC representatives to our community through:
🔹 Quarterly visits to connect families with WIC benefits and nutritional education.
🔹 Community health fairs and celebration events to engage and inform residents about available resources.
🔹 Su Valley Voice sessions on KTNA to spread awareness about WIC and family support programs
.
Together, we strive to remove barriers and ensure that every family has access to the support they need.
Join Us for Our Upcoming WIC Event in Talkeetna!
We’re excited to host AFS WIC representatives in Talkeetna for an in-person event to discuss WIC resources and connect with families.
📍 Cubby’s Marketplace – March 11th, 9 AM - 12 PM
Learn about WIC services while you shop and ask questions about available resources.
📍 Talkeetna Public Library – March 11th, 1 PM - 6 PM
Get information about WIC, schedule an appointment, and explore other AFS services.
💡 Want to plan ahead? Call the 24H WIC HOTLINE at (907) 746-8026 to schedule an appointment.
At Sunshine CHC, we are committed to supporting families in our community. Whether you need assistance with nutrition, parenting resources, or access to critical health and safety programs, we are here to help. Join us on March 11th, and let’s continue building a stronger, healthier community together!
🌟 March is Well Child Check Month at Sunshine CHC! 🌟
Parents, don’t forget that March is our Well Child Check (WCC) monthly health incentive! Ensuring your child receives their annual Well Child Check is an important part of keeping them healthy and growing strong. As a special treat, kids who complete their WCC during the month of March will receive a cuddly stuffed moose at checkout—while supplies last! 🧸🦌 Schedule your child’s appointment today and take advantage of this fun incentive while prioritizing their health and well-being! 💙 Call us to book your visit! 📞
Sunshine Community Health Center
1-907-376-2273 (CARE)
*This article was written with the support of AI*