On behalf of Southeast Conference, Meilani Schijvens presents critical insights into current and past Southeast Alaska economic and socioeconomic trends, and tells the story of changes that are taking place in the areas of population and employment. Key drivers of the economy are explored, including the public sector and the visitor, seafood, mining, construction, and health care industries. Statewide trends in these areas are compared to the region.
Recorded November 4, 2015.
The Alaska Prisoner Reentry Initiative (AK PRI) is a first step in creating a process, both inside and outside, to help returning Alaska prisoners reengage in their home communities. We know that most Alaska inmates will return to their home communities at some time—DOC is working to develop clear reentry plans for each inmate while they are still incarcerated, develop partnerships with community reentry coalitions for a “warm handoff” to the community, and critical partnerships within communities to make sure we have housing, jobs, treatment, educational and family services to assist returning citizens have the support needed to remain home and not recidivate. This presentation will discuss the initiative, the role of community coalitions, and the need for strong partnerships to assist in all aspects of creating healthy and welcoming communities. By working together and creating community support for all returning citizens we will have safer neighborhoods, better citizens, and stronger families.
The Steamdriven Thrift Shop is a for-profit business that trains and employs youth in the Mat-Su Valley as well as provides profits to be used for My House case management services. This session will discuss the Spirit of Youth award-winning business, how it was funded and became profitable.
The Alaska Council on the Homeless meets twice per year to fulfill its mission as a public policy forum for recommendations on the use of state and federal resources to address homelessness. These efforts are outlined in the States’ Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness. This plan sets out annual, five year and ten year goals and objectives and is updated on an annual basis.
