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Easing the way of refugees starting a new life Suliman Abdalla arrived in Alaska 10 years ago from Lebanon. He didn't speak English and was shocked by the many differences. "When you come to the U.S. there is nothing easy," said Abdalla, a floor technician in the Environmental Services Department at Providence Alaska Medical Center (PAMC). Fortunately, Catholic Social Services (CSS) Refugee Assistance and Immigration Services (RAIS) was available to help Abdalla. In 2022, Providence Alaska, via Providence Alaska Foundation, provided $500,000 to CSS to support RAIS and other programs. This partnership provides a stream of dependable, hardworking employees who find careers at Providence. "We are lucky to have the employees we get through this program," said Nikki Brayboy, Environmental Services manager at PAMC. Applying for a job is a detailed process that takes an understanding of how the hiring system works. Brigit Reynolds, CSS education and employment manager, helps make those connections for refugees and guides them through the process. "To have those points of contact at Providence is critical," Reynolds said. "I have no idea how many of our trainees would have been able to work at Providence without this program." ✝ Providing a longer runway for at-risk youth At Covenant House Alaska (CHA), it is 9 a.m., and some of the youths there are just beginning to stir. One young woman makes her way into the café. Another resident is learning how to make coffee. A third sits alone at a table, class books and notes spread before him. This is an everyday scene at CHA, which for 34 years has been meeting the needs of at-risk youth to help them find a brighter future. With the help of longtime, cornerstone supporters like Providence, CHA has helped more than 30,000 youth experiencing homelessness or human trafficking find a way forward. Through Providence Alaska Foundation, Providence provided $200,000 to CHA to start one of its most ambitious initiatives yet: Bridge to Success. Bridge to Success includes on-site micro- apartments, called Covey Lofts, and Covey Academy, a training center offering education or workforce development, to help young people take the next step toward independence. "We want them to grow and learn, and we want to empower them to make adult decisions," said Sean Gaither, director of housing, CHA. "The 30-year partnership with Providence has allowed us to be innovative in the way we provide services." ✝ Families bond at Valdez (L-R) Austin and Emily Johnson, along with administrator, who volunteers to teach the the only care center in Valdez for parents-to-be alleviate some of the unknowns for expectant LEFT: Suliman Abdalla and Nikki Brayboy work in the Environmental Services Department at Providence Alaska Medical Center. RIGHT: Suliman Abdalla cleaning floors in the basement of the hospital. A resident makes coffee at Covenant House Alaska. The Bridge to Success program helps young people take the next step toward independence.

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