Sunday, May 18, 2025
5/18/2025
Ninilchik Native Connections - Ninilchik Traditional Council’s Youth Outreach Program is designed to protect the present, foster the future, and strengthen our tribal youth with the lessons and traditions of the past through education and prevention. We have proposed a comprehensive prevention plan that will implement an array of integrated services and supports for youths to prevent suicide and substance use in our community. Studies consistently show that the negative cognitive, behavioral, and social impacts of growing up in poverty and exposure to adverse childhood experiences can be reversed by youth participating in prevention programs and having a positive relationship with a mentor. By utilizing the elements of positive youth development, we are able to help outreach participants develop their personal, social, emotional, and intellectual characteristics and increase favorable outcomes and behaviors among our youth. Similar research conducted in Alaska indicates that there is a 32% reduction of risk factors when youth are engaged in activities that strengthen the cultural values and promote social growth. Our priority is to provide a safe environment to promote educational excellence and facilitate engaging activities which encourage character-building, self-awareness, and the development of strong interpersonal communication skills. We aim to serve every youth in Ninilchik through the life of the grant. In the first year we will serve 100 youths and train a group of peer mentors who will create community wide change that impacts the wellness of our tribe and our neighbors. Local data suggests substance use, lack of community connection, and lack of adult supports are a high risk to young Alaska Natives in our community. The Ninilchik Traditional Council’s Youth Outreach Program seeks additional support for our successful prevention efforts through the continued expansion of intergenerational activities and mentorship opportunities to help our youth embrace the cultural values of the Alaska Native people. This investment in our youth will benefit the Tribe and the community for years to come as we prepare the next generation of tribal leaders to meet the challenges of the future, while maintaining a solid connection to their past. As indicated in extensive research, investing in our youth is the best possible investment we could make in the future development and success of our community. Our vision is to create a community where healthy lifestyles provide safe environments for families, promote resilience among youth, and facilitate support from community members and leadership. Our mission is to promote safe and healthy environments that foster development through early intervention and education focusing on upstream suicide and substance use prevention.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).