Land Acknowledgement
Together, we remember that we meet upon occupied land once walked wholly by the Dena’ina people. We honor and respect the Indigenous Peoples as the traditional stewards of these lands and waters. Acknowledging the intergenerational trauma caused by colonization, we are committed to addressing historical injustices through meaningful dialogue and working towards a more just and equitable future. As an organization, we strive to foster a culture of respect, inclusion and collaboration. Let us endeavor to be good caretakers of the land and one another- speaking kindly, caring deeply, loving generously, and sharing the struggles of coexistence. We remember that we never walk alone and we seek ways to honor one another’s journeys that lead us back to wholeness. May our collective actions inspire positive change.
HISTORY
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1890AK Child & Family originally founded as the Jesse Lee Home in Unalaska as a Methodist mission
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1925Jesse Lee Home moved to Seward
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1927Alumni Benny Benson, only 14 years old at the time, won Alaska's flag design contest. The newly adopted state flag flew for the first time on July 9, 1927.
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1964After the 1964 earthquake relocated to Anchorage (United Methodist Women purchased 25 acres of land in south Anchorage)
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1970Alaska Children’s Services was born through a merger of the Jesse Lee Home, Lutheran Youth Center and Anchorage Christian Children’s Home
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70s and 80sExpansion of behavioral health services
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1990Accreditation by the Joint Commission and Celebration of 100 Year Anniversary
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1996Community Programs and Treatment Foster Care began
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2013Renamed AK Child & Family
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2020Became first agency in Alaska to become a Certified Sanctuary Trauma Informed Program, in recognition of exceptional leadership, treatment and care
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2020C.A.R.E.S. Program began
