For additional info, please visit aarsrecovery.org or call (907) 376-4534.
Contributed by Kaitlyn Klippert
Alaska Addiction Rehabilitation Services, Inc.
Alaska Addiction Rehabilitation Services, Inc. (AARS) has officially announced “Embracing Sobriety, Building Hope,” a comprehensive fundraising campaign aimed at expanding its residential treatment facility. The campaign seeks to raise $250,000 by June 2026, which will cover approximately $200,000 in net project funds in order to double AARS’s treatment capacity from 26 to 52 beds. This expansion is intended to meet the increasing demand for substance abuse treatment services in Alaska, as communities across the state struggle with an ongoing addiction crisis.
The campaign was launched with a media event at AARS’s campus in Point MacKenzie. The public phase of the campaign has been announced by AARS Executive Director Bryan Brandenburg. “This expansion is all about saving lives,” Brandenburg stated. “Every new bed means one more person can get help at the time they need it. We’re calling on Alaskans—businesses, community groups, and individuals—to join us in expanding hope. Together, we can ensure no one has to languish on a waitlist when they’re ready for recovery.”
The expansion project: AARS is in the process of constructing a new 20,619-square-foot building attached to its existing facility, effectively doubling its capacity. Phase I of the project, which includes design and site preparation, received federal funding. Phase II, dedicated to the construction, is primarily funded by government grants and major foundations. The total cost for Phases I and II is estimated to be around $12.8 million. Construction has been underway since March 2025, with AARS scheduled to open the expanded facility in mid-2026. The public campaign is meant to fund the remaining needs, which include interior furnishings, equipment, and program supplies so the new building is fully operational.
Community need: The community has demonstrated a significant need for services, as evidenced by AARS reporting an increase in treatment referrals, with 383 applicants recorded in FY25 alone. Many applicants come from different regions of Alaska, such as Anchorage, the Mat-Su Valley, and rural communities, which underscores the demand across the state. Currently, the Mat-Su/Anchorage region has a limited number of residential treatment beds, with a total of only 425 beds across the state. “When we’re full, there are few alternatives, and people in crisis may fall through the cracks,” noted Randy Smith, AARS Board President. “By expanding our capacity, we will significantly reduce wait times and extend our reach to more Alaskans seeking sobriety. This campaign is an opportunity for the community to take part in a solution.”
Campaign highlights: “Embracing Sobriety, Building Hope” is scheduled to take place from November 2025 to June 2026, focusing on community engagement through events, media outreach, and direct appeals. Key elements include an online campaign for Giving Tuesday on Dec. 2, 2025; a year-end holiday appeal titled “gift of recovery”; and a “Fun Day” celebration in June 2026 to mark the conclusion of the campaign and the expansion’s progress. In addition, AARS has introduced a sponsorship program featuring giving tiers ranging from $1,000 to more than $20,000, offering recognition opportunities such as VIP dinners and promotional benefits for corporate partners.
AARS invites media representatives to follow the campaign’s progress and visit the facility to see the ongoing expansion construction. “This is more than a fundraising campaign—it’s a movement for healthier communities,” said Kaitlyn Klippert, AARS Development, Marketing and Communications Director, who is coordinating the campaign. “Every donor is a partner in saving lives. We’re thrilled to kick this off and optimistic that Alaska will rally behind the cause.”
Overview of Alaska Addiction Rehabilitation Services (AARS): Alaska Addiction Rehabilitation Services, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1982, located in Wasilla. AARS operates a 26-bed residential treatment program and a 10-bed outpatient treatment program, serving adults from across Alaska who struggle with substance use disorders. AARS’s long-term program integrates counseling, 12-Step-based support, life skills training, and work therapy on its 116-acre farm. Over the past 40 years, AARS, previously known as Nugen’s Ranch, has helped more than 3,400 Alaskans in their journey toward achieving and maintaining sobriety. AARS is state-certified and nationally accredited by CARF, illustrating its commitment to high-quality, client-centered care. The current expansion to 94 beds will improve AARS’s ability to meet the statewide demand for treatment.
For additional info, please visit aarsrecovery.org or call (907) 376-4534.