Expanding Hope and Supporting Sobriety: AARS Strives to Create a Healthier Alaska
Contributed by Kaitlyn Klippert
Alaska Addiction Rehabilitation Services (AARS) is founded on the fundamental principle that each individual is entitled to the opportunity to recover.
AARS has quietly assisted Alaskans who are grappling with substance use disorder for decades. Annually, we have provided a place of stability, dignity, and recovery to hundreds of clients. In addition to treatment, we offer hope, purpose, and community. Today, we are expanding. To accomplish our goal to improve our service to our community, we need your support and help.
The Need for Our Expansion
Like many treatment programs across the country, we have noticed an alarming rise in the demand for our services. Alaskans are searching for help. Many people in our community are struggling with their substance use disorder. Some are ready for change; to recover. AARS' mission is to help them with their recovery. However, we have been forced to place them on our waitlist a substantial number of times. With only our limited 26 residential treatment beds, our ability to serve clients is strained.
This expansion project is our commitment to better serve our community. We are in the process of opening two new 4-plex buildings for outpatient housing, as well as a security monitor station to ensure their safety. Additionally, we have recently opened a new office building to provide additional office space for our dedicated staff and counselors. These are essential elements for the upcoming development: a substantial expansion of our residential treatment facilities, which will nearly double our capacity from 26 to 52 beds. This will allow AARS to admit more clients into our program, rather than to turn anyone away due to a lack of space.
It's More Than Just a Building
This is about more than just concrete and framing; it is about providing more Alaskans with a place to turn when they are ready to reclaim their lives.
Additionally, we are making investments in our clients' recovery after they are discharged from our program. At AARS, we are of the belief that recovery includes the recreating of their lives; the rebuilding of their self-worth, purpose, and careers. This is the reason we have established robust vocational training programs in carpentry, welding, culinary arts, and, in the near future, nursing. Our clients will not only be sober, but they will also possess the necessary skills and confidence to begin anew.
These programs are not only therapeutic; they are also empowering. The structures we are adding are constructed with the assistance of our clients. The tables on which they dine are welded by clients. The meals that are served at the facility are prepared by them. In a real way, they are contributing to the building of their own futures and those of their peers.
Community-Power Healing
Community is essential for this expansion. We are proud to announce that a significant portion of the work has been completed by our staff and clients in-house, thereby ensuring that costs are low and the impact is high. However, in order to complete our current expansion and welcome 26 additional clients who require our support and help, we need partners who are committed to our mission.
You can participate in our expansion and program by making a donation, becoming a sponsor, providing grant funding, or simply spreading the word about our program.
We invite you to join us on this journey. Tour the ranch. Please attend one of our events, such as the upcoming Fall Harvest Festival on September 27th. Ask us how you can help. Alaskans from all walks of life experience recovery, family reunification, second chances, and brighter futures as a result of your support, which extends beyond the construction of buildings.
Let’s Build It Together
Construction has already begun. Hope is already rising. Let us work to build a place that enables a greater number of individuals to recover, learn knowledge, and start anew.
For additional information or to contribute, please visit:
https://aarsrecovery.networkforgood.com/admin/projects/253721-growing-sobriety-expanding-hope.
Also, you can follow us on Instagram at @aarsrecovery or on Facebook at Alaska Addiction Rehabilitation Services, Inc.