Joel's Place: Live and Unplugged: Voices from the Past

Friday, October 31, 2014

Voices from the Past

Every once in a while we will get a note from someone who used to frequent Joel's Place and has now moved on in their life. Kelli received one such letter this week from someone who needed a letter of recommendation for some future opportunities. I thought I would share what I could:

Hey Kelli-
Thank you for your time, and on such short notice. I appreciate it! I feel you can write a strong recommendation because I spent a lot of time at Joel's Place, and you can really see how I have grown mentally and academically throughout the years.
I considered Joel's Place a second home when I was struggling at home and in school during my first two years of high school. Chris helped me a lot by tutoring me and Leah and you and Emma have been important people in my life, you guys really helped me out through a hard time. My freshman year, I was suspended from school and chose to do my about 20 hours of community service at Joel's Place, and the work I did there and the help I got there really helped me. It was during a time when my brother was very sick and my grades suffered, and I got in trouble for partying. I really felt the support and care you all gave me, like a family. You guys do wonderful things there, giving out free meals, tutoring, having awesome teen events, and helping underserved youth like myself in Fairbanks. Joel's Place helped me turn my life around.
But anyways, I wanted to share that with you so you could think about that. I really grew during my time at Joel's Place. Now, I am doing so much better- I feel like this is the happiest I've been in years. I'm in a really good place, applying for colleges, scholarships, being a part of the community, and learning more about my culture.

__________________________________

I can wax poetic about the benefits to the community that Joel's Place provides. I can write grants, raise funds, and put on events...but it is all empty unless lives are being changed. This has been the best news that we have received in a long time and I am so proud to be part of an organization that has such a well-established legacy of transforming the lives of Alaskan youth.

Special note: If you are a JP alum, write us and tell us where you are and how you are doing. We would love to hear from you.

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Giving

If you would like to become a financial partner with us and support the work of Joel's Place, here's how:

1.) To make an online donation:

2.)Mail us a check at P.O. Box 83584, Fairbanks, AK 99708

Or

3.)Call our front desk at 452-2621 with your credit card information. Our official hours are Mon- Fri, 12pm-6pm , but there is usually someone by the phones from 8am on.

And

4.) You can link your Fred Meyer Rewards card to Joel's Place at this link. Every purchase on your card increases the Fred Meyer Foundation's annual donations to our organization.

Thank you for your encouragement and support.

From the Staff

Leah Byam, Program Assistant

On Sunday after Church a group of us went to Subway to eat lunch. When we get in line it's very busy, so we wait patiently in line. As I'm waiting in line I see CS, a young man who has been coming to Joel's Place for a very long time. He's working behind the counter. He's assertive, polite, taking peoples orders, and going on to the next costumer giving them kindness and the same professional service. As I watch him from afar my eye's tear up. I know his past. I've walked with him on so many journeys. I love this kid so much, I am so so so proud of him. As I get closer he see's me and his face lights up. We were able to talk. He tells me that he just graduated with his high school degree, that he's still saving up, he will be going to Hawaii as planned in September to work. I was able to tell him, How proud I am of Him, and I meant it in every sense of the word.