Boys Run I
Dear Editor:Sitkans Against Family Violence (SAFV) would like to thank everyone who supported the fifth season of Boys Run I toowú klatseen (BRITK). This season, BRITK reached about 22 boys in Sitka between 3rd and 5th grade and was overall, a tremendous success.
Boys Run I toowu klatseen would not have been possible without our generous and dedicated community partners. A special thanks to Diana Twaddle and Casey Demmert from Keet Gooshi Heen and the SItka School District for co-sponsoring the program as well as Youth Advocates of Sitka for providing two coaches this season. A very special thank you to Sitka Tribe of Alaska and Chuck Miller from the Raven/Coho Clan for sharing traditional Tlingit knowledge and ways of being with the program participants. A big thanks to Seamart, Russells, Harrigan Centennial Hall, and the Sitka National Historical Park for donating to the program. We would also like to thank our funders – Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, SEARHC, and the Alaska Association of School Boards. Needless to say, this program would not be what it is without the tireless efforts of our coaches who volunteered their time to support this program: Jim Bleil, Gerald Watson, Jose Rivera, Stan Lopata, Emily Pound, Sam O’Brien, Matt Breckel, Chris Blackmon, Tyler Holt, Shadeed Miller, and Hannah Whitson. Finally, thank you to the parents, participants, and community members for helping us create a more respectful, inclusive, and healthy community!
The fall season culminated in a celebratory 5K fun run on December 15th. On race day, dozens of parents, friends, siblings, and volunteers came out to support the boys as they put their ten weeks of training into action. However, the boys have not only been strengthening their bodies throughout the program, but have also been, as the phrase “I’toowu klatseen” suggests, strengthening their minds and spirits. The boys have been learning healthy social/ emotional skills, as well as traditional Tlingit values, with the hope that they may play a role in a future, healthier, non-violent Sitka. In this vein, the boys wrapped up the season by designing and implementing their own community service projects. The Monday/ Wednesday team sold hot chocolate and raised over $70 for the local pet shelter. The Tuesday/ Thursday team put together a video to promote a Keet-hosted food drive. We are so proud to see that these young boys are already stepping up into roles of leadership and service in Sitka. Once again, it is the community that made this happen and for that, we want to express our sincerest gratitude. Thank you!
The Staff at SAFV
SAFV Holiday Thanks
Dear Editor: Sitkans Against Family Violence’s Children’s Program would like to express our gratitude to all the businesses and individuals who contributed to making SAFV’s annual holiday party and holiday season a success!
For their delicious food donations for our party, we would like to thank our board member Eleyna, Agave Restaurant, Backdoor Café, Beak Restaurant, Highliner Coffee Company, the Nugget, Pizza Express, Sea Mart Quality Foods and Subway. We would also like to express our gratitude and praise for the amazing work of Karin, who helped ensure a beautiful holiday meal. In addition, we would like to extend a thank you to all of our volunteers and SAFV staff members who helped prepare our feast, including Brittany, Kelsie, Heather, Martina and Megan.
Feeding over 50 people only happened with the kindness of the community!
We greatly appreciate the presents from all who generously donated to the Methodist Church Giving Tree and the Coast Guard Angel Tree. We’d like to thank Ben Franklin, Harry Race, Silver Basin, the Cellar and True Value for the gifts, wrapping paper and decorations. Without this generosity, we would not have had so many wonderful presents to distribute to families for their holiday season.
Thank you to Michael LaGuire, Pat Swanson and St. Gregory’s for the beautiful Christmas tree, and to St. Peter’s by-the-Sea for allowing us to use their beautiful location to host our party.
Thank you to CJ Stone for being our Santa!
Finally, thank you to all those who helped out with the party including the Jesuit Volunteers and SAFV staff Karin, Megan, Kelsie, Heather and Emily. And a thank you to Natalie for all of her time, dedication and hard work. It would not have been a success without you all. Also, thank you to our wonderful volunteers from Mt. Edgecumbe High School, and their generous leader, Matt Foruria.
Thank you Sitka for your incredible generosity this holiday season. So much joy has been expressed from all of our residents, clients and staff created by your support.
Tina Bachmeier
SAFV Children’s Program
