Southeast Alaska Independent Living (SAIL) was graciously awarded $95,000 for three projects through the Juneau Community Foundation’s (JCF) Hope Endowment and CBJ Social Service funds for fiscal year 2017.
According to a Jan. 11 press release from SAIL, funds awarded to SAIL are currently supporting three programs: Outdoor Recreation and Community Access (ORCA), Aging and Disability Empowerment and the Last Resort Program.
“Thank you to the Juneau Community Foundation!” exclaimed Joan O’Keefe, SAIL Executive Director. “JCF’s support enables SAIL to continue to provide critical services and supports for seniors and people experiencing disabilities in Juneau so that they can live safe, independent lives of their own choosing.”
SAIL’s ORCA Program provides year-round adaptive recreation pursuits for individuals of all ages experiencing a disability. FY 2017 funding from the JCF has provided continued support for after-school activities, adaptive ski and snowboard lessons at Eaglecrest, and summer camping trips and overnights into the backcountry for all ages and abilities.
“The Juneau Community Foundation’s support allows us to continue to provide innovative and challenging outdoor recreation opportunities for Juneau residents experiencing disabilities,” ORCA Program Director Megan Ahleman said in the release. “We are honored that the JCF is continuing the tradition of supporting adaptive outdoor pursuits now that they are administering the CBJ Social Service funds.”
SAIL’s two other projects, Aging and Disability Empowerment and Last Resort Program, address two overarching goals: decreasing architectural/attitudinal barriers while increasing safety, independence and overall quality of life for Juneau seniors and residents experiencing disabilities.
“JCF funds support home modification assessments for aging seniors and elders, assistive technology and durable medical equipment demonstration and loan, facilitation of disability-related support groups, and many other SAIL services,” explained O’Keefe. “Additionally, our Last Resort Program aids our work to provide support, outreach and a small ‘fund of last resort’ for Juneau residents with mental health diagnoses, a history of substance abuse and Juneau residents with disabilities experiencing homelessness.”
O’Keefe elaborated on the importance of community funders such as JCF, “SAIL’s mission is to Inspire Personal Independence. We are committed to making sure that all Juneau seniors and residents experiencing disabilities have options to live full, safe, independent lives in the setting of their choice. Local funders and supporters, such as the Juneau Community Foundation, show that we as a community are committed to that vision.”
With offices in Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan and Haines, SAIL is Southeast Alaska’s Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) and Center for Independent Living. A consumer‑controlled, community‑based, cross‑disability, nonresidential, private nonprofit agency, SAIL provides an array of Independent Living services and resources across Southeast Alaska.
