Substance Use Drop-in Group 2023
2023-09-13 13:00 - 14:30, 2023-09-20 13:00 - 14:30, 2023-09-27 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Anchorage)
Support is available at Benteh Nuutah Four Directions Outpatient Treatment Center. Your recovery journey is unique and so is your treatment. This program assists individuals with discovering and working toward personal goals for a happy, healthy life. If you are attending the group for the first time, please arrive 10-15 minutes early. This group is available to adults 18 and older. You do not need to enroll in this outpatient treatment program to attend.
Every Wednesday 1-2:30 p.m.

Knik Tribe Family Culture Nights
2023-09-13 17:30 - 19:30, 2023-09-20 17:30 - 19:30, 2023-09-27 17:30 - 19:30
Please join Knik Tribe for weekly culture nights with food and fun for the whole family!

Knik Tribe Talking Circle- Willow
2023-09-14 12:00 - 14:00, 2023-09-21 12:00 - 14:00, 2023-09-28 12:00 - 14:00
Based on the traditional way of communication, the talking circle provides a space for sharing, healing, and connecting with others.

Recovery Month Celebration and Open House
2023-09-14 16:00 - 19:00
Join us for an open house at Southcentral Foundation’s Benteh Nuutah Four Directions Outpatient Treatment Center in Wasilla. Let’s celebrate National Recovery Month, raise awareness of mental health and substance use resources, and support local businesses that offer these services in the community.
Behavioral health resources
Substance use education
Tour
Food trucks
Door prizes and games
Wherever you are on your healing journey, we hope you will join us Thursday, Sept. 14 from 4 to 7 p.m. For more information, contact Benteh Nuutah Four Directions Outpatient Treatment Center at
(907) 631-6310.

2023 "Winning at All Costs" Film Premier and Q&A
2023-09-14 18:00 - 19:30
Free community viewing of the Alaskan documentary film “Winning at All Costs: Breaking the Silence on Athletes and Eating Disorders” paired with a local panel presentation and live audience Q&A.
The film was produced by AKEDA along with Executive Producer Holly Brooks, a 2x Olympian and Alaskan Licensed Professional Counselor. It highlights the essential need for athletes to maintain proper fueling to support their activities, and the importance of athletic environments that nurture positive relationships between athletes and their bodies. The viewing will be followed by a panel discussion facilitated by Holly Brooks with panelists with Valley roots including Megan Volkov, ANP; Grace Schumacher, RD; Katie Dyches, former Miss Mat-Su and Cheer Coach; and Vincent English, Dive Coach. Recommended for ages 13 and up. We will also include time for the audience to share their questions and thoughts so that we can create a community conversation around this important topic. Event sponsored by the Mat-Su Health Foundation.

Palmer Community Health Fair
2023-09-15 14:00 - 18:00, 2023-09-16 08:00 - 12:00
Location: Palmer Depot 601 S. Valley Way Palmer AK.
Health and Wellness Fair open to the community free of charge. Health screenings, education, local health exhibitors, and affordable blood draws.

Skeetawk 6th Annual Blueberry Ball
2023-09-16 13:00
The Skeetawk 6th Annual Ball is a free community event that features live music from Triple Black Diamonds, Past Our Prime, Braided River, and more!
The chairlift will be running from 3:30pm-6:30pm. Any donations received will go toward growing Skeetawk Ski Area for our community!
Please Join for:
Live Music
Food Trucks
Beer Garden
Lift Rides
Loads of Fun!!

2023 Mobile Mammogram Screening- Willow
2023-09-18 08:00
If you’re a woman aged 40 or older and due for your annual mammogram, give Providence Imaging Center a call 907-212-3151 to schedule this important 20-minute test. Please pre-register prior to appointment.

Families Supporting Change
2023-09-18 12:00 - 13:00, 2023-09-25 12:00 - 13:00
This free group is for family and friends with a desire to help make a change in the life of a loved one who struggles with substance abuse. Each Monday there is an opportunity to learn evidence-based tools to encourage change, develop positive communication techniques, take care of yourself on this journey, and understand your loved one’s behavior.

Beginner ASL Class
2023-09-19 18:00 - 19:00, 2023-09-26 18:00 - 19:00
Join us every Tuesday evening from 5 Sept through 24 Oct from 6pm to 7pm for our beginner American Sign Language class! *$10 per person per class*
Geraldine Klapak will be your instructor for the class. She is a deaf woman who is experienced in tutoring and teaching ASL. She will be joined by Amy Rosemarie who will be assisting.
*BBB is a female disabled veteran owned business who exclusively hires homeless youth from the community. We are the only bookbinder in the state. All people are welcome here and events are scheduled by request. Our facility is fully handicap accessible.

Knik Tribe Talking Circle- Palmer
2023-09-19 18:30 - 20:00, 2023-09-26 18:30 - 20:00

2023 Mat-Su Reentry Summit
2023-09-21 09:00 - 2023-09-22 16:30
2023 Mat-Su Reentry Summit
September 21 & 22, 2023.
Event Times: 9 am to 4:30 pm each day
This annual reentry summit is geared toward professionals who serve reentrants. The theme of the 2023 summit is “Reentry Connections Building Bridges to Success”.
This year’s summit will feature compelling national and state-wide keynote speakers and informative breakout sessions.
For More Information Contact Barbara Mongar at Barbara.mongar@valleycharities.org

Alaska Healing Heart's Warrior Family Weekend
2023-09-22 18:00 - 2023-09-24 10:00
Join us for a family fun-filled day of arts and crafts for kids 4 Wheeler rides food and fellowship with veterans and their family members
Free to all Military, Veterans, First Responders, and their Family

2023 Thrive Fest
2023-09-23 18:00 - 22:00
Thrive events are for all Mat-Su students, 6th grade and up. You do not need to attend the host school to attend the event.
Please spread the word, we are renting a 30′ inflatable obstacle course from Tons of Fun for this event.
To RSVP please text “Saturday” to 907-745-5826.
Before the event, we will send links for pre-sale tickets and the waiver.
First time at a Thrive Event? You will receive an extra raffle ticket!
Wear a 60s or 70s themed costume? You will receive an extra raffle ticket!
Bring a first time friend? You will receive an extra raffle ticket!
Questions about Thrive or this event? Please text us at 907-745-5826.

Social Security Video Service Launch
2023-09-25 09:00 - 17:00
We are pleased to announce that the Mat-Su Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) will begin facilitating Social Security Video Service for residents of the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. This initiative is aimed at enhancing the ease and accessibility of communications between community members and the Social Security Administration (SSA).
These video service calls will continue once per month by appointment only.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Mat-Su ADRC at (907) 373-3650.

Presentation | Adverse Childhood Experiences (In-person + Online)
2023-09-26 10:30 - 12:00
This FREE presentation is open to ADULTS who are interested in learning how to identify and counteract Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) to develop resilient kids.
Registration is not required.
Frequent or prolonged exposure to stress can create toxic stress which can damage the developing brain of a child and overall health. A Survival Mode Response to toxic stress increases a child’s heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and muscle tension. Their thinking brain is knocked offline. Self-protection is their priority. In other words: “I can’t hear you! I can’t respond to you! I am just trying to be safe!”
Learn How Resilience Trumps ACEs! Parents, Teachers, and Caregivers can help by:
– Gaining an understanding of ACEs and how they affect children’s social, emotional, and cognitive abilities and their connection to a wide range of health problems throughout a person’s lifespan.
– Creating environments where children feel safe emotionally & physically.
– Helping children identify feelings & manage emotions
– Creating a safe physical & emotional environment at home, in school, and in neighborhoods.
– Share ways to build resilience.
Questions?
Presentation Content Contact: boydenmichelle@gmail.com
Event Details Contact: candrews@rockmatsu.org
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82576480185?pwd=[REDACTED]

2023 Big Brother Big Sister Big Social
2023-09-26 17:00 - 20:00
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska is hosting a “BIG” networking night. Open to any and all adults with big hearts.
Join us to learn about BBBSAK, socialize, and win prizes! (Those who sign up to mentor youth will be entered to win big prizes!)

2023 AK Health Fair at Mat-Su College
2023-09-27 09:00 - 13:00
In collaboration with Alaska Health Fair Inc, Matanuska-Susitna College (MSC) | UAA will host a health fair to provide students and the Mat-Su Valley community access to health screenings, affordable blood tests, free health education information, and education activities. The event will be open to the public. We will invite organizations and healthcare providers from the Mat-Su Valley to staff an exhibitor table including Mat-Su Health Foundation, Mat-Su Health Services, United Way, Sama Massage, and more. We will have students from our health and human services field who will lead educational activities and demonstrations.

Wasilla Museum Interactive Presentation
2023-09-27 18:00 - 19:30
We invite you to an interactive presentation and conversation with a cultural ambassador from Chickaloon Village Traditional Council. Refreshments provided while supplies last.

Training | Raising Resilience (In-Person Only)
2023-09-28 11:00 - 12:00
Join us for a presentation on raising resilient youth!
Registration is not required.
This will include information from a 2019 Johns Hopkins study on the effects of positive childhood experiences. Despite growing up with adversity, positive experiences buffer the trauma and promote healing.
Learn ways to foster healthy growth and development in children that correlates to stronger adult mental health and overall wellness.
Questions?
Presentation Content Contact: michelle.boyden@matsuk12.us
R.O.C.K. Mat-Su Contact:
candrews@rockmatsu.org
