Family Wellness Warriors Initiative

Family Wellness Warriors Initiative targets the Alaska Native and American Indian populations of Alaska, but all individuals, regardless of race, gender or religion are encouraged to apply.

How to apply

Fill out the Pre-Screening Questionnaire
This conference targets those who are ready to face their wounds. Trained counselors review and assess the appropriateness of each participant's application based on the Pre-Screening Questionnaire.

Fill out the Application Packet
If approved to attend, additional forms and conference information will be sent to you. It is with this application packet that a $50 non-refundable fee must be paid.

Submit Final Payment
Final payment of $425 must be paid in full 30 days prior to conference start date. Please contact (907) 729-5440 for payment options.

Payment Options: Visa or Mastercard are accepted. Checks and /or Money Orders can be made out to Southcentral Foundation - FWWI.

Beauty for Ashes

Beauty for Ashes is a faith-based conference designed to educate and train individuals on how to interact with, work with and respond to those whose lives have been impacted by domestic violence, abuse and neglect.

This five-and-a-half-day conference is held for 100 participants in various locations around Alaska, promoting wellness within Native Community.

Employers are encouraged to provide funding to cover registration and tuition costs of $475, as well as transportation costs for their employees, as this training is a benefit to both the employee and the employer. This training builds effective communication skills, specifically addressing issues of domestic violence, abuse and neglect. Individuals experience personal growth that ripples into all fields of work, ultimately increasing positive relationships and communication skills.

Program Overview

Participants join with others in a healing journey by exploring stories and events that have touched their lives. Topics are presented through large group training and explored in a small group setting.

Topics include:

The Journey Back to My Story
My Journey With Shame and Anger
Relating to Others on My Journey
Disappointment on My Journey
My Journey of Recovery

Benefits of Beauty for Ashes

Tools are given to help understand how past harm plays into the current ways we relate to and interact with those around us;
Taught how to walk alongside others who desire to resolve the pain and wounds of their past;
Discover healthier ways of relating to and interacting with those they care about and / or come into contact with;
Learn new and improved coping skills to help manage stress, pain, disappointment and hardships; and
Are taught how to safely enter conflict in such a way that invites healthier relationships and more meaningful and positive outcomes with others.

Importance of Beauty for Ashes

As leaders in our homes, communities and careers, it is important that we understand the lasting and long term impact that domestic violence, abuse and neglect has on those who have experienced it or are currently experiencing it.

It is important that each person be aware of how these painful circumstances can negatively impact the way we currently relate to others and the way others relate to us.

When we are able to see each individual as a person of worth and dignity and treat them as such, the result can have a profound impact that translates into healthier relationships at home, work and throughout our communities.