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In 1972 the Captain Cook Jaycees founded an organization for the initial purpose of administering the Foster Grandparent Program throughout the state of Alaska. In 1980, Senior Companion Program was added. It was soon followed by the Retired Senior Volunteer Program.
In 1990, the organization became Alaska Community Services, Inc. ACS was formed not only to continue administering the three programs, but also to take advantage of other opportunities to meet the changing needs of seniors and children and youth.
In 2009 ACS recognized the need for mentoring Alaska’s youth who are in foster care or other “out of home” placements. The Mentoring SPIRIT Program was started in Anchorage, and in 2010 expanded to serve the remainder of Alaska.
All current programs are funded by the Corporation for National and Community Services., a federal agency These programs offer low income Alaskan senior citizens the opportunity to continue service to their communities and to make positive impacts on the lives of other seniors and at risk youth through dignified and purposeful community volunteer placements. Additional funding is provided by the State of Alaska, Municipality of Anchorage, the United Way of Anchorage and the United Way Tanana Valley.
Currently over 300 volunteers are providing nearly 200,000 hours of service in over 30 Alaskan communities.
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