Mat-Su Veterans Resource Fair Returns on December 2nd
Contributed by Kathryn Swartz,
Mat-Su Health Foundation
When: Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023
Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Curtis D. Menard Memorial Sports Center
Address: 1001 S Clapp St, Wasilla
Cost: FREE
“Event was great. I’ve gained many resources to assist me. Everyone was helpful and polite. Thank you all for hosting this event.” — Veteran who attended the 2022 resource fair
The Mat-Su Veterans Resource Fair is back and better than ever! On Dec. 2, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Curtis D. Menard Memorial Sports Center in Wasilla will host a day dedicated to honoring and supporting our local Veterans. This free, open-to-all event promises to provide community resources, educational opportunities, and information for Veterans and their families. Upwards of 50 organizations are expected to attend, so everyone is welcome to wander around, talk with representatives, and meet other community members.
Attendees can expect to find information about a variety of services and support, including:
Community Resources: Local support networks and community organizations will be on hand to discuss ways they can assist Veterans and their families.
Information and Counseling: Veterans and their families will have access to expert advice on benefits, mental health, career guidance, educational opportunities, housing, and caregiver support.
Health and Wellness: Organizations specializing in Veterans' health and wellness will provide information on physical and mental well-being.
The Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF), which provides grants to nonprofit organizations and scholarships for health- and human services-related studies, supported the event in response to the high population of Veterans living in the Mat-Su. In 2021, there were about 16,062 Veterans living in the Mat-Su, representing 17% of the total population, which is higher than Alaska’s average of 11%. Many Veterans in the Mat-Su live in the borough’s rural/remote areas.
Penney Champney, a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and Mat-Su resident, conceived of this resource fair while collaborating with MSHF to identify organizations that serve Veterans. We discovered that many Veterans and family members are unaware of the resources available to them, and that the organizations themselves are unaware of each other. As a result, we formed a planning committee with the Alaska Office of Veterans Affairs, the Wasilla Vet Center, and the Alaska VA Women Veterans Program. This committee developed the format for this event, which focuses on bringing together community-based organizations that serve Veterans in the Mat-Su. Some of the organizations expected to attend include Alaska Warrior Partnership, Healing Waters, Last Frontier Honor Flight, several VA programs, and many other organizations.
“We are trying to get the word out!” said Kathy Swartz, MSHF program officer. “Last year, we heard, ‘This was wonderful. More people need to know about this.’ If you are a Veteran who lives in the Mat-Su, we hope you will come and bring your family and friends! Please also share the word with others. We will look forward to seeing you there! And the coffee is free!”
For more information, scan the QR code or visit tinyurl.com/MSHF-veterans. You also can call 907-352-4404.
Note for vendors: This is an invitation-only event.