Virtual Learning Circles Foster Community Connectedness

By Southcentral Foundation Public Relations
and Family Wellness Warriors
“Learning circles are a safe place to share story and build relationships with others across multiple generations within the community,” Southcentral Foundation Learning Circle Associate Taylor Hughes said.

A customer-owner views the virtual learning circles available for building community and supporting one another.

SCF provides opportunities for customer-owners to build community and support one another by offering virtual learning circles. Learning circles are core to SCF’s mission of working together with the Native Community to achieve wellness through health and related services. Here are the current virtual learning circles, offered by Family Wellness Warriors.

Generational Healing learning circle explores our healing journey with an understanding of the generational influences that contributed to the harm we have known. It anchors us in the hope a generational perspective of recovery provides. This learning circle is offered Tuesdays from 1 to 2 p.m.

Na Tia Sukan: Recovery Support learning circle is a recovery focused learning circle that provides support, encourages self-development and promotes healthy lifestyle skills. This learning circle is offered on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1 to 2 p.m.
Anger: A New Outlook learning circle explores the anger cycle and the proper steps to take when we get angry. Two learning circles are offered per week. Mondays from 2:30 to 3:45 p.m. is open to all customer-owners. Tuesdays from 2:30 to 4 p.m. requires registration and is court approved.

Community and Connection is a learning circle that assist with building community and staying connected. Enjoy a cup of coffee and tea while attending virtually on Tuesdays or Thursdays from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
Soldier’s Heart is an education training program to help combat veterans, first responders, law enforcement, and their families. This learning circle addresses the effects of post-traumatic stress and provides information, tools, and methods to help cope with symptoms. Join virtually or in person on Wednesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. To attend in person, call (907) 729-5440.

Life Skills is a learning circle, offered on Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., to develop new skills, continue your recovery, and build relationships with others. You do not have to walk this journey alone.

Family is Sacred learning circle is an opportunity for parents or caregivers to enrich parenting skills. Following the Fatherhood is Sacred ® curriculum from Native American Fatherhood and Families Association, this learning circle provides tools for families raising children to promote positive changes in their homes and their communities. Thursdays from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. is open to all customer-owners. Fridays from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. requires registration and is Office of Children’s Services approved. If you would like more information, or to join this learning circle, contact Family Wellness Warriors at (907) 729-5440.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, SCF will evaluate learning circle services in the coming months, and schedules may be subject to change. Stay connected and build relationships by participating in virtual learning circles.
“We offer care for our community by providing support, meeting people where they are in their journeys, and listening and responding from the heart,” Hughes said.