VOA Alaska helps youth find a brighter future

Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Lacey Smiley (left) helps Valencia Little search for employment. Smiley is a case manager and mentor at Volunteers of America (VOA) Alaska in Anchorage. 

Valencia Little's journey from a troubled childhood to finding her path through Volunteers of America, Alaska is a testament to resilience. Growing up in an unstable home, Valencia had to fend for herself, leading her to fall into harmful habits by age 13. By 15, she was using meth and in and out of foster care, feeling lost and unhappy. Valencia’s turning point came after being caught for car theft, which led her to McLaughlin Youth Center and subsequently VOA’s Adolescent Residential Center for Help program. 

She credits VOA's Transition Age Youth services for guiding her. TAY offers mental health and substance-use services, employment, education assistance and housing support. In 2024, Providence Alaska contributed $75,000 to the program, which also received $10,000 from Providence Alaska Foundation. 

Valencia’s journey mirrors many in Alaska, where a 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey highlighted rising teen depression and suicidal tendencies. VOA’s comprehensive approach includes stabilization, crisis management, clinical services and a pathway to self-sufficiency. Valencia is now focusing on maintaining stability through clinical and peer support. 

Lacey Smiley, Valencia’s case manager turned peer mentor, has been a crucial support, sharing similar past struggles. Under Smiley’s guidance, Valencia continues to strive towards sobriety despite occasional relapses. She now has a stable job and pets that give her purpose. 

VOA’s individualized approach and collaborative support system aim to provide vulnerable youth with safe housing and opportunities for employment and education. Smiley remains optimistic about Valencia's potential to break the cycle of trauma and build a fulfilling life. For Valencia, staying connected with Smiley is key, providing empathy and support that make her feel less alone. 

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