Iamsomebody

07/17/2026

🎉 ThriveFest Registration is Now Closed!

Thank you to everyone who registered for the 2026 ThriveFest Youth Shoe Giveaway & Family Carnival!

Our team is now preparing for an incredible day filled with new shoes, welcoming smiles, community resources, meaningful connections, and family fun. We can't wait to serve your family on Saturday, August 1!

If you have already registered, please watch your email and text messages for important event information, reminders, arrival instructions, and what to expect before event day.

Thank you to our volunteers, partners, sponsors, and community for making ThriveFest possible. Together, we're creating a day where every child and family knows they matter.

07/17/2026

Hello friends,

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the gently-used clothing closet will not be available at Stuff The Bus this year. We do apologize for the inconvenience.

Our friends at Frontline Mission will be hosting a BIG Community Clothing Giveaway this Saturday from 11am-3pm!
A hot dog lunch is provided, and all items are free of charge.

Please bring your students to this large annual event, where you'll be able to pick out clothing to get ready for the first day of school.

Thank you, Frontline Mission team, for all you do in our community!

For more information on Frontline Mission's events, visit frontlinemission.org.

07/11/2026

🍎 Is mealtime a struggle? Does your child suffer from medically complex feeding issues. We’re here to help! 🍎
At Guidepost Pediatric Therapies, we offer SOS Certified Feeding Specialists who are licensed Occupational Therapists trained to help children with sensory-based feeding challenges.
Our therapists use the Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Approach to Feeding, an evidence-based program designed to help children:
• Become more comfortable around new foods
• Reduce mealtime anxiety and stress
• Improve sensory processing related to eating
• Increase food variety and acceptance
• Build positive, successful mealtime experiences for the whole family
Whether your child is a picky eater, has sensory sensitivities, or struggles with feeding due to developmental or medical concerns, our compassionate team is here to help.
✨ No waitlist for many appointments!
📍 Serving children throughout the Mat-Su Valley and beyond.
📞 Call us today at 907-376-4880
🌐 www.guidepostpediatrics.com
Helping children gain confidence—one bite at a time. 💙

07/07/2026

👟 Registration is NOW CLOSED for ThriveFest 2026!

For many students, a new pair of athletic shoes means more than starting the school year with something new.

It means walking into school with confidence.

It means feeling prepared for PE, recess, sports, and everyday life.

It means one less thing for parents to worry about.

But ThriveFest is about more than shoes.

It's a day where families are welcomed, community organizations come together, children laugh, volunteers serve, and connections are made that often last well beyond August 1.

If your family has not registered yet, there's still time.

📅 Saturday, August 1, 2026
🕐 1:00–5:00 PM
📍 Menard Sports Center
👟 Free athletic shoes for eligible Mat-Su students K–12
🎡 Family Carnival • Community Resources • Activities for All Ages
♿ADA parking available

Registration is free, but advance registration is required to receive shoes.

Register today:
https://tinyurl.com/397ed42c

Know a family who could benefit? Please share this post. You may be the reason someone experiences hope, encouragement, and belonging this school year.

07/01/2026

Reminder for MSBSD families: The new ParentVUE app is required starting June 19 for mobile access to student information and should be installed before Online Registration opens July 1.

Simply download ParentVUE (New) from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and log in using your existing username and password.

Need help? Call 761-HELP (4357).

07/01/2026

📚 Hey Mat-Su!

Did You Know?!

Registration for the 2026–2027 school year is now open!

https://www.matsuk12.us/about-us/registration

If you haven't enrolled your student yet, now is a great time to get it checked off your list. Registering early helps schools prepare for a great start to the year and ensures your child is ready for day one.

Here's to an amazing school year ahead! 🍎✏️

Registration - Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District

06/27/2026

FROM THE HEART OF Ty Nichole

This photo was taken more than 13 years ago.

My husband Phil had kept some of his old military gear from his years of service, and one afternoon we passed it along to my cousins. Pictured here are Delaney and Tre, proudly trying it on.

That same day, we spent time talking with their older brother about military service, purpose, and the opportunities that come with serving others. That young man was Taj.

Years later, he chose to serve in the United States Air Force.

I can't say it was because of that afternoon. Life is never that simple.

But I do believe moments matter.

Sometimes a tangible gift becomes an invitation.

That's one of the reasons I believe so deeply in ThriveFest.

A new pair of athletic shoes isn't just about footwear. It can help a student walk into school with confidence. It can remove one barrier to joining a team, attending youth group, or simply feeling like they belong.

When we connect young people with caring adults, sports, youth groups, community organizations, and opportunities to grow, we create moments that can shape a future.

We may never know which conversation, invitation, or act of generosity becomes part of someone's bigger story.

That's why we keep showing up.

Because every young person deserves a place to belong.

Follow iamsomebody as we share ways to get involved, support local youth, and connect with organizations across the Mat-Su that are investing in the next generation.

06/22/2026

DIGNITY MATTERS

A young boy once received a new pair of shoes he was genuinely excited about. He smiled the whole time he wore them.

Later, another child made fun of them and called them “Dollar Tree shoes” because they weren’t trendy or brand name.

Kids remember moments like that.

For some students, receiving a recognizable brand-name pair of shoes for the first time is more than just getting footwear. It can feel like finally blending in instead of standing out. It can feel like confidence. Relief. Belonging.

That doesn’t mean worth comes from labels, it doesn’t. Every child has value regardless of what they wear.

But dignity matters.

The way kids treat each other over clothing and shoes is real, and small moments can deeply affect confidence at school and in social settings.

Part of why events like ThriveFest matter is because they help remove barriers that many people never see.

Sometimes a pair of shoes says: “You matter too.”

Thrive Fest 2026 Registration Link: https://tinyurl.com/397ed42c

06/19/2026

'SAFE' TRAINING FOR ALASKA | Elder-serving organizations and agencies are invited to attend a two-day 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗰 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗘𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 (𝗦𝗔𝗙𝗘) 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿, Tuesday-Wednesday, August 25-26, both remotely and in person at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Anchorage (222 W. 7th Avenue, Room 253).

This training is designed for financial and fraud investigators, detectives, victim advocates, and any personnel that may interact with elderly victims of fraud or identity theft. Because the remote option can accommodate more personnel than the in-person space, encourage everyone to attend virtually who may benefit but are not in the area.

To participate, please RSVP via email to [email protected] and https://forms.gle/CieHC5SzVnJhGFbA8 (Google Document). Please share this invitation with potentially interested partners.

06/19/2026

SAVE THE DATE!

Join us for the 2026 Role Models Gala on September 12th at the Marriott Anchorage Downtown.

Each year, the Role Models Gala brings our community together to celebrate the power of mentorship and recognize the incredible Bigs, Littles, and supporters who help young people across Alaska reach their full potential.

Sponsorship opportunities are available now and are a meaningful way to support youth mentoring across Alaska!

Tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and event details are available now on https://event.auctria.com/6f64ec98-1cb3-4951-af31-f6aa7caf8f63/00bf75f0a81f4b06a0d69fc7cba21838.

You can also reach out to Claudia Lara with questions at [email protected].