Kaweraks wellness program seeks to continue and enhance its capacity by adding a wellness coordinator to serve at-risk youth ages 10 to 17 in the bering strait region

The Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs Bureau of Justice Assistance awarded Kawerak, Inc. $546,354 on October 1, 2025, under the Tribal Youth Program (CFDA 16.731) to enhance its Kawerak's Wellness Program by adding a wellness coordinator position serving at-risk youth ages 10 to 17 across the Bering Strait region.

The wellness coordinator will expand the program's capacity to address isolation and harmful behaviors in remote Alaska Native communities by fostering collaboration with local and state agencies, with emphasis on youth involved in juvenile justice and child welfare systems. The position will enhance existing initiatives including culture camps, youth leaders programming, and skill-building activities, while expanding outreach, improving follow-up services, and increasing community involvement. The program will strengthen after-school programming, mentorship, and cultural preservation efforts, with projected reach to nearly 25 percent of regional youth.

Kawerak, Inc., a federally recognized tribal consortium representing 20 tribes across western Alaska and based in Nome, is the recipient. The award covers the period from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2030, with place of performance in Nome, Alaska. The Tribal Youth Program supports activities to prevent and reduce juvenile delinquency and strengthen juvenile justice system response for American Indian and Alaska Native youth.

This new position will enable the program to better address the unique needs of youth facing isolation and harmful behaviors in remote communities. The wellness coordinator will foster stronger collaboration with local and state agencies, prioritizing support for youth involved with juvenile justice and child services. Through programs such as culture camps, youth leaders programming, and skill-building initiatives, kawerak promotes cultural identity and community engagement. The wellness coordinator will expand outreach efforts, improve follow-up services, and increase community involvement, directly benefiting more youth by enhancing school performance and reducing criminal behavior. Supported by the regional wellness forum, this expansion will strengthen after-school programming, mentorship, and cultural preservation efforts, reaching nearly 25% of regional youth and promoting lasting positive change in their lives and communities. Conference activity description: n/a