Happy Public Assistance Worker Appreciation Week!

This message is being sent to all of you with a special 'thanks' for your dedication, commitment, and willingness to provide assistance to Alaskans in need of our service.

We, as an agency, should celebrate our success for our effort in assisting families to become self-sufficient and providing the service and benefits to ensure Alaskans are fed, sheltered, can heat their homes, and have appropriate medical coverage. It is fitting that Public Assistance Worker Appreciation Week, falls right after our division was just recognized nationally for our successful effort to improve Food Stamp payment accuracy, and not once, but three times, recognized for meeting several of our TANF measurements. There is nothing that says “great job” like a federal bonus to the state for a job well done!

Public Assistance Worker Appreciation Week

This week we get to celebrate and recognize the outstanding work our staff does day-in and day-out at the Division of Public Assistance - help Alaskans in need. Each of you do your best every day so Alaskans in need can get through their days and weeks with dignity and greater opportunities to achieve their fullest potential. I hope you take some time this week to celebrate the good work you do for Alaska's citizens and our communities as a whole.

Commissioner Gilbertson Public Assistance Worker Appreciation Week Message

I'm proud to celebrate public assistance worker appreciation week with you and acknowledge the hard work of Public Assistance staff and partners in assisting Alaska's families on their path to self-sufficiency.

It's rare that one division can have such a great impact on people's lives. The important work of case managers, eligibility technicians, support service staff, supervisors, administrative support personnel, employment specialists and others is vital to tens of thousands of Alaska families.

Governor's Proclamation for Public Assistance Worker Appreciation Week

STATE OF ALASKA
EXECUTIVE PROCLAMATION
By Frank Murkowski, Governor

Alaskans in need depend upon the State to provide them assistance in the form of cash, food, medical, heat, and employment services to transition those who are able to achieve self sufficiency. The State, in turn, depends upon its employees in the Divisions of Public Assistance, Health Care Services, and Senior and Disabilities Services, as well as their partnering agencies to get the job done. While many of these individuals – case managers, supportive service workers, supervisors, administrative support personnel, employment specialists, and others – do not identify themselves as public assistance workers, they are, nevertheless, an important part of the team.

Celebrating Success with Native Family Assistance Programs

In April, Alaska’s Legislature passed Senate Bill 51 (SB51) reauthorizing the Native Family Assistance Program. In passing this bill, the Legislature gave special recognition to AVCP, TCC, and T&H for their great success in operating NFAPs and for support in helping Native families leave welfare for employment and self-sufficiency. Recognition was also given to our Native partners providing welfare-to-work services in other regions of Alaska.