Bounce Back AK

Resiliency Resources

After more than a year of disruptions to normal family routines, attending school and socializing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us are looking forward to the next school year and having kids back in classrooms. But this time of transition can also be a time of added stress and worry for everyone involved. The resources below can help Alaskans bounce back strong for the 2021-22 school year.

On this page:

For Parents

Resources to help your child

Taking care of yourself

For Educators

For Kids & Teens

  • Work2BeWell
    Free mental health lessons, videos, and articles to improve teen mental health and wellness.
  • Engage.Youth.gov
    A list of resources compiled for young people about a variety of topics that can help them navigate the COVID-19 pandemic in healthy and balanced ways.
  • WeRNative
    The ‘My Mind' section of this comprehensive health resource for Native youth, by Native youth, has guidance on building mental resilience, dealing with mental health challenges and getting help.
  • Stopbullying.gov
    Learn how to identify and stand up to bullying safely.

Support for families

Basic needs

Having unmet basic needs can negatively impact a person's mental well-being. The following resources can help improve quality of life for those in need:

  • Pandemic-EBT program
    Provides money for families to buy food due to COVID-19 related school closures and has been extended for the 2020-21 school year.
  • Women, Infants and Children program
    The WIC program provides nutritious foods to supplement a participant's diet. This WIC pre-screening tool can help determine if you're eligible to receive benefits.
  • Public Assistance
    Food, child care, health care, shelter, heating and other basic needs assistance programs are available through the Division of Public Assistance.
  • For Parents Involved with the Office of Children's Services
    Frequently Asked Questions During the COVID-19 Crisis.
  • Food banks
    The Alaska Food Bank has a list of 170 food pantries and food banks across Alaska that support Alaskans in need of food resources.
  • Unemployment Insurance
    Workers who have become unemployed or are working less than full-time hours can apply for UI benefits.
  • Call 2-1-1 or Help Me Grow Alaska at 1-833-464-2527 for help connecting to resources and services.
  • Child Tax Credit
    The federal government is providing automatic monthly payments for nearly all working families through the American Rescue Plan.

Circle of support

During the COVID-19 pandemic, families with children at home, especially young children, reported higher levels of stress. Families can create a Circle of Support plan (PDF) of trusted people who can help care for children if the caregiver or caregivers in the family become ill with COVID-19.

Family members, friends, neighbors and co-workers are important components of the circle of support. Sometimes, the moments we need help most are also the hardest times to ask for help. An unexpected offer of support and encouragement from people we know can make a huge difference – possibly even lifesaving. Consider supporting families you know by providing help with basic needs such as shelter, food, clothing and transportation:

  • Provide a healthy pre-made meal.
  • Help with transportation to appointments.
  • Help with chores and errands.
  • • Connect with support and resources to ease financial strain.
    Providing emotional support is equally important:
  • • Talk about mental health in a supportive way. Reassure that needing support is normal and OK.
  • • Offer to watch kids so parents have time for self-care.
  • • Give new parents time to rest and recover. Let them decide when they are ready for visits.
  • Encourage hobbies and cultural or traditional activities.

For immediate help

If you or someone you care about is feeling overwhelmed with emotions such as sadness, depression or anxiety, or if you feel like you want to harm yourself or others: