New WCA program intended to help community deal with grief

There are no timelines to process grief and trauma, and the impacts of the deadly 2023 landslide in Wrangell continue to affect the community. To help, the Wrangell Cooperative Association received a federal grant and is making resources available through its new Bouncing Back program to address this reality, led by Peter Adams, director of crisis counseling.

Adams, based in Kansas City, Missouri, was familiar with Wrangell through visits with the Team Hollywood sports presentations. When he was contacted about being the administrator for the Bouncing Back team, he took a sabbatical from his work as a sports agent and came to Wrangell.

"It's been a little bit of an adjustment," Adams acknowledged. "In my work and in the city, it's a 'go, go, go' atmosphere. I've had to learn to slow it down here."

He's had plenty to keep him busy, pointing to programs that help people connect, like WCA Tlingit language classes, intergenerational healing groups, sewing and beading sessions. There have been bonfires, which make space for people to just talk. "One key is just being available, being there when people are ready to talk."

"This is not just about the landslide," Adams explained. "If people are struggling in any way, for any reason, we want to help. We want to check in with everyone on the island, and make sure they're doing OK. And if they're not, to offer the range of resources we have to assist them, from some financial support to spiritual and mental health support," Adams said.

The nine-month grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency proposes to contact 70% to 75% of the people in the community, but Adams feels that bar is too low. "I'm hoping to reach 100% of the people, through groups, faith communities, programs and just by being available."

Adams is bringing in a team who will work in various part- and full-time capacities, to broaden those connection possibilities. University of Alaska Fairbanks computer science student Will Ashton, carver Mike Aak'wtaatseen Hoyt and assistant coach for high school boys basketball Tony Harding all have local roots.

His daughter, Yazmin, and his wife, LaToya, bring other skills and resources to the project. The former is a photographer and DJ, and the latter is a doula and holistic wellness spa owner.

While there are options for small-group and individual activities, Adams is also excited about promoting larger events, like the upcoming Krizz Kaliko performances and community roundtable mental health discussion on May 20.

Kaliko, a hip-hop artist who has worked with Grammy-nominated Jelly Roll, has used his music to build resilience in the face of bullying and mental health struggles.

Adams hopes bringing these kinds of models with creative approaches to grief and trauma will help people, especially young people, realize they are not alone and that are healthy ways to deal with their feelings.

The grant currently runs through Aug. 6, but Adams is hoping to extend it into November.

If you need to check in or would like to reach out, Adams' phone is 913-424-7587, or you can email him at ada795@aol.com.