Community Resource: Change 4 the Kenai- Featuring Shari Conner

In the episode, we sit down with Shari Conner to discuss Serenity House and Change 4 the Kenai. While discussing these, we also discuss substance abuse, community connection, the goals of Serenity House and Change 4 the Kenai, and how these goals are being met. Shari Conner is the project coordinator for Change 4 the Kenai. She also is the Serenity House intake coordinator. To learn more about Change 4 the Kenai, Serenity House, or other resources you can reach her: Phone: 907 - 714 - 4521 Email: [email protected] Website: change4kenai.org Shari tells us in this episode how their original research displayed people of the central peninsula were not very connected to each other and their community. They also understood that substance abuse was affecting individuals, families, and the entire community; they set out to connect community and save lives - their slogan today. Some of the ways they connect community consists of hosting town halls where community connection and healthy activities are facilitated and then capped with an educational piece; having community runs where the main idea is to stomp out the stigma of addiction; and having backpack giveaways so families can have what they need and be assured their community is behind them. These podcasts are created for Change 4 the Kenai, and Change 4 the Kenai would like to prevent substance abuse and connect community. Please listen to this episode to hear more about the brave and impactful work Change 4 the Kenai is doing.