Fostering Resilience for Every Body Through Community Prevention, Education, and Advocacy

Dear Friends,

During this season of reflection, I want to extend heartfelt gratitude for the many ways you have supported the Alaska Eating Disorders Alliance. Whether you are a provider, a community partner, a family member, or someone who simply believes in creating a more resilient Alaska, your connection to our work truly matters.

This year has been one of profound growth for AKEDA. Not only in the programs we offer, but in the relationships we’ve built across the state. Every week, we witness courage in our support groups, providers dedicated to excellence in serving their patients, educators empowering the next generation with body confidence and self-compassion, and families bravely navigate some of the hardest moments of their lives. 

Looking ahead, we are excited about the work taking shape in 2026. We will continue to expand our statewide support groups, deepen provider education, and strengthen outreach in regions to make an immediate difference. We are also preparing for strategic growth that will allow us to serve more Alaskans, build sustainable infrastructure, and respond to the increasing need for accessible care and prevention efforts across the state. This work is grounded in our values of collaboration and hope.

Many partners have made our impact on eating disorders possible this year – from healthcare providers and schools to tribal health organizations, youth advocates, and donors. Your collaboration, trust, and generosity make a meaningful difference in the lives of those seeking support and healing for an eating disorder – resilient people who are the heart of everything we do. We truly could not do this work alone.

On behalf of our staff, board members, and volunteers who carry forth this mission, we wish you a peaceful and compassionate holiday season that brings hope and warmth for the new year. In the weeks ahead, we’ll be sharing more stories of impact, connection, and the community that you help make possible.

With gratitude,

Jess Rude

Executive Director

Thanks to your generosity, in 2025...

• 99 Alaskans received immediate support and resources to help them navigate eating disorders.

• 120 participants in our support groups discovered a sense of connection and understanding.

• 37 support group sessions were facilitated to provide consistent and dependable assistance across Alaska.

• 569 statewide providers were trained in eating disorder education to improve compassionate care options in their communities.

• 10 low to no-cost registration was provided to emerging mental health professionals to improve Alaska's ED specific care capacity.

• 354 parents, caregivers, and educators gained valuable skills to foster body confidence and help prevent eating disorders.

We sincerely appreciate your ongoing support of our mission to provide help and inspire hope for all Alaskans.

This work would not be possible without you. Thank you for making a difference in our community.