Break the Cycle

When we think of the Brother Francis Shelter here in Anchorage we think of a place where homeless people can spend the night and be kept warm and safe.
  Full Story

If a parent has a child with a serious mental health issue they may find it tough to get treatment in Alaska. That's why the state of Alaska started an initiative five years ago called Bring the Kids Home with the goal of providing more mental health services for children in Alaska so they don't have to go outside for treatment.
  Full Story

In Alaska the number of children who are diagnosed with severe emotional disorders isn't huge, but if you are the parent of one of those children, getting help for them quickly becomes your whole world.
  Full Story

For many years families in Alaska who had children who were emotionally disturbed didn't have a choice, if they wanted their children to get well they had to send them to treatment facilities outside.
  Full Story

When a woman has a baby it's expected that it will be one of the happiest times in her life but in this week's Break The Cycle report we learn that sometimes the reality is very different.
  Full Story

Money is tight for many families these days but while most people can get by on cutting back, others are facing true emergencies. In this week's Break the Cycle report we visit with a volunteer group that can help.
  Full Story

Research shows that kids who have solid relationships with adults do better in school and ultimately better in life. But not every child has that opportunity. In this week's Break the Cycle we visit with an agency that's been matching children with caring adults for many years.
  Full Story

The week's Break The Cycle Report looks at the connection between animal abuse and domestic violence.   Full Story

Substance abuse touches so many lives here in Alaska but when the person with an addiction is a mother..the situation can be so much worse. In this week's Break The Cycle, focus is on a treatment program that is specifically designed for mothers with children.   Full Story

Summer is a time when the kennels at the Anchorage Animal Control shelter are often full; but a program right here on KTVA, CBS 11 News is helping to bring those numbers down. We call it our Pet of the Week.   Full Story

Some people think the best way to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness is to get more people involved in the solution. The organization called Habitat for Humanity is trying to do just that.   Full Story

Research shows that parents who take an active role in their child's education tend to do better in school.

In light of this, there is a national effort to have parents drive their kids to school on the very first day—in an effort to show support and break the cycle of poor educational performance. The experts say that is important, not just for younger kids, but the older ones as well.   Full Story

No one likes to be lonely; but when you are an isolated senior, it's easier to have that loneliness turn to despair. CBS 11 News looks at a program that can help.

It's called the Senior Companion Program.
It's a volunteer program that partners up able-bodied seniors with those who aren't able to get out on their own. The interaction can benefit both, by breaking the cycle of loneliness and helping people live fuller lives.   Full Story

Homelessness is a big problem in our community; but there are groups who are helping to turn those numbers around. CBS 11 News found a place that helps homeless men get back on their feet.   Full Story

Going back to school may not be something kids want to think about just yet, but local charity groups certainly are.

One such group is the HUGSS Program. This year the number of families who could use the extra help it offers is expected to grow. The idea is to make sure that every child has the very basics they need to go to school and be ready to learn.   Full Story

It is fair to say that children in foster care have it tough. But until recently, they also faced a hurdle that many people may not think about.

The challenges come when they "age out" of the foster care system at age 18, and suddenly they are on their own. Some of these young adults would like to go to college, but most can't afford it. Now a brand new program could help them plan a better future.   Full Story