Mat-Su Health Foundation co-hosting film screening

On September 24, the Mat-Su Health Foundation will co-host a free film screening of “ILP,” a Mat-Su based documentary highlighting the successes and challenges of an essential infant learning program. The film chronicles real-life ILP experiences, told from the perspectives of local Mat-Su families and caregivers.

The 26-minute documentary depicts a week in the life of the staff and local families at the Mat-Su Services for Children and Adults, Inc. It was funded by the Mat-Su Health Foundation and created by Alaskan filmmakers Laura Norton-Cruz and Joshua Albeza Branstetter.

Infant learning programs, like the one featured in “ILP,” provide early intervention services for children who are experiencing developmental delays, as well as education for parents. An estimated 1,800 Alaskan families are served each year by 17 infant learning programs across the state, at no cost to families.

The free film screening will be held on Wednesday, September 24, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Valley Cinema, located at 3331 E. Old Matanuska Rd., Wasilla. Dinner will be provided. A community discussion will follow the film screening, with a panel featuring ILP parents, early childhood experts, Wasilla Representative Jubilee Underwood, and partners like CCS Early Learning, Mat-Su Services for Children & Adults, Mat-Su Health Foundation, and Laura Norton-Cruz Consulting. Those interested in attending the screening can register online.