Set Free Alaska stays online to maintain essential care for those in recovery

WASILLA — Set Free Alaska is currently offering telehealth services to support their various clients in recovery for substance abuse, and they’re still accepting new patients in wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

“We’re one of the essential workers,” Set Free Alaska marketing director Jessica Jones said. “The message we’re trying to put out there is just people who are in such great need right now. There’s this isolation factor that we’re all facing, and we just want to help people, and encourage people, and give them hope… how to get through this pandemic a little stronger.”

Those in the recovery field know that addiction thrives in isolation and maintaining social connections is vital for recovery, that’s one of the main reasons why Set Free is so adamant on supporting their clients with constant communication.

“We don’t have to be socially isolated, we just have to be physically isolated, right? Emotionally we can still connect,” Jones said. “I think the social connection aspect is critical. It’s lifeline to sobriety and to keeping on a good path. Find you people. Find your support network, whatever that looks like.”

Set Free is checking in with their existing clients on a regular basis to see how they’re fairing through this time period, according to Jones. She said they’re even checking on their graduates.

“We’re here and we just want to be an encouragement,” Jones said.

Set Free is very active on Facebook, posting weekly videos with executive Director Philip Licht with messages of encouragement and ways to cope with the at-home quarantines. They also make it a point to engage their clients and the public as much as possible with online challenges like taking certain types of selfies, according to Jones.

“We’re pushing a lot through Facebook right now because it’s an easy way for us to stay super current,” Jones said.

Set Free is a faith-based organization and encourages their clients to read scripture passages during their treatment. Utilizing the bible is also part of their ongoing social media challenges in an effort to stay connected with their clients during this difficult time.

“We desire to see all Alaskans free from from addiction— that’s our vision— and experience God’s love,” Jones said.

Jones said their staff members are taking all the precautionary measures necessary to follow CDC guidelines.

“Many, many of us are working from home, but the office remains open because we need to be a blessing to our community. That’s always in our heart,” Jones said.

For more information about Set Free Alaska, call 907- 373-4732 or visit setfreealaska.org. To view their weekly videos or see the most recent updates, look them up on Facebook.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com. Support local journalism. By subscribing you help local journalism continue to thrive. For our latest digital subscription information, see frontiersman.com/site/forms/subscription_services/