Jessica Stevens Community Foundation ACF

The Jessica Stevens Community Foundation (JSCF) was founded in memory of a dedicated local health care provider. Jessica Stevens had a vision of building vibrant communities through compassionate health care, innovative education, social engagement, active enjoyment of the natural environment, and creative artistic and cultural expression. An Affiliate of The Alaska Community Foundation, JSCF is proud to serve the Trapper Creek, Susitna, and Talkeetna area in support of Jessica's vision.

The Jessica Stevens Community Foundation (JSCF) serves an immense region of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, bordering Denali State and National Parks. Its residents are renowned for being independent people with a tremendous community spirit and JSCF is proud to play a role in improving their lives. Jessica Stevens embodied this sense of spirit as she worked tirelessly for 14 years to advance healthcare in the region. Her efforts transformed a single-provider clinic with a shoestring budget into a federally-qualified community health center with a staff of 40 professionals housed in a state-of-the-art rural clinic facility. Until her tragic, accidental death in 2007, Jessica had been extremely active in the areas arts community, always an inspiration for others wanting to give back to their community.

Volunteers from northern Susitna Valley communities celebrate the spirit of Jessica Stevens through their efforts to grow the foundation named in her memory. Seeking to encourage compassionate health care, innovative education, active enjoyment of the natural environment, and community enrichment through the arts and cultural expression, the donors to and supporters of the Jessica Stevens Community Foundation are building an endowment to support community efforts forever.

Since its inception in 2008, JSCF has grown a permanent endowment to address both current and future community needs of residents within the northern Susitna Valley. Earnings from the endowment are reinvested back into the local community through grants supporting health, education, human services, arts and culture, and the preservation and enjoyment of the natural environment.

Our 2013 Healthy Community Grant Awards helped fund important, on-going community projects including the Upper Susitna Senior Centers Meels on Wheels program and the Susitna Transist service. We also supported the the art programs at Talkeetna Elementary School and Trapper Creek Elementary School. JSCF is also committed to strengthening the capacity of community organizations and individuals by providing support, seminars and training opportunities.

As an Affiliate of The Alaska Community Foundation (ACF), JSCF benefits from the shared services and infrastructure provided through ACF. This partnership allows for greater efficiency in operations and a higher portion of contributions to be directed back into the local community through JSCF grantmaking programs.