Willa's Way


Willa's Way is a safe home program developed by Southcentral Foundation in collaboration with Abused Women Aid in Crisis (AWAIC). The program is named after Willa Pritchard, who was killed by her partner in 1995, after she was unable to obtain assistance in the community. Dedicated to Pritchard, the program provides temporary shelter for Alaska Native and American Indian women and their children who are not safe in their own homes. The service offers a confidential, culturally appropriate, non-judgmental environment for customers.


Willa's Way opened its doors in the winter of 1997 with a capacity of six. Today, the apartments have become safe havens for approximately 24 individuals in the Anchorage area. Seeking to prevent other Alaska Native and American Indian people from Willa's fate, Willa's Way offers them hope, refuge and respect.


Members of the Willa's Way staff are committed to empowering individuals in making their own choices and rebuilding their lives. They believe that everyone has the strength and ability to create positive changes in their lives. Staff advocates provide assistance for residents in the following areas:

  • Finding community resources
  • Obtaining household supplies and hygiene products
  • Obtaining legal and courtroom aid (including Protective Orders)
  • Finding permanent housing

Information
Abused Women's Aid In Crisis
(AWAIC)
272-0100 (crisis line)
729-5070 (business line)
729-2500 (main)
Alaska Native Primary Care Center
Safe Housing Program
Anchorage, Alaska

Residents at Willa's Way also receive support in the form of therapeutic groups, crisis intervention, individual case management, and educational offerings. Both AWAIC and Willa's Way have helped male individuals with domestic violence issues as well


The program at Willa's Way rests on four fundamental principles:

  • Respect Children
  • Respect Women
  • Respect the Family
  • Respect and Honor Yourself


If you or someone you know is possibly in an abusive situation, call these numbers.
Remember, no one deserves to be harmed!