About Fairbanks Youth Advocates
Who We Serve
Fairbanks Youth Advocates believes that assisting at critical times in the lives of young people is vital to their present and future well-being, ultimately contributing to the stability and long-term health of our community.
Our services are available for youth aged 12-18. Fairbanks Youth Advocates provides its services to ALL youth regardless of race, color, creed, disability, national origin, gender identity, gender expression, or religion.
We respect and honor the human dignity of all people. Under no circumstances is it required or expected that an individual believes a sure way to access or receive services. We accept all as they are; however they are.
Guiding Principles
That as a community of citizens, we bear a local responsibility to help those in need, especially young people who have, for reasons beyond their control, found themselves in need of Shelter.
We must speak up for those who are unable to speak for themselves and advocate for the rights of those in need.
We are most effective when we partner with like-minded agencies, without duplication of services, allowing one another to be and do what we are uniquely tasked to do.
We Believe
“Doing” defines our true beliefs.
1 John 3:18
All people have the right to be loved & treated with respect and dignity.
1 Corinthians 13, 1 Peter 2:17
Do unto others as we would have done unto us.
Matthew 7:12
God requires us to love mercy, act justly and walk humbly.
Micah 6:8
To whom much is given, much is expected.
Luke 12:48
Fairbanks Youth Advocates is the federally recognized 501c3 non-profit organization (EIN# 90-0434664) governed by a board of directors.
Staff
Krystel Marino
Executive Director
I am honored to serve among the leadership at The Door and connect with the at-youth in our community. I have spent nearly a decade in the social service field working with youth and adult populations. From Africa all the way to Alaska, it has always been my passion to give youth a better life than what they might be coming from. If I’m not at the Door, you’ll find me fighting fires or teaching classes at a local FD where I serve as an Officer (LT), Medic and Instructor.
Board of Directors
Meaghan Price
President
RTC Program Manager/Community Outreach Specialist
Leland Rich
Treasurer
Business Owner
I moved to Fairbanks with my parents when I was eight years old and attended school at University Park, Main, Ryan, and Lathrop, followed by a BS degree in Mathematics at the University of Alaska. I received an MS graduate degree in Computer Science from Northwestern and then returned to Fairbanks, where I’ve remained. Fairbanks is Home. I owned a small business performing IT work for companies across the state. I’ve been married to my wife Margaret for almost 30 years. Now that I’m semi-retired and have available time, I can’t think of any better way to give back than to help FYA help kids in need in our community.
It has truly been an honor to serve the FYA organization – whether it was in the capacity of just getting the ball rolling in the basement of a church or, now, serving on the board. I hope that the gifts that I have been blessed with can be used to help FYA not only meet its mission but help FYA to be a model of hope, compassion, and justice for our beloved Fairbanks community.
Jenifer Hartford
Member
Director of Human Resources
Jennifer Hartford is a Director of Human Resources in the behavioral health industry. Originally from Colorado, she relocated to Fairbanks in 2021 with her husband. Fairbanks is now her forever home and she enjoys the unique lifestyle it offers. Jennifer believes in investing in the future of our community and empowering local youth to reach their full potential
Seanne Mackey
Member
Volunteer to Serve on the Board
Fairbanks Youth Advocates is currently seeking to expand our board with passionate and skilled individuals who share the desire to help the homeless, runaway and at-risk youth in the Interior Alaska Community. Although not limited to these skills, we are seeking individuals who have experience in fundraising, business, legal matters, graphic design and website management.
Please read through the documents below and send your application to Board President Jim Williams.