Our Staff -
Laurie Kari - Program Director
Biography and Job Description:
Laurie Kari has been an Alaskan since moving here in 1985 and has since been serving community needs in the Valley. In 2001 she helped establish Mat-Su Valley Interfaith Hospitality Network, now Family Promise Mat-Su. She, her husband, and two girls attend 1st Presbyterian Church in Wasilla. She has a Bachelor’s in Science from the University of Minnesota-St. Paul where she and Phil met. Her current favorite pastimes are skijouring and "throwing pots".
As Program Director of Family Promise Laurie has the pleasure of speaking to new churches about coming on board as host churches. She also works to coordinate all of the churches who host or who partner with volunteers to other host sites. There is a unity of purpose between God's children filling needs regardless of denomination and this is the dearest part of Laurie's job. She facilitates day to day network operations, day center coverage, network office work and record keeping, and representing the network to the public and the media.
Israel Nelson - Case Manager Biography and Job Description
Israel has a Masters in Divinity, a specialist in substance abuse counseling and is a Valley Realtor with housing expertise. All three, along with other gifts, make him an ideal person to come alongside FPMS families moving back into self-sufficiency. Our program is fortunate to have Israel!
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Role of the board:
The volunteer Board Members of Family Promise Mat-Su chart the course of the agency. They are responsible to set policy for the organization, monitor operations, oversee finances, and assist with fundraising activities. Our Board Members are deeply committed to our program and addressing the needs of the homeless within our community. By communicating this passion within their own spheres of influence, members of the board represent our organization throughout the community.
