Mission Related Investing
Assisted living homes for people with mental illness or developmental disabilities
BCS Foundation owns several assisted living homes in Bethel, Alaska. These homes were designed for people with developmental disabilities or mental illness. They were the first of their kind in the region, and have assisted tremendously in the efforts of people experiencing disabilities to remain close to their families and friends in this very rural region. When the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation began to deliver residential services to people with mental illness and developmental disabilities, the Foundation agreed to lease its assisted living homes with a substantial rent reduction currently totaling $240,000 per year.
Wheelchair-accessible Subsistence fish camp
Native people with limited mobility yearn to contribute and be part of the community. Subsistence fishing, putting up fish, and the experience of living in fish camp is integral to the subsistence way of life that rural people enjoy. BCS Foundation developed a wheelchair-accessible fish camp on an island in the Kuskokwim River adjacent to the City of Bethel so that mobility-impaired residents could enjoy the fish camp experience with friends and family. The camp facilities comprise several buildings that are leased at a nominal annual fee to the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation. During the summer season YKHC staff provides daily boat shuttle transportation to and from the camp.
Curves Fitness Center
BCS Foundation owns a building that had been used as an assisted living facility but which had outlived its purpose. The Foundation agreed to extensively renovate and lease the building to Suzan Monfort to open a Curves Fitness Center franchise. The lease provides a source of income for the Foundation. Just as importantly it provides the only public gym in the YK Delta. Curves has become one of the fastest growing franchises in America. It has become famous for its Thirty Minute Workout for women. The circuit training combines strength and cardiovascular training using hydraulic machines. The machines were designed by Curves to be used by women. Curves opened in October 2006 and one month later already had 160 + subscribers! To contact Curves, call 907-543-2995.
NAPA Auto Parts
The Foundation owns a parcel of land in downtown Bethel that previously had been vacant. A prime location for business activity, the lot has been leased to Korthuis Auto Parts: a NAPA Auto Parts franchise. The lease provides a source of income for the Foundation. The leased parcel provided a much needed site to expand the NAPA franchise with a new store. The new store opened in November 2006. The new store fills an essential need in the community and the region for local access to a diversity of parts and tools for all kinds of vehicles and equipment. To contact Korthuis Auto Parts, call 907-543-2673.