2025 In review

Last year was a year of growth and gratitude. We launched Rocket Fuel, a program that feeds children in Title I schools, ensuring they have the nutrition they need to learn, grow, and thrive. We also expanded opportunities through Reverb and Henning House, two programs that build on our belief that everyone deserves a second chance and the support to make the most of it.

At Henning House, residents who meet certain requirements now contribute 25% of their income toward housing. This approach empowers them to take the next step toward independence while keeping housing affordable and sustainable.

We also continued to walk beside those we serve through our shelter operations, low-income housing, and transitional housing programs. In all, we served 1,548 individuals. Every one of them has a story that matters. Every one is working toward stability in their own way.

Here’s where some of those journeys led:

🏠 19 moved into rental housing without a subsidy

🏠 15 secured rental housing with ongoing support

🏠 5 reunited with family or friends in stable homes

🏠 2 stayed in hotels while rebuilding stability

🏠 4 transitioned into longer-term programs

🏠 5 entered substance use treatment

🏠 4 moved into long-term care

Every outcome represents progress, a step closer to housing, health, and hope. Each person we serve reminds us that recovery, stability, and growth are possible when we meet people with dignity and walk with them through the hard parts.

Rocket Fuel’s First Year

In 2025, Rocket Fuel delivered 39,608 meals and snacks to children across our community. Behind that number are classrooms filled with kids who can focus on learning instead of hunger and parents who can breathe a little easier knowing their children have what they need to grow strong and healthy.

Through programs like Summer Meals, Refuel Bags, and Afterschool Meals, Rocket Fuel meets kids where they are at school, during breaks, and after the bell rings, because hunger does not keep a schedule.

Here is how those meals added up:

🍏Summer Meals: 11,398

🍏Refuel Bags: 11,670

🍏 Afterschool Meals: 16,540

Every meal is more than food. It is a small but powerful reminder that someone cares, that hope is still within reach, and that every child deserves the chance to learn, play, and dream on a full stomach.

Welcoming New Team Members  

This year, we are excited to welcome new members to our team who bring fresh energy, experience, and dedication to our mission of supporting Alaska’s most vulnerable residents. Their expertise and commitment strengthen our ability to provide housing, critical support services, and pathways out of experiencing homelessness.

One of our newest leaders, AJ Arevalo, has joined Henning Inc. as Rocket Fuel’s Program Manager. AJ brings over 15 years of experience in nonprofit management, community development, and crisis response. His professional journey includes leading successful turnaround efforts for multiple nonprofit associations, expanding their capacity from six to 24 organizations in just three years through strategic financial and operational recovery initiatives. AJ’s expertise spans crisis management, regulatory compliance, community relations, and long-term strategic planning.

His work is rooted in service and driven by a passion for uplifting others through meaningful engagement, compassionate leadership, and a collaborative approach that aligns organizational goals with community needs. We are thrilled to have him on our team as we continue walking alongside those we serve.

Walking with you, 

Shawn Tes

Founder and Executive Director 

Henning Inc.