Nine Star Education and Employment Services: Main Office and Education Campus - Anchorage, Alaska

Blue Berry

So far I have been with Nine Star since January 2019 and its June 3rd when I am writing this review. So far, I have had two different case managers and I always have to get a supervisor involved in the meeting. I have gotten penalized at least 3 times and then retracted 2 times. I am in the DPS office 1-3 times per month related to errors that these staff make. They don't mind doing this because their goal is not to help solve any concerns that you bring to them, but to simply keep you there for an hour and to annoy or stress you until you no longer sign up for services or recieve any benefits from the government. And they refuse to put anything on paper besides your penalties that they send in the mail. So you have an understanding in person with your case manager and then you are mailed a penalty. This is a two faced approach. They even contacted my colleges professors without permission. If you get unfairly penalized, please be aware that you ask to appeal the decision by selecting the option on the back of the letter in the mail, and then you can choose for your benefits to remain the same until your Fair Hearing. This will avoid any consequence of their abusive practices until you can get others involved. Basically, come up with a way to show literal 40 hours of something volunteer wise or work wise including self employment. When you submit it to the caseworker, take a picture of your submission or have her sign something saying that you met requirements for the previous month. No amount of verbal discussions will help you avoid penalties. I have already experienced the lack of communication from the supervisors and bother my casemanager. They take the "Work First" quite literally and to the detriment of the other features of the Program such as secondary education, or training. They don't help at all with this process. They literally are in the way. What may be an acceptable method or proving your hours, may not be acceptable the next time. So inconsistent what I was told, that I had to start showing Nine Star staff their own manual, especially after they handed me a client rule book from 2010 when the rules were different. They definitely need greater oversight. Some of these workers who are giving you a hard time, can't even spell correctly. So it sucks, but they definitely want it to suck so that you never get anywhere close to reaching that 60 month time limit on benefits. Already between Nine Star and DPS, spent 10 hour, not including getting dressed and waking early, gas,etc. Now just imagine if I was working a minimum wage job and trying to do this...No way could you have the time and resources to play these games and get the help that you need.

Cynthia Guerrero-bibbs

Very poor professional case managers. They aren't very helpful with supportive services. They try everything in their power to avoid helping you. No need to even have such a service if you don't provide it.

Jerry Tetpon

No can give a straight answer when on the phone, I have been calling to find out about study classes, nobody is there it seems like, when transfered nobody picks up the phone, it's AFTER the holidays! So someone SHOULD be there!

Hailey Fite

Would not have an education if not for the people here! Amazing youth advocacy

peter frost

Greatest teacher of mathematics & science I've ever experienced!

Skeleton Arca

Helpful, truly.

Faiva Hari

Anela Simi Collins