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 dont 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 dont 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, cant 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.

Im currently working with Gene in Youth & Employment Services, he is always there to lend a helping hand.I cannot thank him enough for helping me obtain my High school Diploma (not a GED) at the age of 24 in 2017. Other than Education, they offer the youth of Anchorage employment services too.For all those Knuckleheads in Anchorage, go pay them a visit.For those who give nine star a low rating, it is because they are not fully aware of LIFE and what it takes to survive in this world, other than depending on government handouts.*UPDATE 2021: I am currently 3 classes away from obtaining my college degree in criminal justice*

Helpful, truly.

Greatest teacher of mathematics & science Ive ever experienced!

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, its AFTER the holidays! So someone SHOULD be there!