For many years we have had the pleasure of welcoming a Jesuit Volunteer to the SAIL family, both in Juneau and Sitka. “JV’s” are an integral part of SAIL’s ability to serve a wide range of consumers in our communities, and we are grateful for our partnership with Jesuit Volunteer Corps Northwest who has connected us to the many bright, creative, and generous individuals who have dedicated their year of service to SAIL.
This past fall, we were heartbroken to learn that Anna Hennessey, who served as SAIL’s Jesuit Volunteer in Sitka 2019 to 2020, had passed away from cancer. Anna was loved in Sitka and throughout SAIL, and is deeply missed.
Anna was SAIL’s Independent Living Advocate and Outdoor Recreation and Community Access Coordinator. She particularly loved the Senior Outings program and SAIL’s Loan Closet.
SAIL’s mission to Inspire Personal Independence became personal for Anna as she navigated the complicated treatments and systems with the help of advocates and her loving family. When SAIL staff connected with Anna after her cancer diagnosis and throughout her treatment process, we talked about her transition from being an able bodied young person, to the ups and downs of cancer treatment, and her struggle with losing parts of her independence. Anna found herself having to rely on some of the same durable medical equipment that she had distributed out of SAIL’s loan closet only a year prior.
SAIL is so very grateful for Anna’s contributions to SAIL and the Sitka community, and we look forward to welcoming new Jesuit Volunteers who will follow in her footsteps for years to come. JVs are important to us and each year we are struck by their deep commitment to inspiring independence for our consumers. If you know someone who would like to make a lasting impact as a Jesuit Volunteer like Anna, they can learn more about the program here.
