A Lasting Legacy
When Joyanna Geisler founded the Independent Living Program at Homer's Mental Health Center in 1986, little did she realize she was crafting a lasting legacy and impact. In 1991, the program became the Independent Living Center, a 501(c)3 non-profit serving people experiencing disabilities on the Southern Kenai Peninsula.
The consummate advocate, Joyanna added offices in the Central Peninsula (1995), Seward (1997), and Kodiak (2017) ensuring people with disabilities realize self-determination and equal opportunities.
Impact & Vision
Joyanna’s proactive reach went beyond the Gulf Coast though as Joyanna is credited with bringing Home and Community-Based Care Services for Veterans to Alaska as well as Consumer-Directed Personal Care Services empowering people to manage their own in-home care.
In addition, the ILC was one of the demonstration sites for the Transportation Voucher program securing accessible and available transportation services for rural residents in the state. Joyanna's steadfast commitment and unflagging leadership in the disability community won her several awards but her genuine motivation was to help people make better lives for themselves.
Recognition of Service
In 1995 and 2018, Joyanna was awarded the National Council on Independent Regional Advocacy Award Region X and the Governor's Award to Independent Living Center Homer in 1995.
Recognition came again in 2006 as an Award by the Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living (APRIL's) Transportation Project and Expanding Rural Transportation Options and in 2007, nationally with the Earl Walden Award for Outstanding Achievement in Rural Advocacy.
Joyanna Geisler
May 15, 1953 - February 15, 2025
Joyanna was raised as a wonderful Wyoming girl who grew into an adventurous, generous, and caring Alaskan woman. She leaves a lasting legacy of ensuring people with disabilities realize self-determination and equal opportunities. May your memory of Joyanna remind you we can all make a difference in the lives of the people in our world.