In March 2026, we celebrated the first U.S. graduating class of the WISE Scholarship Program™ at Grace Sober Living. Kim Black, Angel Ackermann and Nick Anaya reached this milestone after 18 months of commitment, with nearly 900 hours of community service between them. Their graduation brought together the personal development, service and educational opportunity at the heart of this partnership.
Eighteen months of commitment
The graduation we shared in March recognised a sustained commitment to learning and participation. Alongside community service, the scholars completed life-skills training and spiritual and personal development through their work with Grace Sober Living. Their WISE scholarships followed this period of effort and preparation.
For our Foundation, the milestone connects two areas of our work: support for people rebuilding their lives, and access to further education. Through our partnership with Grace Sober Living and the Walker Family, we have worked to bring those commitments together in a practical pathway. This first graduating class gives that shared effort a clear point of recognition.
Service through community organisations
Kim, Angel and Nick contributed nearly 900 service hours collectively. Their service included work with Andre House, St. Vincent de Paul, St. Mary’s Food Bank, Phoenix Rescue Mission and Arcadia City Church. We are grateful to the organisations that gave the scholars opportunities to contribute to their communities during this period.
Service is a central part of the WISE approach. Our Earn to Learn model connects educational support with sustained participation in learning, extracurricular activities and community engagement. At Grace Sober Living, the graduating scholars’ service sits alongside their life-skills training and personal development as part of the work they completed to earn this opportunity.
A partnership with continuity
This milestone builds on an established relationship. Our 2025 Impact Report recognised Grace Sober Living as WISE’s Program Partner of the Year. In March, the first graduating class marked another step in that partnership, with the Foundation, Grace Sober Living and the Walker Family sharing in the celebration.
We value the combination of a community partner, a sustained learning program and support for further education. Each has a place in this story: the setting in which scholars participate, the work they undertake and the opportunity they earn through that commitment.
The next educational step
Kim, Angel and Nick now move forward with WISE scholarships to pursue their next educational and career steps. We congratulate them on completing this stage of the program and thank everyone who helped make it possible. Their graduation is an occasion to recognise both their individual commitment and the community that supported their work.