At the urging of a local pastor who first witnessed the degradation of prostitutes during his military service a later worked with others to establish a Mary Magdalene Home in Hawaii, three women from local churches began investigating the service agencies in Anchorage and talking to police officers to determine if there was a need for a Mary Magdalene Home in Anchorage.  The overwhelming response to their inquires persuaded them that the need was there.

In January of 1996, a small group of ecumenical women from several local churches began calling on people in the Anchorage community to meet monthly to discuss issues on helping women in prostitution.  By July, approximately 20 community members and professionals were meeting and organizing their efforts to create a program in Anchorage to provide rehabilitative support and recovery services to women who have been involved in prostitution and are seeking a way to redirect their lives.

By late October, MMHA was incorporated and eight board of directors were elected to the newly established board.

MMHA is founded on the conviction that people can and do change.  The program works with participants to help them explore and resolve ambivalence about behavioral change.

Giving Back- MMHA participants are invested in the organization and in the community.  Participants:

• Share their stories during presentations to community groups
• Organize and run agency fundraisers
• Attend community activities as representatives of MMHA
• Serve as mentors for new participants