Citizen Potawatomi Nation Annual Report FY2015
CITIZEN POTAWATOMI NATION
Annual Report Narrative
October 1, 2014-September 30, 2015
Prepared by: Margaret Zientek 12/31/2015
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Citizen Potawatomi Nation Annual Report FY2015
GENERAL PROGRAM
Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Citizen Potawatomi Nation Employment & Training Director and Assistant Director each serve on 1 of the 3 workforce boards that cover portions of the CPN E&T service area.
Both WIB’s have renewed the appointments through the Lead Elected Official for Carol Clay Levi and/or Margaret Zientek to continue to represent tribal programs. We continue to remind the WIB that Citizen Potawatomi Nation is not the only tribal Workforce that should have representation on the WIB.
State Workforce Investment Board Since 2003 no State WIB member currently meets the requirements to be designated as representing tribal interests (none with tribal WIA experience). We remain unaware of who is designated to represent Native American interests on the State Board.
Local Workforce Investment Boards vs Citizen Potawatomi Nation E &T Service Area The service area for CPN’s E&T program includes all of Pottawatomie, Lincoln, Payne, Cleveland, and approximately the eastern 12 miles of Oklahoma County for Employment & Training services. For Child Care services the area includes all of Pottawatomie, Cleveland, and Oklahoma Counties. Representation on a local level has been a strain to maintain since this involves three different State Workforce Investment Boards. The following State WIB’s include part of CPN’s service area. The counties indicated in boldface type are with CPN’s service area.
East Central Oklahoma Workforce Investment Board – Okfuskee, Hughes, Seminole, Pottawatomie, & Lincoln Counties. Margaret Zientek, Assistant Director E&T, remains active with this Local Workforce Investment Board and assumes committee assignments or task force duties when feasible. Central Oklahoma Workforce Investment Board -Cleveland County, Canadian, Logan, and Oklahoma Counties. Carol Clay Levi, E&T Director, represents CPN as a WIB member. Carol also has assumed committee assignments and/or task force duties when appropriate. NOTE: CPN can only serve Native American Indians who reside within the easternmost twelve miles of Oklahoma County but service on the board is to represent ANY Native American interest in the full service area. North Central Oklahoma Workforce Investment Board –Noble, Kay, Grant, Garfield, Kingfisher, Blaine, Major, Alfalfa, and Payne Counties. Again this year, no CPN nominee is providing representation on the WIB. Payne County represents the smallest concentration population to which CPN provides services.
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Citizen Potawatomi Nation Annual Report FY2015
OUTREACH & COORDINATION OF SERVICES / LINKAGES -Outside CPN Satellite Offices To cover our service area and reach those who may be in need of CPN E&T’s services, CPN staff continues to offer outreach services in Perkins, Stillwater, Stroud, Norman, and McLoud. Stillwater, Oklahoma is just a few miles from the Perkins site (Iowa Tribe). Based on client need and tribal request, staffing has been adjusted accordingly.
Perkins / Stillwater & IOWA Tribe of Oklahoma The Perkins outreach is located within the Iowa Tribal Complex. Due to the low demand, CPN staff man this office once every other week or by appointment as needed.
A close relationship has evolved with the Vocational Rehabilitation Program operated by the IOWA Tribe. One of the IOWA V.R. staff occupies office space within CPN E&T offices. This enables CPN & IOWA tribal staff to provide a full range of services for our shared clients. We coordinate to extend and to avoid duplication of funding and services. In FY11, the Iowa Tribal Chairman requested more satellite coverage. We have increased satellite presence. With a very narrow IOWA-OTSA, a total enrollment of only 700 tribal members, and DOL calculation of CENSUS unemployed and in poverty, the potential people to be served is extremely low and the funds received calculates to less than $7,000 for serving this area. We are finding it hard to juggle Tribal priority versus service population.
Other miscellaneous outreach: with IOWA V.R. staff joins CPN in providing services in the McLoud area. CPN also provides meeting space at the CPN complex to the Oklahoma Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation Directors for meetings as needed.
Stroud & Sac & Fox Nation The Stroud outreach is staffed one day every other week or by appointment more frequently as needed. CPN staff operates out of the Sac & Fox Social Services offices. We work closely with Sac & Fox Social Service referrals, Family Preservation, and Domestic Violence Programs. Sac & Fox Nation main offices that are located approx. 60 miles away. Volume of clients at this location continues to be low. The Sac & Fox Nation has a regional office located within the City of Shawnee. The Sac & Fox Nation is the only tribe providing services to the immediate area with a Commodities Food Program. Our staff refer eligible clients to Sac & Fox Commodities.
Norman The Norman office is housed within the State Workforce Center with staff coverage a minimum of one day a week and additional staffing by appointment. The state and tribal collaboration has proved very helpful in serving the joint clients. At the time of this report, CPN E&T is anticipating no change in the location of the satellite office in Norman even though the Cleveland County WIB was dissolved.
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Citizen Potawatomi Nation Annual Report FY2015
McLoud & Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma is headquartered less than 25 miles away from CPN headquarters. The connection between CPN E&T and Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma (KTO) Social Service Program is strong. KTO General Assistance clients deemed employable are required to apply with CPN E&T as a critical of their Employability Development Plan.
Due to client volume, in the McLoud and closely adjoining Oklahoma County 12-mile strip, a satellite office is maintained within the Kickapoo Tribal complex within the Social Services Dept. Our goal is to reach those most in need and to make access to services easier for our participants. Volume at this office is also low.
Wanette / Asher & Southern Area in Citizen Potawatomi Nation Jurisdiction Participants from this area who lack transportation are assisted on an individual basis. We continue to monitor the possible need for establishing a satellite location in the Wanette / Asher area. For our JOM participants, we try to locate a ‘host’ site in that area in order to rotate the location of meetings to make attendance easier. One of our staff lives in Asher and conducts outreach as needed.
Oklahoma State Dept. of Human Services-Public Assistance Programs. As identified in the CPN 477 Plan, one of the goals of the Tribe is to address the needs of Indian families who have demonstrated a dependence on public assistance programs. CPN counselors make a strong effort to work together with DHS caseworkers for the benefit of our shared clients. As we write this report, the following percentages were obtained from OKDHS website (www.okdhs.org) regarding the number of Native Americans on TANF for CPN 477 service area: Native Americans Receiving - TANF & Food Stamps–Sept. 2013, Sept. 2014, & June 2015 Adult Children % TANF % TANF Sept Sep Sep Sept Sep Sep County / Year 13 14 15 13 14 15
Pottawatomie* 21.3 21.92 18.75 28.7 21.18 24.84 Lincoln* 12.5 0.00 16.67 9.2 6.15 15.49 Payne* 9.8 4.55 0.00 11.2 4.07 6.61 Cleveland* 10.4 4.29 8.00 6.0 4.23 7.20 Oklahoma 6.0 8.43 6.86 3.7 3.22 3.79 *Note: Native Americans in these rural counties have a choice of DHS-FS or USDA-Commodities. Commodities information is not included. Monthly Statistical Bulletin no longer published for on-line access. Data provided by OK DHS Data Specialist Chris Weimer ([email protected]). Page 4 of 56
Citizen Potawatomi Nation Annual Report FY2015
SNAP Native SNAP Native SNAP Native Total of American Total of American Total of American Native Race / Native Race / Native Race / America Ethnicity American Ethnicity American Ethnicity n Percentage Persons Percentage Persons Percentage Persons Of Total Served Of Total Served Of Total Served Persons Persons Persons County / Month & Year Sept 13 Sept 14 Sept 15
Pottawatomie* 3208 20.0% 2915 19.2% 2775 18.3% Lincoln* 417 8.2% 435 8.86% 402 8.04% Payne* 727 8.3% 623 8.15% 606 7.86% Cleveland* 2160 6.9% 1952 6.5% 1761 5.76% Oklahoma 6377 5.0% 6142 5.01% 5420 4.34% Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Cases (Food Stamp) information is summarized for the Native Population only. To really see the picture of ‘Native American Persons on public food assistance, you would need to add to Number of People Served with Commodity Assistance to Total of Native Americans Served with SNAP assistances to get the true picture. S&F Nutrition Center provides Commodities to S&F Nation, Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma, and Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma. Oklahoma Counties served include: Potawatomie* (all), Payne* (South), Logan (East), Oklahoma * (East), and Cleveland * (East). At the time of this report, this information was not available from the Sac & Fox Commodities Program. Only the Counties with noted with the asterisk* are within the CPN 477 service area. The information from FDPIR for the State of Oklahoma, reflects an increase over previous year. 2013 2014 2015 % increase Oklahoma 25,678 29,012 31,042 6.9%
COORDINATION OF SERVICES / LINKAGES -Within CPN Community Development Corporation / Community Development Financial Institution The Citizen Potawatomi Community Development Corporation (CPCDC) assists tribal employees and E&T participants who are seeking to initiate or expand a business. From writing a business plan, to credit repair and building, to applying for loans, the CPCDC works closely with E&T staff and participants to create self-sufficiency and job opportunities within the area. The CPCDC is committed to work with CPN E&T 477 program to provide financial education services and other minority business services to respective clients.
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Citizen Potawatomi Nation Annual Report FY2015
CPN E&T Program utilizes the CPCDC to qualify businesses and monitor grants and loans made possible thru the P.L. 102-477 Plan. The CPCDC staff members are experts at assessing and assisting Native Businesses from start-up to expansion.
DOJ Prisoner Reintegration In October 2011, CPN was successful in obtaining a Department of Justice Prisoner Reintegration Grant under the Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation. Clients served through this grant are dually enrolled in Reintegration and 477 E&T programs and/or IOWA Vocational Rehabilitation Program when applicable.
We are pleased to announce that we were again funded by CTAS-BJA in October 2014 for another 3 years. In FY2015, we expanded to not only serve participants who are re-entering the job market after incarceration but to also include services to those who are diverted from prison or “Diversionary” participants. The Diversionary participant is one who is on the path to become a felon but has been given a chance to change their ways. In other words they are on probation and if they do certain things will not be sent to prison. FY13 FY14 FY15 Re-Entry 22 32 21 Diversionary 0 0 8
CPN serves any federally recognized tribal member who resides or upon release from incarceration will reside within the E&T 477 service area
Outreach is an important component of the reintegration program. We not only provide information to other Tribes in Oklahoma regarding our CPN Reintegration Program but we also visit correctional facility in the state to inform the Native American Indian population of our reintegration program and what services we can provide to those returning to our services area. Another activity is we co-sponsored a Native American Heritage Month Pow-Wow at a local correctional facility. At this facility one CPN Reintegration Counselor provides bi-monthly sweat lodge and a talking circle.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is also a grant operated by CPN. LIHEAP funds provides energy assistance to low income Native American Indian people with heating bills in winter, and cooling in summer. Many (but not all), of the Native American Indian people who receive this assistance are also 477 clients. Assistance is coordinated through the Social Services component of the 477 program. The Social Services Counselor coordinates with local tribes and DHS to avoid duplication of services.
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Citizen Potawatomi Nation Annual Report FY2015
LIHEAP FY13 FY14 FY15 Heating 136 154 Winter Crisis n/a n/a 309 Cooling 103 161 Year Round Crisis n/a n/a 170 Total 389 239 774
A total of 389 households were served in FY13. A total of 239 were served in FY2014. These included 103 households helped with cooling and 136 households helped with heating. The average amount of assistance per household was $198. In 2014, the tribe was successful in negotiating with the State of Oklahoma to increase the number used in the funding formula. The State of Oklahoma sent $18,000 back to be re-programmed to CPN for cooling and summer crisis. Beginning in 2015, the State the change in formula was implemented in steps. IN FY2015, or step 1, we received an increase to approx. $131,000 funding for the year. As you can see by these numbers, the total we were able to serve also significantly jumped. This is a grant that CPN E&T wants to include in the 477 Plan. In FY16, Step 2 incremental increase will result in an increase of funds yet again.
Community Services Block Grant Although a very small grant, CPN does operate a Community Services Block Grant (CSBG). The primary assistance provided to the community was in the form of $10 gas vouchers issued to low income Native American Indian People for medical reasons. Many of those seeking assistance are the same people served through our Social Services component of the 477 program. Funding was very limited but with gas prices continuing to rise, our participants need these funds to obtain basic medical services.
In FY11, we were forced to turn people away. In FY12, unfortunately the funds continued to dwindle and people were turned away due to funds shortage with a total of 343 gas vouchers were issued (funding under $3,500 for the year). When CSBG funds ran out, we were only able to serve current 477 participants who could be served under supportive services or were CPN tribal members and could be served under Tribal Hardship funds. It is heartbreaking. So many people who need the $10 gas voucher just to get to/from a doctor appointment.
In FY2013, we served 271 people through CSBG. All but one was issued a $10 gas voucher. One household was served with crisis utility assistance. In FY14 we served 338 people with $10 gas vouchers.
An additional 300 CPN tribal members were served with gas vouchers for medical appointments under Tribal funds earmarked for Hardship. In FY15, our negotiation with the State of Oklahoma Dept. of Commerce to increase the CSBG service number for CPN resulted in a tremendous increase in funds from
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Citizen Potawatomi Nation Annual Report FY2015 approx. $3300 to approx. $155,000. Our count had been frozen from 1979. We are looking forward to what this may mean in terms of increased funding for these clients. Allowable activities for CSBG funds include some activities that we would consider ‘supportive services’ under 477. This grant makes perfect sense to incorporate in a 477 Plan of services. We have already submitted a plan modification requesting CSBG be incorporated in P.L.102-477 beginning FY16 – October 1, 2016. CSBG FY13 FY14 FY15 / AVG $ Fuel Vouchers 271@ $10 338 @ $10 345 @ $15 Utilities, Rent, 0 0 299 / $382 Appliance Replacement Total # served 271 338 644
Indian Child Welfare-Foster Care – Family Preservation - Domestic Violence Intervention-Tribal Youth Program (TYP) CPN’s Indian Child Welfare Department Officers provide child protection, oversee foster cases, offer Family Preservation, and Domestic Violence Intervention for tribal members and to other Native Americans who reside within the former reservation area of CPN. Many are referred between Employment & Training Department and ICW for services.
CPN ICW offered several workshops which CPN E&T staff attended. With common goals of self- sufficiency, E&T and ICW join efforts to help native household help themselves. This is just one example of how CPN-ICW offers training in Domestic Violence Intervention for area tribes and police departments. E&T staff attended this training.
In FY13, CPN Tribal Youth Program opened the doors to the P.L.A.C.E. Local native youth ages 12 to 18 are provided a safe nurturing environment. Students actively serve on the ‘governing board’. Cultural based activities are offered. There are field trips with approx. 50 kids participating. During the summer, breakfast and luncheon meals were provided as well. All of these activities are provided for a fee of just $50 for the quarter. During the school year, the number increased to 60 kids who are provided transport from the area schools to participate in the after-school program. Fees dropped to $25 a quarter. Students are provided tutors when needed. E&T youth are able to access this program for services. Based on need, the quarterly fee, may be paid on their behalf as a supportive service from the 477 program. In FY2014, E&T and P.L.A.C.E. worked together with FEED THE CHILDREN and a supplemental Summer Food program to reach needy households.
In FY2015, E&T helped sponsor the P.L.A.C.E. and other youth in a STEM project involving building underwater robotics. Additionally, E&T funded an instructor to conduct a Raspberry Pi Computer Class.
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Citizen Potawatomi Nation Annual Report FY2015
The students took scrap parts from CPN Information Technology Department and an OBU instructor taught the youth to build a microcomputer. Some pictures of the kids assembling the underwater robot are included. Unfortunately, the pictures of the Raspberry Pi and more of the robotics testing are not available. I.T. is trying to recover items from the I-Pad that has stopped working – which had the pictures on it.
Housing Under the Native American Housing and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (NAHASDA) rules, CPN modified the tribal housing program to include rental assistance for tribal members engaged in post- secondary education programs. This program has proved very successful. All CPN Tribal members enrolled full-time who received tribally funded scholarships or Higher Education grants also received Housing assistance. CPN Housing sends tenants who need social services and / or employment and training to E&T. Each year CPN Housing and E&T see more and more homeless. Currently, we have no temporary shelters to offer. We refer those in need to established shelters such as Salvation Army, Project Safe (Domestic Violence), Jesus House, and Shawnee Rescue Mission.
In FY14, we were able to utilize the temporary shelters (trailers, tents, or campsite) for four of our clients. Due to previous clients who abused this privilege, we developed a ‘contract’ and limitation on the use of the temporary shelters.
In FY15 we had one client who stayed on the Pow Wow grounds in a tent for a short period of time. Otherwise, all homeless clients were referred to Domestic Violence when applicable or Salvation Army for temporary shelter.
Behavioral Health Some of our most hard-to-serve clients are those with multiple barriers. When substance abuse is one of those barriers, it proves to be a major obstacle. Whether volunteered by the client, or gained through public knowledge such as the local newspaper summaries of police reports, it is usually not difficult to determine when substance abuse is a factor. In such cases, the Employability Development Plan (EDP) will include seeking appropriate qualified counseling as a part of the EDP. The participant is required to provide documentation that they are receiving the appropriate counseling while maintaining confidentiality of counseling sessions.
Tribal Support The Citizen Potawatomi Nation has a long history of using and coordinating available resources, tribal, federal, and other, to support the development of Native Americans and promoting self-sufficiency. To this end, the 477 Program staff work closely with many CPN departments which include Women Infant Children (WIC), TRIAD Elder’s Transportation, Health Services Clinic, Emergency Tribal Assistance, and Food Services as well as many others.
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Citizen Potawatomi Nation Annual Report FY2015
The CPN Tribal Drug Court, Tribal Police, County Sheriff Dept., and City Police Dept. joined forces and are working together to achieve a common goal. Drug Court participants are referred to E&T for employment, training, or related needs. Additionally, when community service hours are assigned by CPN tribal court or by Pottawatomie County Court, E&T staff are often called upon to assist in finding a suitable location for the time to be served.
Emergency Management Services CPN Emergency Management Services (EMS) works to coordinate emergency services to tribal members (native & non-native), non-indigenous Natives living within the service area, and for the safety of employees. For employees, an email alert is sent regarding ‘recalls’ and when weather conditions warrant. CPN E&T works with CPN EMS to respond to emergency situations with disaster assistance and referrals. Outreach extends beyond the boundaries of ‘the former reservation area’ to tribal members in other parts of the country affected by disasters. For example: Victims in the path of Hurricane Sandy, Arkansas tornadoes, Colorado flooding & wildfires, Louisiana hurricanes & flooding, and Joplin, Missouri – tornadoes.
Services are coordinated through the Social Services Counselor at E&T and the CPN EMS staff with first responder agencies. Some of these households were within the 477 service area and may have included temporary shelters, loaner travel trailers or tents, First Responder assistance, coordination with agencies and other volunteer groups (American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Hope House, Churches, Tribes, and more.
In May 2013, CPN EMS and E&T responded to several tornado events. Over 50 tribal families that were directly impacted and suffered damage sought assistance from CPN. While many of these were CPN tribal member and/or families, others were members of other federally recognized tribes. Services were rendered to all. In some cases the damage was minimal. In approx. 50% of those, the homes were destroyed or damaged to with major repairs required. The response from the community, and tribes across the country was over whelming. Our Social Services staff opted to accept and manage donation for the victims. This was a major under-taking. What started as accepting two semi-trailer loads of donations quickly skyrocketed. It was amazing how many of the tribal employees stepped forward to unload these donations by hand. We emptied those first 2 semi-trailers within one hour. Most of the donations were not palletized. This means they were a ‘hand’ unload. As we brought the donations in, others would ‘organize’ the items.
We then opened the donation center to the households impacted. It quickly became apparent the needs were more than just replacing items. Some needed help with replacing medical devices (walkers, etc.). Others were more specific. One individual seemed okay at first. He was sleeping on a friend’s couch. He referred to coming out of his shelter to realize he was in the ‘eye’ of the tornado. This veteran of the Armed Forces
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Citizen Potawatomi Nation Annual Report FY2015 asked for a hug from one of our staff. He held on so tight, it was difficult to breath. We worked with his friend and Behavioral Health to get him help. He was not able to communicate without breaking down. Mike A. lost his home. His brother lost his home next to him. He survived combat but the force of nature was too much. He did accept and attend the counseling.
In 2014, we continued to work with the households who suffered from those tornado events of the previous year. This included debris removal, household relocation, and handicapped access efforts. While these did not require 477 funding to directly address the needs. It did require staff time to coordinate with various tribal programs to access and arrange funding.
In 2015, while we prepared for several Emergency situations, we did not have the emergency response need that we had experienced in the prior two years. We still had 2 households that needed our help with outstanding FEMA issues from the May 2013 storms.
Feed the Children In FY2015, our Social Services Staff worked closely with Feed the Children Organization to provide area agencies and individuals with a wide range of product. The estimated total value of the items was $459,635 with a total weight of 68,195#. There were more than 100 social services agencies that received product from Feed the Children through the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. Those included Fire & Police Departments, Schools, Emergency Management, Churches, Senior Centers, Emergency Shelters, Food Pantries, WIC, Child Care Programs, Indian Child Welfare (Family Preservation, Foster Care, etc.); Free Healthcare & Surgery Centers. We also served other area tribal agencies.
The items distributed included such things as furniture, housewares, surgical and medical supplies, books, clothing (new & used), nutrition bars, powdered protein drink mix, various food items, frozen meals, flour, ladies undergarments (NEW), women’s and children’s sleepwear (NEW), and much more.
ADMISSIONS Admissions function remains the most critical area in terms of client eligibility, tracking, and reporting. For CPN this is not just an ‘intake’ function. The goal is to collect the necessary paperwork just once for each participant, or as applicable, the participant’s family. With the Child Care facility remaining a ‘locked access’ building, the accessibility for parents seeking services continues to be a challenge. E&T staff has been trained to identify and assist families who may be in need of child care services.
Initial applications for most services are now being processed through Admissions. Those requiring childcare services may begin the initial application with E&T staff or work directly with Childcare Admissions staff to complete enrollment for child development services.
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Citizen Potawatomi Nation Annual Report FY2015
Those seeking a subsistence payment through the General Assistance component or seeking education scholarships provide the initial information for services with Admissions and must provide the additional information required, directly to the respective coordinator of that component. The same goes for educational assistance. Additional documentation is required to determine un-met financial need.
Database We strongly feel it is past time for P.L. 10 2-477 to look at a universal database. DOL has allocated money into development of a standardized database for WIA Sec. 166 grantees. This DOL BearTracks system would not work for P.L. 102-477 programs. It is also our understanding that DOL BearTracks is in dire need of upgrade or replacement. Through the Advisory Council we are reminding DOL that should they choose to develop an update or new software for grantee use – they should NOT forget 477 grantees It is vital we seek funding from our ALL of our federal partners to develop a ‘universal 477’ database program.
In FY2014, we began working with CPN Information Technology Department to develop a new database. The beta testing started in January 2015. Initially we input data in both BearTracks and the new program called Recourse. About mid-year we stopped that and only put the data in Recourse. We re-structured our staffing adding a Data Coordinator and an additional Admissions Counselor to process applications. The training of new employees, the learning curve on the new system, and developing the queries for the annual report data have all had their individual ‘bugs’ to work out. Of course, we have used several tools to verify the accuracy of the data the report is generating. It is good to note: the data is accurate!
EMPLOYMENT Employment services ranged from counselor’s guidance on job search and interviewing techniques to resume preparation, referrals resulting in direct hire to supported work placements and more. The top three reported barriers in order for adults are 1. Lack a Significant Work History, Low 2. Income, and 3. No Driver’s License / Lack Reliable Transportation. These are the same top three barriers, as reported in previous fiscal years. Just the order has changed slightly with Lack of Significant Work History taking the number one slot.
The information being provided under “Employment” regards ‘those with employment as a goal’ with separated categories of adult and youth, plus a third category of ‘cash assistance recipients’ who may have been either adult or youth. (See Chart next Page). At this time the FY15 information query for barriers has not yet been developed. Since this is not critical to the report, we will not include the update at this time. Past history of several years however indicates the top barriers are likely to have not changed.
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Citizen Potawatomi Nation Annual Report FY2015
Other Unsubsidized Employment Employment Employment Objective FY15 Goal Achieved % Achieved % Adults 85 33 38.8% 85 100.0% Youth 40 21 52.5% 39 97.5%
Cash Assistance 17 9 52.9% 17 100.0%
Other Unsubsidized Employment Employment Employment Objective FY14 Goal Achieved % Achieved % Adults 108 63 58.3% 37 34.3% Youth 51 32 62.7% 18 35.3%
Cash Assistance 16 12 75.0% 2 12.5% Other Unsubsidized Employment Employment Employment Objective FY13 Goal Achieved % Achieved % Adults 89 56 62.9% 33 37.1% Youth 59 29 49.2% 30 50.8%
Cash Assistance 20 12 60.0% 7 35.0%
INTENSIVE SERVICES In the Admissions process, clients are initially screened for barriers to success and assigned to a counselor. The hard-to-serve participants are categorized as those with multiple barriers to overcome in order to achieve and maintain self-sufficiency. These are served through the Intensive Services component. Clients served through this component generally have a long road to achieve success. Alcohol or other substance abuse and/or low self-esteem are found to be primary barriers. Additionally, we are finding more and more that have developed a felony record that hinders them from finding gainful employment.
The first step for all counselors is to complete is an Employability Development Plan through which a plan of action and/or service is established. The client is guided (and in many cases - required) to take the steps identified.
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Citizen Potawatomi Nation Annual Report FY2015
For the Intensive Services client these steps may include utilizing videos or workshops that cover such basic life skills as budget planning, communication, decision making, employment search tips, and other social skill information. The theme and content is usually motivational since many of these clients have low self-esteem. Others may be referred to Behavior Health or Consumer Credit Counseling.
Assessment and other measurement tools have indicated that the Intensive Services client frequently has difficulty in Math and Reading skills. A high percentage of these are high school drop-outs. Some have achieved their GED prior to applying to CPN 477. Those who have not are required to study for their GED at least 20 hours or more before being assisted with Job Search. Most General Assistance participants who are deemed employable tend to fit the profile of an intensive-services individual.
Intensive Services clients often require the counselor to call together multiple agencies who are also working with them. This helps alleviate any potential conflicting assignments or directions the client may be receiving. Our Counselors chose to attend court appointments to speak on behalf of their client.
Learning how to motivate and be effective with participants who fit this description has been a challenge for our staff. The CPN E&T staff dedicated to working with this group has chosen to share their personal life experiences with their clients. We believe these counselors have been effective because they are addressing the root or core problems first and they have credibility because they speak from personal experience. The Intensive Services Counselor also works closely with Prisoner Reintegration outreach to the Native Americans in the Oklahoma prisons.
EDUCATION Our approach to reach potential clients varies. To spread the word regarding educational opportunities to students, CPN staff participated at several Career Fairs at local educational institutions as well as direct contact with school counselors.
CPN offers assistance on an un-met needs basis with concurrent enrollment fees (for high school students), adult training, tuition, books, supportive services (gas vouchers), and more as the need for educational services varies. In our Summer Youth Program, we include a mandatory educational component along with a part-time work placement.
In order to keep informed of educational opportunities and to learn new ways to help our participants, our educational counselors are involved with Oklahoma Indian Higher Education Scholarship Administrators Association (OIHESAA), Oklahoma Council for Indian Education (OCIE), Johnson O’Malley (JOM), and the National Indian Education Association (NIEA). Additionally, we are involved with Shawnee Public School Tribal Task Force to address issues faced in the system such as drop out rates, gang violence, truancy, and more.
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Citizen Potawatomi Nation Annual Report FY2015
The information provided under “Education” regards termed participants ‘those with education as a goal’ with separated categories of adult and youth, plus a third category of ‘cash assistance recipients’ who may have been either adult or youth. Note: Youth is defined as anyone 21 and under at entry. Other Certificate Education Education or Degree Goal FY15 Goal Attained % Achieved % Adults 78 5 6.4% 73 93.6% Youth 329 31 9.4% 294 89.4% Cash Assistance 15 1 6.7% 12 80.0%
Other Certificate Education Education or Degree Goal FY14 Goal Attained % Achieved % Adults 107 17 15.9% 89 83.2% Youth 278 34 9.0% 244 91.0% Cash Assistance 12 2 16.7% 10 83.3%
Other Certificate Education Education or Degree Goal FY13 Goal Attained % Achieved % Adults 98 18 18.4% 75 76.5% Youth 300 21 7.0% 275 91.7% Cash Assistance 13 3 23.1% 10 76.9%
The number served under each category has changed slightly. In terms of percent obtaining a certificate or degree, the numbers reflect a mixed picture. Higher Education CPN tribal members FY13 FY14 FY15 # of Participants 69 67 50 Attained Degree 5 12 5 % Attained Degree 7.2% 17.9% 10.0%
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Citizen Potawatomi Nation Annual Report FY2015
The total number of Higher Education termed participants remained steady as compared to previous year. The number who attained a degree or certificate has doubled. Many educational institutions increased their cost of attendance. In FY15, the Citizen Potawatomi Nation continued to utilize tribal profits to help tribal members improve their finances and quality of life by funding totaling $3,905,767 million distributed through 2935 scholarships checks to CPN tribal members attending educational institutions. This is the number of checks cut, so a student who is attending for 3 semesters would be counted three times in this number. Most only attend 2 semesters. Only those with the largest unmet need are assisted from both Higher Education and tribally funded scholarships. GED FY13 FY14 FY15 Participants 81 57 48 Achieved GED 12 4 1 Percent Complete 14.8% 7.0% 2.0%
The percentage of those whose file was termed that achieved their GED has dramatically decreased. As in previous reports, it is noted that not all participants will follow-through with GED studies. Most area employers now require a high school diploma or GED as the minimum education level to be considered to gain employment. We are seeing more youth ages 16 to 21 with or without children who state they are choosing to obtain GED’s rather than go to alternative school. Alternative school opportunities in the area are limited by class size. Oklahoma State law requires that if a youth is not a student or have gained their high school diploma then their driving license can be revoked or denied issuance. Perhaps, not surprisingly, the ones who are earning their GED the quickest are the youngest ones. They test the highest at entry and with a little extra help in one or two subjects-usually Algebra and possibly English, they are able to pass the GED. Unfortunately, in FY14 there were major changes in the GED testing. We are saddened to see 15 youth who were assigned to the GED studies, but few followed through with anything past the pre-test assessment. The changes in the testing are very intimidating. In order for someone to test, a credit card must be used to purchase a ‘slot’. Most of our clients do not have credit cards. We have made arrangements to address this issue by purchasing on their behalf when they are ready.
It is important to note that the 1 student who completed their GED in FY15 was a drop out youth. He dropped out because he felt disconnected and bullied in school is what he told us.
Due to the competitive employment market for ‘quality’ recruits with no felony in their background, some local employers are changing their entry requirements. In the case of Citizen Potawatomi Nation, we have changed our employment practice. CPN now utilizes a scaled approach. For those under the age of 25 – lack of a GED or High School diploma, makes that individual INELIGIBLE for hire. For those who are 26 to 40, CPN will allow conditionally hire those lacking a GED. CPN gives those lacking a GED a specified
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Citizen Potawatomi Nation Annual Report FY2015 amount of time to complete a GED or they will not pass the probationary period and/or maintain employment. For those over the age of 40, no GED or High School diploma is required to be eligible to be considered. However, some employers, still require additional education to be considered for employment.
The students who consistently study for the GED tend to be the ones who attain their goal more quickly. About half of those assigned to GED studies will work towards their GED for a period of time (20 study hours or more), and then stop due to financial pressures and/or low self-esteem. The remaining balance of students assigned to GED study tends to be on-again, off-again in their efforts at studying. Also, many in this group became dropouts in middle school to early high school. Some in this group that may only be attending GED studies to meet our program requirement. A significant number of participants will complete the application process but never come in to see the GED counselor to initiate studies.
The subject of Math, specifically Algebra, is reported as giving our students the most trouble. Beginning in FY13 and continuing until Summer 2014, we contracted a retired Math teacher to provide individualized training for our struggling Math Students. Nationwide statistics indicate that ‘every 26 seconds a teen drops out’ averaging nearly 1/3 of high school students. The primary town and major school district in our service area – Shawnee Public Schools – has assigned a police officer to go house to house hand delivering truancy letters to parents and talk about the problems which are preventing kids from attending school. Parents are fined $500 for each charge and can face a maximum of 60 days in jail.
Oklahoma is making a major effort to impact drop out rates. Students from poor families are more likely to be poor readers and struggle academically often dropping out of school. In Potawatomie County, the Public Schools average over 28.7% of the student population as Native American and approx. 71% of the student population qualifies for the Free or Reduced Lunch program. FY13 FY13 FY14 FY14 FY15 FY15 Total Drop Total Drop Total Drop Termed Term outs % Term outs % Term outs % Adults 214 45 21.0% 227 44 19.4% 165 21 12.7% Youth* 126 30 23.8% 140 18 12.9% 354 18 5.1% Cash Assistance 33 7 21.2% 23 1 4.3% 28 0 0.0%
The chart above is tracking termed participants who reported education level at program entry as ‘dropout’. The number of participants whose education level is listed as ‘dropout’ that are seeking help from CPN E&T decreased in all categories. * Note: The youth count does not include Johnson O’Malley in FY13 (210) and in FY14 (196). In FY15, we have stopped separating JOM in this chart.
YOUTH SERVICES CPN has chosen to divide youth services into two categories, “Johnson O’Malley” students, and “Emerging Workforce” which may include students and other out-of-school youth such as dropouts and graduates. Page 17 of 56
Citizen Potawatomi Nation Annual Report FY2015
Johnson O’Malley Citizen Potawatomi Nation operates the Johnson O’Malley Program (JOM) within P.L. 102-477. In FY06 reporting cycle, we expanded our JOM to add a school which falls within our ‘near reservation boundary’ that was overlooked at the time when we originally began to directly administer JOM.
Beginning in FY2013, JOM was operated by CPN directly and now serves twelve different school systems with one youth counselor assigned to oversee and manage the daily tasks. At the beginning of each school year, the parents are provided handouts detailing their duties and responsibilities. Parents are asked each year for their input as to how the funds should be allocated. Their input is utilized in preparing the annual budget. Primarily our parents are requesting assistance with filling the basic school supply list required by their school system. By purchasing in bulk, we are able to obtain items at a significant savings and thereby provide more items on the list to the families. The second highest noted need according to parent surveys is for recognition of student’s achievements. CPN Youth Counselor works with the parent committee to find new and creative ways to incentivize the youth. This can include gift vouchers with the tribal grocery store or gas station, movie passes, miniature golf passes, camp fees, etc.
To encourage early application for the Academic Year, we offer a cultural craft workshops throughout the month of July. In FY15 the workshop size ranged from 10 to 20.
JOM families suffer from many of the same barriers as the other E&T participants. Parents are offered the opportunity to attend the State JOM conference with all expenses paid. Few parents have taken this opportunity most likely due to financial considerations if they should miss work or lack of day care.
Gift Cards redeemable at CPN Enterprises are used for motivation purposes for JOM students through the incentive/recognition program.
JOM funds continue to be frozen at the 1995 funding level and with the number of students continuing to increase; CPN continues to find creative ways to better serve our JOM students and to make the actual funding stretch the best it can. Incorporating JOM within 477 has continued to prove the most cost efficient method available and result in more direct assistance to JOM students. With budget cuts being considered by Congress and the uncertainty of funding, we can only hope Congress will not cut these very much needed funds. Our children will not have the basic supplies necessary to do the assigned work -pencils, pens, paper, notebooks, etc. The two major school districts report over 70% of the children in the primary and middle schools are living in poverty and qualify for free or reduced lunches. At Tecumseh & Shawnee Public Schools report over 30% of some classrooms report student population /enrollment are listed as Native American Indian.
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Citizen Potawatomi Nation Annual Report FY2015
The following numbers represent terminated JOM served. Note: This includes any eligible youth no matter what the tribal affiliation. The Absentee Shawnee Tribe has reserved the right to serve their tribal members. In some cases, CPN has served Absentee Shawnee Tribal members who would otherwise be un-served for various reasons. Lexington School District is within the CPN OTSA but served by Chickasaw Nation. This was in effect when CPN assumed JOM services. McLoud School District is also within CPN OTSA but served by Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma. This was also in affect when CPN assumed JOM services.
In FY2012, a report was generated for BIA regarding the number of eligible Native Student Count at each of the respective school districts, we found a total of 3268 Native Youth COULD have been eligible for JOM Services. It should be noted here, the schools assisted in obtaining this count and were very diligent to ONLY count those students who ‘could be eligible for JOM services’. The schools did not include any of their students who are not enrolled member so of a federally recognized tribe.
In September 2014, CPN responded to the request to update the JOM count for FY 2014. We worked with area schools as well as our database system. The updated count indicates we ‘could’ be reaching a potential eligible population of 2939 for the twelve different school systems. This is a reduction versus the number reported in FY12. It is very disappointing that we are reaching far less than are eligible.
Looking at the FY12 number in schools that were previously sub-recipient schools: Harrah 372, Choctaw Nicoma Park 718, Little and Axe 345 represents 1435 who COULD have received JOM services if they sought them. The other schools which have been directly served by CPN reported: Tecumseh – 788, South Rock Creek -122, Bethel 261, Dale 158, Earlsboro 87, Asher 82, Macomb 147, Maud 81, and Wanette 107 representing a potential 1833 of the total 3268 who COULD have been eligible to receive services. This is very disturbing numbers when compared to those who actually received completed a 477 application and received services. In FY14, we had 134 JOM applications that were never completed. Additionally, we had 28 Youth applications that did not complete the process. In FY15, we did not count the incomplete for this report.
As stated earlier: we chose to not provide JOM funds through the school systems (sub-recipient basis) anymore due to the funding uncertainties. We continue to work to reach parents in need at ALL the applicable schools. In some we have strong support from the faculty. In others, we have active parent participants. However, that is not the case with all of the schools.
Interesting enough parents who are completing the applications and have received services have made statements such as ‘I did not know we could get this service. Why didn’t the school give us this?’ Those statements were made by parents whose student attended one of the sub-recipient schools that provided tutors as their primary service. In taking over the sub-recipient schools, we were disappointed with the strong opposition we faced with one school. We were able to pinpoint the problem originated with the
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Citizen Potawatomi Nation Annual Report FY2015
Indian Education Counselor. She was giving erroneous information to the parents. One set of parents were openly hostile. However, this was dramatically changed when they received supplies from CPN directly. This family was very verbal. They stated they had no idea they could receive all those supplies. They also informed us that all they had ever gotten before was paper, pencils (very limited), and pens. None of the other items on their school supply list had ever been provided from Little Axe School. We determined that the majority of the funds were being used for the salary for the Indian Education Counselor. She was providing tutoring to some children and limited supplies to the other families. They were fulfilling their contract as approved by the Parent Indian Education Committee.
Another family from the Harrah School system, told us they had never known they could get help. Again, this was a case where the Indian Education Committee agreed to put all their funds into ‘tutoring’. This paid for a portion of several salaries but no supplies.
We remind parents that participation in the Indian Education Committee and attending JOM meetings are vital to know what is available and to shape what assistance is provided. A review of JOM surveys indicates parents primarily want: 1. School Supplies; 2. Incentives/Recognition; 3. Tutoring when needed; and 4. Cultural activities.
FY13 FY14 FY15 Change JOM Enrollment Terms Terms Terms Prev / Yr CPN Directly Served 210 196 325 165.8%
The information being provided under “Education” pertains to ‘those with education as a goal’ with separated categories of adult and youth, plus a third category of ‘cash assistance recipients’ who may have been either adult or youth. Johnson O’Malley is not separated in the statistical report. We separate this number by using a component in the database regarding counselor assignment. Our new database does not make this separation. It is likely that we will be unable to make this separation in the future and will drop this chart.
While we feel we continue to experience a large number of JOM applications which are initiated but never completed – we did not count the incompletes for FY15 for this report. IN FY14 the number of incomplete JOM applications was 134. In FY13, there were 76 JOM applications that were never completed. In FY12, there were 83 JOM applications that were never completed. In reviewing these, we find that income documentation seems to be the largest factor. We also found that some families are being helped with ‘back to school’ programs through alternative resources such as ICW or Salvation Army.
The low number served versus possible eligible to be served is a major concern to us. We have made direct contact with each school administration to try to get the word out that services are available. We have asked Page 20 of 56
Citizen Potawatomi Nation Annual Report FY2015 current families in each area to help us with outreach to their respective schools. We have placed advertisements in the school programs such as basketball programs, yearbooks, etc. We have contacted the school with donations of items that we have received from FEED THE CHILDREN (candy, cleaning supplies, etc.). Two Special Needs teachers told us how much these items helped their classes (2 different schools). They are teaching them ‘living skills’.
We recently heard from one school where we provided case(s) of paper for use to distribute JOM information to the students. The school was thrilled to receive quality copy paper. Two of the schools said they were about to go through a testing phase with only two reams of copy paper in stock.
Emerging Workforce Services provided under the “Emerging Workforce” component are generally available to youth ages fourteen through twenty-one who reside throughout the 477 service area boundaries. CPN requested a waiver from DOL to serve up to 15% of the youth under the category of ‘At-Risk’ with our renewal Plan. We have since been advised that in order to get such a waiver approved, we must write a separate letter to the Secretary requesting that wavier.
As a member of the Administrative Flexibility Work Group, I have expressed my concern with this practice. It was stated in our Plan that we are requesting a waiver. There is no end date on the last approved waiver which authorized CPN to serve up to 15% of the youth who are over income and in the At-Risk Category.
The Tribe offers “year-round” youth services as allowable through the Workforce Investment Act. Services that were offered included, but not limited to, Vocational Exploration, Work Experience training placements, and educational services. Though the emphasis is still on the summer program, the “year- round” employment and education services were used to assist during the school related months. The services offered to youth place strong emphasis on attaining an education. Education services continued to include but not be limited to, assisting with un-met needs such as costs of tutoring, concurrent enrollment, work- or school-required supplies and short-term programs.
The summer program continues to operate in multiple parts. For the JOM students under age 14, we offer cultural workshops and other hands on opportunities for recognition, encouragement, and social growth. For the next age group, 14 to 16 years of ages, the first component offered is camp scholarship program. Special camps are strongly emphasized and include but are not limited to, computer camps, educational camps, sports camps, leadership camps, and team-building camps. Students fulfill the education component by studying for the GED, Driver’s Training, summer enrichment camps, or required summer school classes.
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Citizen Potawatomi Nation Annual Report FY2015
For the past several years, we have offered a Golf / Wellness Camp. The Firelake Wellness center staff has committed to work with us as well as the Golf Director. We provide the youth, the equipment, the healthy snacks, and refreshments. We also provide funds for the Golf Instructor. The Wellness staff provide their time and supervision. Sara Kessler from the Firelake Wellness Center reported the following: ‘Repeat campers from previous years continue to show improvements, these include: Hand-Eye coordination, being able to do advanced exercise routines, increased knowledge about nutrition, increased activity/fitness levels, and the repeat youth who are able to help the younger and new campers. It is good to see the youth’s personal growth!’
The third component is offered to those who qualify for concurrent higher education enrollment. A part- time work placement is also arranged for those who were enrolled in summer education courses. The fourth component is for a limited number of youth for whom the education component is considered to have been met or waived. These youth will be placed in full-time subsidized work leading towards permanent employment. Emerging Youth FY13* FY14* FY15 Change Employment 59 37 40 108.1% Education 126 166 329 198.2% Total 185 203 364 179.3% The information being provided under “youth” regards those who are 21 and younger and not listed as ‘cash assistance recipient’. The number of EDUCATION-Youth reported in FY13 & 14 is less ‘JOM’ recipients. WE are no longer making that distinction in FY15
SUPPORTIVE SERVICES The purpose of supportive services is to assist the participant in overcoming barriers as identified in the Employability Development Plan (EDP). Participants are guided through the process of removing the barriers themselves. Sometimes direct financial intervention is required. As much as is possible, costs of the supportive services are shared with the participants. In some cases, the cost may be shared with other service agencies. In general, the counselors limited assistance to $100 in a twelve month period.
One of the most common examples of supportive services is in the area of transportation. In most cases the assistance will be in the form for gas vouchers. Participants may own their own vehicle but require assistance with fuel. The Tribe has created a voucher program redeemable at the tribal convenience store for those located in the Shawnee area. For outlying communities, other arrangements have been made. Typically vouchers are issued to participants who are engaged in employment activities, pending their first full paycheck, or enrolled in an educational program. The gas vouchers are issued in specified amounts $10 at the counselor’s discretion depending on anticipated travel distance and vehicle gas usage. Most counselors have chosen to provide $10 per voucher because of the cost of gas. Our clients and counselors have had a difficult time with the cost of gas.
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Citizen Potawatomi Nation Annual Report FY2015
We remind both – the purpose of the gas voucher is to get to / from work or school. Only one voucher is issued per week when goals determined by the client and counselor have been met. Other transportation assistance may include bus transportation, bicycles, meeting legal needs (car insurance, driver’s license fees, etc.), and misc. other transportation related repair costs such as flat repair or replacement.
The majority of the remaining balance of supportive services was for work-related purposes such as clothing required by the employer, licenses, certifications, and miscellaneous bills. Through the linkages with other social services programs (tribal and other), participants supportive service needs have also been met without direct financial assistance from the CPN 477 Program. Participants average 3 barriers each. A summary of the self-reported barriers is indicated below: NOTE: FY15 by count was not available from our new database at the time of this report. Barrier FY13 FY14 FY15 Low Income / Public Assistance Receipient 68.0 54.8 1.0 Lack a Significant Work History 53.6 59.4 1.0 No Driver's License 39.4 50.3 1.0 Single Head of Household w / dependents 13.0 12.3 1.0 Lack Reliable Transportation 13.3 10.5 1.0 High School Dropout 10.7 6.7 1.0 Low Math Skill 10.7 6.7 1.0 Medical Problems 8.9 6.5 1.0 Low Reading Skill 4.8 2.9 1.0 Disability 5.9 4.0 1.0 Basic Skills Deficient 2.6 2.1 1.0 Felony - Fines - or Legal Issues 9.9 11.7 1.0 Homeless 3.4 2.9 1.0
SOCIAL SERVICES The Social Service activities of the Tribe are closely coordinated. These include the ‘477’ components as well as LIHEAP, CSBG, and a tribally funded Tribal Hardship Assistance Program. Whether it’s General Assistance or Miscellaneous Assistance including Burial, or one of the previously mentioned programs, clients seeking services benefit greatly from this coordination through the one-stop approach.
CPN was provided several opportunities to distribute essential items to participants in need. This included food, clothing, blankets, toys, and other misc. items. These donations were made possible by Feed the Children Ministries, CPN Administration, CPN Veterans, an annual holiday food drive among CPN employees, and other service-oriented organizations.
Due to the close working relationship with CPN, Absentee Shawnee, Sac & Fox, and Kickapoo Behavioral Health Programs, CPN E&T staff continued to take advantage of seminars and other training opportunities
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Citizen Potawatomi Nation Annual Report FY2015 to learn how to deal with participants who have a history of substance abuse within their families. The counselors report an increase in the number of participants identified with this background. It remains unknown if this is due to the increase in recognizing the problem by the counselors or the actual number of participants with this problem has increased.
Earlier in this report, we highlighted the coordination and partnership with the CPN Emergency Management Services staff. In FY13, this relationship reached a new level of coordination (and is on-going today) with the Oklahoma tornadoes doing such tremendous damage all within the 477 service area.
As we write this report, we are again working with tribal employee and administration donations to coordinate food boxes for needy families. It is so heartwarming to see these families get excited to receive a box of food that is valued at over $100 per box. In FY2013, we served 127 families at Thanksgiving and Christmas is 150 boxes. In FY2014, we served 165 families at Thanksgiving and Christmas was 175.
% Chg / General Assistance FY13 FY14 FY15 Prev Yr Living Allowance 36 25 54 116.0%
Burial 4 4 3 -25.0%
% to % to % to Termed FY13 Total FY14 Total FY15 Total Cash Assistance
Recipient* 33 5.7% 23 4.2% 31 5.5%
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Citizen Potawatomi Nation Annual Report FY2015
The General Assistance information will be reported in more detail in the Quarterly Analysis of Funds report which is sent to the Office of Self-Governance-once annually. We are including these basic figures here for your review. Those receiving Cash Assistance included General Assistance clients as well as those who received TANF according to the statistical report instructions.
Our staff has tried to diligently collect the information for those who became TANF clients after program enrollment; however, we do recognize that we may have not captured all clients that began to receive TANF after initial enrollment for services. NOTE: at the time of this report, this information was not available. % in % in % in Poverty FY13 Poverty FY14 Poverty FY15 Poverty Total Participants Served 928 67.10% 938 63.10% 1041 *%
Although six months prior income at program entry does not reflect the household as living in poverty, the household still meets eligibility for services. Some of these program participants are recently unemployed. Others are underemployed. Less than 5% of the youth eligible for DOL WIA type of services are over income and served as ‘at risk’.
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Citizen Potawatomi Nation Annual Report FY2015
CHILD CARE The actual number of children and families receiving child care services has remained fairly steady. Below is a comparison of three fiscal years of services. When comparison is done by age group, those who are Age 0 to 3 years had the largest decrease. Those who were above that age had the minor changes. Most if not all area school districts offer extended services to pre-school age children beginning with age 4 in their Pre-K program. This is a free service that is offered to all kids residing within that school district. Our Child Development Center Director used to make the statement: ‘When the child is accepted by CPN CDC – they do not leave until they age out in most cases’. This is not the case now. We are actually competing with the School Systems to provide quality care for our children. When parents are asked how the service the schools are provided compares to what CPN Child Dev. Center provides? Parents respond ‘it’s free!’ We hear that the kids can do their homework or go play but does not include structured learning like we offer. Unfortunately, in today’s economy the children suffer rather than receive the quality care they need. Today we are seeing some kids who are ‘kicked out’ of public school after-care programs for behavioral problems, are trickling their way to us while others are left as latch key kids.
Staff ratio at the CPN-CDC is smaller with approx. 1 to 8 vs the public school system at 1 to 25 or even 1 to 30. Grandparents who are raising their grandchildren are approximately 10% of the CPN-CDC family base. Even though they are on fixed income, the grandparents are willing to sacrifice and pinch pennies to provide quality child care. Within the benefit package offered to CPN employees is a child care supplement. A large number of CPN employees take advantage of this benefit. These parents are able to take advantage of quality child care thanks to this benefit.
In the summertime, when public school systems are closed, the number of youth in our center dramatically climbs. Teachers report behavioral problems more frequently in the children who are coming out of the public school after care programs. Bullying is reported as the number one problem. Another behavioral problem we are seeing is kids who are becoming more sexually aware and acting on this. Teachers are reporting an increase in incidents of inappropriate contact such as kissing and hand holding. Additionally, in Oklahoma the Child Seat Belt law changed in FY15. CPN Police are periodically monitoring parental use of car seats and safety procedures. For these reasons, we have provided staff education and utilizing CPN Tribal Police where appropriate. Additionally, the CPN Police have also presented to the kids. This encourages positive interaction between the kids and the CPN Police. The comfort level of our kids seems to have improved and has resulted in free and easy conversation between the kids and the police.
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Citizen Potawatomi Nation Annual Report FY2015
Another concern is the older age group. Few of our children are over the age of 9 in the center during the school year. During the summer, the age 9 plus group increases a large amount.
When questioned where is Johnny X now? Parents often tell us, they are home by themselves for 30 to 45 minutes until one of the parents arrive home from work. Our Child Welfare Officer considers this a form of ‘neglect or child endangerment’, unless the child is at least twelve years of age or older. Parents are willing to risk the latch key kid situation for an hour or less but not for the entire day.
In FY2014, CPN opened a Tribal Youth Program which serves ages 12 to 18. Our oldest youth, have opted to move into receiving services through this program at the Potawatomi Learning and Cultural Exchange (the P.L.A.C.E.). They report they like the P.L.A.C.E. because they are treated more as a teenager and held to accountabilities and responsibilities rather than as under ‘child care’. Students have tutors available to them each day. P.L.A.C.E. youth are required to participate in 35 minutes of homework time / tutoring four days a week (Monday through Thursday). The Child Care Director states that on a recent visit to the P.L.A.C.E. she observed over half of the approx. 60 youth were former patrons of the CPN-CDC. The other youth are products of the latch key kid situations. Many of those are coming to the P.L.A.C.E. with behavioral, education, and/or in some cases legal problems. Thanks to the dedication and efforts of the staff at the P.L.A.C.E. those youth are receiving quality care and making positive strides. The P.L.A.C.E. staff not only tries to build on CDC and school curriculums. They also provide a safe place while assuring parents that their youth is spending quality time with positive adult mentors until the parents can return to their familial duties. The P.L.A.C.E. help youth make strides to prepare for a successful future-i.e. high school completion, an education beyond high school, career planning and preparation, independent life skills, as well as training them daily to live in a positive manner and set personal, attainable short and long-term goals for themselves.
During the academic year, CPN CDC staff members take their classes to the P.L.A.C.E. facility when the weather is not conducive to outside activities. They use the facility for indoor active sports.
% Chg / Category FY13 FY14 FY15 Prev Yr Families Receiving Child Care 1089 1286 -100.00% Children Receiving Child Care 1328 1342 1328 -1.04% Ages 0 to 3 years 828 831 802 -3.49% Ages 4 to 5 years 321 318 311 -2.20% 11.40% Ages 6 & Above 179 193 215
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Citizen Potawatomi Nation Annual Report FY2015
The tribal childcare service staff works closely and in conjunction with the employment and training service staff. Participants benefit from the Tribe’s ‘477’ or ‘one-stop-shop’ approach by experiencing less confusion and less time with forms or unnecessarily repeating of information. Participants benefit from this coordination of services at the start with the initial application process beginning with drop-in services for participants completing their application and assessment as class limitations permit or vouchering availability. Provider(s) of Care *(micro-enterprises) • Child Development Center (Tribally operated): Currently, the Tribe operates one full service Child Development center. According to the DHS system, we are rated as a 2 Star Program. Due to the quality of services provided, the center continues to have a waiting list. Center capacity is 400. We are currently serving 353 children by today’s count. Our waiting list is approximately 125 with the age ranging from 8 weeks to 8 years old. We no longer have a waiting list for the after-school program. We do have capacity to enroll more in after-school. As stated earlier, many of this age group is attending the public school after care program OR if their age is 12 and up- the CPN P.L.A.C.E. is providing services to this age group.
Assistance is provided to children / families who qualify at ‘tribal center based’ operations. In addition to CPN CDC, these included the Kickapoo Child Development Center, the American Indian Institute Center/Early Head Start, Absentee Shawnee Child Development Center, CTSA (Central Tribes of the Shawnee Area serves Sac & Fox Nation former reservation area), Building Blocks 1 / Shawnee, Building Blocks 2 / Norman, and IOWA Child Development Center. The State of Oklahoma made a coordinated effort to collect Child Support by making it mandatory that a parent requesting child care assistance must first file for child support. Also, to be a DHS licensed facility, tribal facilities agreed to require all clients apply thorough DHS first. For CPN- CDC this changed in FY08. Beginning in FY08 the tribe chose to be tribally licensed rather than DHS licensed. We remain tribally licensed.
• Voucher Program / Other Center Based: CPN CDC utilizes a voucher system for qualifying children. Many parents are not interested in receiving services from ‘other’ centers. In the immediate area of a tribally operated day care center, many parents prefer to be placed on waitlist for services or use a relative or group home provider. A total of 86 ‘Other Centers-serving 843 children’ have an agreement with CPN to accept vouchers. Most of these centers are located in Oklahoma and Cleveland counties which do not have a tribal child care center available.
• Group Home: In FY15 we reported ‘183 children’ served through group homes.
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Citizen Potawatomi Nation Annual Report FY2015
• Other / Family Care: For relative providers and in-home care, the family has the option of having a relative watch the child. Special requirements apply to Relative Providers which first must be met. When appropriate, CPN-CDC provides required items such as smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and similar items at no charge to the family. Additionally, CPN-CDC also assists with criminal background check, complete 20 hours of child care training, home inspection requirements set by CCDF program, CPR & /First Aid within the first 3 months of assistance. CPN-CDC also provides access to computers to meet these requirements. Vision and hearing screening, updates on immunization requirements, and other similar assistance is provided as well.
Individual home providers may choose to meet requirements to become ‘state-licensed’. CPN CCDF provides this training and assistance at no charge to the relative provider or parent.
The number that actually completely follows through the requirements to be approved for Other / Family Care is approximately half of those who express an initial interest and begin the process. The reasons are many, but the top three reasons cited include: the felony backgrounds, concerns with ‘home inspections’, and concerns with meeting the training requirements.
In FY15, we had ‘256 children’ served through Family Child Care Option. An additional ’46 children’ were served in the Child’s Home.
Pre-School Due to the need, last year we opened a pre-school program for 3 year olds. In fact, the demand remains high for this service. We are offering two classes with certified teachers in each. Both classes are filled to capacity.
Pre-K / K We have a four- & five-year olds in a Pre-K / K program, with two (2) state certified teachers and curriculum. Local schools offer this program directly in the school system at no cost. Parents told us the quality of the program is better at CPN CDC, but finances are affecting their decision of where the children are receiving care. Most parental finances are so limited they must utilize the free service even though it is of a lesser quality. Teachers from the public schools continue to tell our staff that our ‘graduating pre-K - K’ score consistently higher on K to 1st grade evaluations. We continue to coordinate and work in conjunction with local area schools and provide services in a wrap-around component in morning only or afternoon only pre-K program which compliments the local school offerings. CPN-CDC Teachers work very closely with the local school systems. CPN-CDC staff offers in-service training for the local schools Pre-K teachers. At this in-service the CPN CDC staff and teachers discuss the curriculum and evaluations.
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Citizen Potawatomi Nation Annual Report FY2015
Before/After School In conjunction with typical Child Development services, the Tribe offers a Before- and After-School component was serving up to 193 children and increased to 215 children (if all enrolled children were to come on any given day). At the end of the school day the children are provided transport to the Childcare center. The After-School component includes a computer center with educational programs.
Students are encouraged to complete any homework and offered assistance as needed. We are happy to report that the ‘Get Up and Move’ initiative provided to 2 years and up and continues to be offered three times per week most weeks. On the other two days of the week, the youth receive ‘Music and Movement’ with physical education. We frequently hear parents speak highly of these two initiatives. Throughout the year, the youth performed at CPN scheduled family functions such as graduations, Christmas parties, and other events.
Enrichment camps and practices which support leadership, teamwork, and other worthwhile efforts are offered to the youth, examples include: YMCA League Basketball, swim lessons, bowling and more. The youth did a horticulture project. They planted, cared for, and harvested garden produce. From this they prepared snacks and/or meals which they served to themselves and younger youth. Additionally, we have increased interaction between Tribal Elders and Youth. Elders have hosted a carnival as well as volunteering to read to the children and participate in small activities.
CENTER-WIDE ACTIVITIES Music Instruction continued to be offered to the students in a general music program utilizing multiple instruments and media. Teachers incorporate music and movement in each of their individual classrooms. All of the youth benefit from this activity. Teachers utilize music tapes, video tapes, instruments, and have increased physical activity through dance in their curriculum. With the increased physical activity teachers note more active and we believe healthier students.
We continue to emphasis the ‘I’m Moving, I’m Learning’ initiative. This has since been incorporated in the curriculum for all students at the CPN-CDC since rolled out in FY11.
In this reporting cycle Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) was not funded through the Pioneer Library System. Our teachers still incorporating the reading activity but were not able to offer the free books to the families.
Regular staff meetings and training sessions are held to ensure that staff of the Pre-K and After-School components shares a common philosophy. Seventy-five percent (75%) of our teachers have a CDA or a bachelor’s degree. We have seven (7) currently attending school seeking their CDA or Bachelor’s degree. Two teachers are provided for each class even when the required child/staff ratio is exceeded by this
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Citizen Potawatomi Nation Annual Report FY2015 approach. Each class has a curriculum specialized for the specific age of the children. The curriculum that our center has chosen to utilize is called ‘High Reach’ which is a state-certified curriculum offered in Oklahoma. Teachers provide active hands-on learning experiences that involve children in critical thinking, listening, and problem solving tasks.
Family Involvement is strongly encouraged and supported. We have a required Parent Orientation before the children can come in to the center. They meet with the director and the child’s teacher. Parents participate by helping with birthday parities. Programs are held at Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Halloween, Independence Day Picnic, and Graduation (from pre-school) for the students to show case what they have learned with over 300 family members attending.
Each class participates in a musical and movement program for their family member entertainment. Parents assist on regular field trips to places like the Pumpkin Patch, Science Museum Oklahoma, Oklahoma City Zoo, Children’s Museum, Sam Noble Museum in Norman, Jasmine Moran (a hands-on Science Center), CPN Heritage Center, Chickasaw Cultural Center (Sulphur) and more. A picture of each child with art work from each class or participating in CPN-CDC events is put together in a family memory book.
Admissions/Intake Access to the day care facility is secured by a closed circuit monitoring system. Persons wishing to access the center are only granted access upon identification and/or recognition. This can pose a problem for new parents who want to apply for child care services. To address this, applications have been made available through the open entry employment and training area. Since FY09 CPN-CDC has followed a priority of services. Priority of service is given to Citizen Potawatomi Nation tribal members, Indian Child Welfare cases, and low-income Native American families regardless of tribal affiliation.
Safety This year we have noted Child Custody issues, Domestic Violence, and active Protective Orders remained steady. We have parents that refuse to apply to DHS for assistance as they are required to seek child support. The families cite fear of the absent parent and/or not wanting to get them in trouble. We have increased to an average of eight (8) to ten (10) protective orders in place at our facility which has affected on average 2 to 3 children per case. This means we have approximately 20 to 30 children listed on the active protection orders. We are very glad to report the secure access monitor system is in place and we are in lock down. ICW cases have increased. We maintain one (1) open slots in each room at all times. As we write this report, all available ICW slots are full.
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Citizen Potawatomi Nation Annual Report FY2015
In a recent Point-In-Time informal survey, our CPN-CDC teachers reported 80% of the youth are from single parent, broken homes, or raised by grandparents at that time. In other words 80% of the youth are not in a two parent home.
Child Development staff refers families as needed to Parenting classes offered by CPN-ICW and Pottawatomie County Health Department Programs for information and/or training regarding Parent-Child Relationships, Children’s Behavior Management, Communication Skills, and more. Other information the teachers have sought training and guidance is in ‘How to Deal with Protective Orders’ and issues related to ‘Grandparents Raising Grandchildren’. CPN Teachers have been able to incorporate this in working with their children.
DHS The Childcare center ceased operating as a state-licensed facility in FY08 by becoming tribally licensed; however, both State and County officials have previously inspected and rated the center. CPN’s Child Development center remains a ‘Two-Star’ facility receiving top-ratings.
Rate structure remained the same this year. We still have a rate structure lower than the area because our center is not ‘for-profit’ driven and our mission is to provide quality child care for children.
Both DHS caseworkers and area businesses continue to approach the Nation regarding expansion of services to increase capacity and hours of service. The CPN-CDC Director continues to monitor this need. At this time we do not expect to expand hours.
Health Care To manage immunization records, provide one-on-one short term care for children who exhibit symptoms of illness until parents can pick up, and teaching health education in the classrooms, CPN Clinic Staff is available in emergency situations and has advised CPN CDC staff on appropriate action to take. Parents, staff, and others continue to speak highly of the center’s educational and preventive measures. In FY15, we hired a part-time LPN to assist in the center.
Hearing, vision, and speech screenings continue. Outcomes from these screenings have been surprising. In Fy15, we have tested 156 kids at the initial screening (up from 128). For those that warranted it, referrals for professional exams were provided. Many now wear glasses or have had tubes placed in their ears. We cannot quantify the huge difference in the early learning that has occurred and resulted in better school performance since we initiated this activity. In FY15, audiology exams were not available. We are still seeking professional services to fulfill this unmet need.
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Citizen Potawatomi Nation Annual Report FY2015
The parents may request SOONER START come to the center and do evaluations on special needs children which continued to occur in this reporting cycle. Through this program, we are working with SOONER START, the parents, and other care providers such as Shriners Hospitals for these special needs children.
OU Health Science Center in Norman, OK has continued to partner with us to do free screening for early detection of autism. This year through this service one new case of autism was detected. This helped the parents in how to deal with their child and resulted in not only a healthier environment but also a ‘safer environment’ for their children. We report a total of 3 autistic children in the center at this time.
Community Outreach CPN Childcare staff work hard to serve community needs. Outreach efforts include sponsoring classes required for staff, parents, and potential care providers in the community interested in attending. Courses material offered include Childcare Development Associate (CDA), CPR, First Aid, and more. These are offered at no cost as a resource and referral effort for the community. We certified 180 different individuals this year with CPR. We average 15 people in these classes which are offered twice a month excluding holiday months like December. Or to state another way, 18 classes were offered in FY15 that resulted in approximately 150 individuals attaining certifications. .
We provide a dedicated area for a Family Resource Room which houses a library of reference material available for review within the facility or for check-out. Within the Child Development Center we have an area dedicated to computer learning where the teachers or parents can work with the child on various activities. St. Gregory’s University & Seminole State College provides mentorship to our teachers who are seeking their CDA. Seminole State College continues to offer our teachers courses in Algebra and English on Tuesday & Thursday nights at our facility. This is open to anyone in the community. We have approximately 15 to 18 in each class.
Outdoor Classroom We are proud to say we are now one of the three schools in our area to have a fully functioning outdoor classroom. The outdoor classroom is used by our 2-year old class, pre-school, Pre-K / K, and After-School Programs. The outdoor classroom consists of native grasses, four raised bed horticultural gardening units, bat houses, bird houses, feeders, rain gauges, a weather station, pavilion, and a fish pond stocked with bass, perch, and catfish. The After-School children are primary in the use of the outdoor classroom.
Potawatomi Language Class The Language and Culture component curriculum is met with enthusiasm. The Language and Culture component is offered to Infant and up. Through the use of CD’s and tapes these children are exposed to the
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Citizen Potawatomi Nation Annual Report FY2015
Citizen Potawatomi Nation spoken language. For ages 3 and up, we offer Potawatomi Language instruction. The class has increased from meeting three days a week for approx. 30 to 45 minutes for usually 3 days a week. Every teacher took advantage of this instruction and utilized it in their curriculum. Our children learn to sing common children songs in the Potawatomi language for the Christmas and Graduation programs. The instructor incorporates hand held puppets to help teach the language.
The incorporation of the CPN Language Class within the teacher’s curriculum continued this reporting cycle with all kids participating. At Graduation when parents and grandparents were present, the children demonstrated what they learned.
For almost all of these households, the children are the first ones to speak their native language in two or more generations. The grandparents or in some cases the great-grandparents have told us that hearing the language spoken reminded them of their childhood. It is fun to hear children teaching their parents and greeting teachers and others in their native language. Now, we are hearing the parents requesting to participate in CPN language classes for adults.
At the time of this report, our children and teachers are excited to report the results of our 2nd Potawatomi Language Bee. The children will be shown pictures and identify in Potawatomi what the pictures represent. The children and families were entertained by the Ladies Hand Drum group who sang songs in the Potawatomi language. Over this year, the ladies have performed 4 times for the kids. This has expanded to a ‘Show and Tell’ feature. The ladies explained how the drums and rattles were made. The ladies also explained what the songs mean and when they might be sung.
Seventy (70) children participated in the Oklahoma Native American Youth Language Fair held on the OU campus in Norman. There were 30 of the 3 yr olds; 40 of the 4’s & 5’s on site at the Fair. Plus, After- School participated via a video submission which involved another 30 children. CPN-CCDC staff were excited to see our youth place 2st for After-School and 1st place for 3rd for 4-year olds program. Thirty tribal organizations participated in this event.
Pre-K / K Graduation In FY15 there were 32 children who participated and graduated from this program. This is an decrease over the 45 from previous report. To graduate, the children must master the skills of language, development, phonological awareness, counting, sorting, alphabet, science, problem solving, shapes, colors, and creative expression. We have anywhere from approx. 100 to 150 guests (friends, family, and teachers), who attend our graduation and reception each year. The children wear actual caps, gowns, and tassels. Our tribal Chairman is the guest speaker at this momentous occasion. The parents pull out all the typical ‘graduation’ recognition from photo taking, to video taping, to flowers, and other graduation gifts. It is a very emotional occasion for all. The graduates then move over to our school-age program
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Citizen Potawatomi Nation Annual Report FY2015
Memberships Oklahoma Tribal Child Care Association The CPN Child Development Director serves as a board member on the OTCCA. CPN facilities are often used to host the quarterly meetings. All CCDF tribal grantees in Oklahoma belong to the OTCCA. CPN CDC remains an active member of the Oklahoma Tribal Child Care Association (OTCCA). This organization works together to help each other maintain quality child care for our children as well as reach solutions to common problems we may encounter. OTCCA continues to include working closely with the State of Oklahoma DHS. Meetings are expanded to include state representation.
Other Memberships / Associations CPN-CDC staff are active members in National Indian Child Care Association (NICCA) and National Association for Regulatory Administration (NARA). Both of these associations provide education and training to help our staff provide quality services. Additionally, the Child Development Center Director is a member of the National Child Care Association (not native specific).
Wrap-Around Services Head Start tribal programs continue to be offer and utilize the wrap-around service. Local area schools Pre- K program utilize this service. Although demand for this service is high, the waitlist status for CPN-CDC is a limiting factor.
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Consideration for Future Data Base: At this time the Child Development tracking and report is handled under a database separate from Employment and Training.. CCDF Tribal Data Tracker is the database system utilized by CPN Child Development Center. The 477 E&T function was utilizing Beartracks but has transitionin FY15 to an internally developed system called Recourse. Additionally, the center students are tracked through the Child Care Management database. This program cost $12,000 to purchase and additional costs for a ‘membership’ to receive annual updates. Although a common database or a shared system would be desirable, major obstacles remain to making this a reality for CPN.
Building / Service Expansion: We continue to have a long list of children in need of services. This reporting cycle our waitlist did decrease due to the expansion within a couple of the public school systems to offer after-school services. . As we look at the waitlist for commonalities / needs, it is noted that a large portion of the interest/need indicates an address of Tecumseh and located within a 10- mile radius of the current center. Tecumseh city
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Citizen Potawatomi Nation Annual Report FY2015 limits actually borders our tribal headquarters where our Child Development Center is located. Although the actual building was not expanded, in Fy13 we were able to accommodate two sets of 3-year Pre-School classrooms.
The need for child care services for people who work nights or weekends remains unmet in our service area. Both DHS caseworkers and area businesses continue to approach the Nation regarding expansion of services to increase capacity and hours of service. The CPN-CDC Director continues to monitor this need. At this time we do not expect to expand hours. Expansion of the current building is not feasible at this time. In FY14, we were awarded an ICDBG grant to build a small satellite Child Development Center. We are seeking license to serve up to 80 youth. The location will be approximately 12 miles away from our current. An employee survey & feasibility study strongly indicated that this is where the need is. The initial steps such as environmental reviews and contracting the architect have occurred.
Health Issues– Juvenile Diabetes. Diabetes is a major issue for Native Americans. We are addressing this in the CDC by focusing on eating healthy and increasing physical activity. We continue to focus on making a choice to eat healthy. CPN Health Services participates with multi-tribe Diabetes Camp. This year NYPD (Native Youth Preventing Diabetes) had 8 parents, and 12 kids from the CPN Child Care Center. Additionally, one of the E&T staff members participated at the camp as a counselor.
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Citizen Potawatomi Nation Annual Report FY2015
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The Citizen Potawatomi Nation maintains strong support for economic development efforts. Inasmuch as is allowable within the governing laws, our P.L. 102-477 Program supports feasible economic development efforts. On the small scale, these include the establishment of home care providers, and entrepreneurship efforts of the self-employed.
In December 2000, Congress approved a modification to P.L. 102-477 that further strengthens the initiative regarding job creation through economic development. This allows tribes to address job creation on a larger scale. The Citizen Potawatomi Nation chose option B and moved an amount not exceeding 10% of the funds creating a budget line item for Economic Development.
Since FY01, CPN 477 has provided direct financial support of several enterprises. These have included FireLake Farms, FireLake Discount Foods, FireLake Casino, FireLake Restaurant, the Corn Dance Café, Glasgow Paving, FireLake Designs (formerly DGraph), and CPN Cement Batch Plant. Other entities assisted with Economic Development / Job Creation included: Sumner’s Barbeque, Shawnee Cleaners, Marcie Bruno (self-employed hair stylist), Citizen Potawatomi Community Development Corporation, and CPN Sod Farm.
In addition to the direct financial assistance to these multiple business, we helped create or expand micro- enterprises through the Child Development Center and Employment & Training Programs. Examples of the micro-enterprise include: Small Engine Repairman (lawnmowers), Beauticians, Barbers, a Plumber, Electricians, and a Native Artist. Those numbers are reported separately below for:
Micro-enterprises FY13 FY14 FY15 Group Home Child Care Providers 5 6 3 Other (Self-Employed) 2 0 3
Total 7 6 6
SUPPORTIVE SERVICES Supportive services in FY15 IN FY15, CPN E&T did assist 3 individuals to become a micro-enterprise / self-employed.
JOB CREATION / ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECT FY2016 PROJECTS UNDER CONSIDERATION • McLoud Grocery Store • Firelake Golf
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Citizen Potawatomi Nation Annual Report FY2015
Job Creation / Economic Development PROJECTS -DIRECTLY FUNDED Economic Development FY13 FY14 FY15 Jobs Created 0 0 0 Indians Employed 0 0 0
Business Assisted 0 0 0 With the uncertainty of Congressional budget approval, we opted to NOT provide direct funding to businesses for Economic Development / Job Creation. We will be assisting in FY16. We did assist micro enterprises thorough supportive or direct services and employers receiving assistance through subsidized work placements are not included in the numbers above. These are reported separately in this narrative.
FY2015 Job Creation / Economic Development Projects Job Creation / Economic Projects were only assisted through the revolving loan pool (see next section Guaranteed Loans….), through microenterprises (see Micro Enterprises) or employer support through Supported Work Placements. With 27 total work placements with 19 different employers, (11 adults, 16 youth), a total of 9 new jobs were created.. See following chart:
PLEASE NOTE: ON THE STATISTICAL REPORT WE COMBINE ECONOMIC / JOB CREATION PROJECT WITH MICROENTERPRISE / SUPPORT SERVICE AND WITH SUBSIDIZED WORK PLACMENT DETAILS. Jobs Natives Business Created Employed Assisted MICROENTERPRISE / SUPPORT SERVICES 6 6 6 ECONOMIC DEV/JOB CREATION DIRECT PROJ 0 0 0 REVOLVING LOAN POOL 0 0 0 SUBSIDIZED WORK PLACEMENTS (new jobs only) 9 8 19 Totaled on Statistical Report 15 14 25
FY2014 Job Creation / Economic Development Projects Job Creation / Economic Projects were only assisted through the revolving loan pool (see next section Guaranteed Loans….), through microenterprises (see Micro Enterprises) or employer support through Supported Work Placements. With 42 total work placements with 18 different employers, (21 adults, 21 youth), a total of six new jobs were created.. See following chart:
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Citizen Potawatomi Nation Annual Report FY2015
PLEASE NOTE: ON THE STATISTICAL REPORT WE COMBINE ECONOMIC / JOB CREATION PROJECT WITH MICROENTERPRISE / SUPPORT SERVICE AND WITH SUBSIDIZED WORK PLACMENT DETAILS. Jobs Natives Business Created Employed Assisted MICROENTERPRISE / SUPPORT SERVICES 6 6 6 ECONOMIC DEV/JOB CREATION DIRECT PROJ 0 0 0 REVOLVING LOAN POOL 1 1 1 SUBSIDIZED WORK PLACEMENTS (new jobs only) 6 6 18 Totaled on Statistical Report 13 13 25
GUARANTEED LOANS OR GRANTS IN FY15, the CPCDC did not make any new loans from the 477 revolving loan fund. Since the inception of the 477 Economic Development Revolving Loan pool, a total of 11 loans have been funded for a total of $222,225. Total jobs created -15 with total jobs retained- 17 for a total of 32 jobs. Initial contributions from the 477 funds totaled $100,000 to start the Revolving Loan Pool. We are proud to report a 100% turnaround in the originating funds.
In FY14, one new loan from the revolving loan pool for a total of $12,752.76. This created and maintained one job.
In FY13, three new loans were issued from the revolving loan pool for a total of $77,991.10. Created 4 new jobs and had a total jobs retained of 4.
CPCDC is one of the most active and recognized Native CDFIs in the United States and has been operating successfully for many years now. It is the first Native CDFI direct loan fund that is steadily growing to scale to meet the needs of its Target Market on a nationwide level. CPCDC FY 2015 Impact Report (All Loan Sources)
Number of Commercial Loans to Native American Owned Firms: 26 Loans
Dollar Amount of Commercial Loans: $3,416,434.48
Number of Jobs Created and/or Retained: 185 29 Created/156 Retained
Number of Consumer Loans: 466 Employee Loan - 454 Page 39 of 56
Citizen Potawatomi Nation Annual Report FY2015
Auto Loan - 9 Credit Repair - 3
Dollar Amount of Consumer Loans: $794,884.00 Employee Loan - $693,660 Auto Loan - $99,614 Credit Builder - $1,610
Interest & Loan Origination Fee Income: $860,250.28
Principal Repayment: $5,050,263.04
Number of Business Development/Financial Education Recipients: 738 Clients 1384 Training Hours
Business Development – 123 one-on-one clients @ 503 hours / 42 workshop participants @ 305 hours Financial Education – 492 one-on-one clients @ 294 hours / 81 workshop participants @ 282 hours
CPCDC FY2014 Impact Report (all loan sources) Number of Commercial Loans to Native American Owned Firms 30 loans Dollar Amount of Loans to Native American Owned Firms $4,178,943.48 Number of Jobs Created and/or Retained (36 created / 30retained) 75 Number of Consumer Loans: 475 Loans Employee Loan 471 Auto Loan 4 Dollar Amount of Consumer Loans: $777,723.00 Employee Loan $734,233 Auto Loan $43,490 Interest & Loan Origination fee Income $818,753.78 Principle Repayment $5,420,740.52 Number of Business Development / Financial Education Recipients 713,Clients Training Hours 2194 Business Development – 112 one-on-one clients @ 1260 hr/ 55 workshop participants @ 480 hr Financial Education – 511 one-on-one clients @ 372.5 hr / 35 workshop participants @ 81.5 hr
CPCDC FY2013 Impact Report (all loan sources) Number of Commercial Loans to Native American Owned Firms 38 loans Dollar Amount of Loans to Native American Owned Firms $4,101,317.88 Number of Jobs Created and/or Retained (36 created / 30retained) 66 Number of Consumer Loans: 442 Loans Employee Loan 429 Auto Loan 13
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Citizen Potawatomi Nation Annual Report FY2015
Dollar Amount of Consumer Loans: $694,443.22 Employee Loan $564,435.00 Auto Loan $13,008.22 Interest & Loan Origination fee Income $699,532.39 Principle Repayment $3,771,981 Number of Business Development / Financial Education Recipients 655 Clients 955 Training Hr Business Development – 54 one-on-one clients @ 327 hr/ 32 workshop participants @ 164 hr Financial Education – 489 one-on-one clients @ 292 hr / 80 workshop participants @ 172 hr
PLEASE NOTE: ON THE STATISTICAL REPORT WE COMBINE ECONOMIC / JOB CREATION PROJECT DETAILS WITH MICROENTERPRISE / SUPPORT SERVICE DETAILS AND WITH SUBSIDIZED WORK PLACMENT DETAILS.
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Citizen Potawatomi Nation Annual Report FY2015
EXPECTED OUTCOMES / PLAN GOALS 1. At least 90% of the youth identified under the Emerging Workforce will receive intensive career counseling services.
In FY2015, a total of 365 Youth were termed with 40 having employment goals / Emerging Workforce. All youth received one-on-one counseling regarding career choices. This was done in conjunction with their EDP. Those who had not completed high school or obtained a GED were shown what limited job opportunities are available to non-graduates. These job opportunities require unskilled workers and generally involve manual labor in the area of general maintenance, fast food, farm work, and general construction. Youth who aspired to more than un-skilled labor jobs were counseled regarding the specific skills required to reach and obtain their goals. Job training sites were developed for vocational exploration which included the Clinic, Indian Child Welfare, Pharmacy, and Environmental Services When appropriate, educational assistance to achieve their individual goal was made available. This is reflected in the number of youth served with Educational Objectives.
2. At least 25% of the TANF recipients whose case is terminated will enter unsubsidized employment or actively engage in employment assistance activities. This is consistent with the tribal goal of reducing joblessness in the service area.
In this reporting cycle, of the total number of Cash Assistance Recipients (TANF/GA recipients) that were terminated who at initial admission to services or within 60 days of eligibility determination received either TANF or GA employment achievement is noted on the chart below. IN FY15 we exceeded our goal of 25% with a total of 56.3% entering unsubsidized employment. FY13 % FY14 % FY15 % Cash Assistance Recipients 33 n/a 23 n/a 31 n/a Employment Goal 20 n/a 16 n/a 17 n/a
Entered Unsubsidized Employment 12 60.0% 12 75% 9 52.9% Other Employment Outcomes 7 21.2% 2 12.5% 7 41.2%
Education Goal 13 n/a 12 n/a 15 n/a Attained Degree / Certificate 3 23.1% 2 16.7% 1 6.7% Other Education Outcome 10 76.9% 10 83.3% 12 80.0%
TANF/GA participants continued to be actively engaged in education endeavors necessary to compete for employment. Attaining a GED is one example of the education endeavor within which these participants were engaged. Others were seeking to obtain training that would make the individual a more desirable candidate for a livable wage.
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Citizen Potawatomi Nation Annual Report FY2015
3. Successful support for at least two (2) economic development projects within the service area through the special services for job creation.
To meet the need for childcare services in the area, home care providers were established. During this reporting period, our home care provider network was maintained. Each provider received necessary training and equipment required to receive state licensing. SIX (6) group home care provider licenses were renewed during this reporting period. Also, we assisted ONE (1) new business through the Revolving Loan Pool.
MISCELLANEOUS STATISTICAL ANALYSIS As we have stated previously, the change in statistical reporting makes comparison to previous years invalid. For these reason we are not including a comparison to previous years.
Earning Gain All we can say regarding the comparison of Earnings Gain to previous year is that it remains ‘interesting’. We do have areas of concern regarding the interpretation of this number. This is strictly a hourly wage (or lack of) taken from income within 6 months of entry into the program as compared to an ending hourly wage. This does not take into account someone whose hourly rate may have been a higher hour rate for a ten hour a week job at entry and at exit a lower pay rate with a forty hour week. In this example, the person had a true ‘earnings’ gain but ‘hourly gain’ is reflected at a loss.
% Chg / Earnings Gain FY13 FY14 FY15 Prev Yr Adults $5.09 $4.86 $11.00 126.34% Youth $4.32 $4.85 $9.20 89.69% 195.53% Cash Assistance Recipient $2.39 $3.58 $10.58 NOTE: Youth earnings gain is included in the chart but NOT required on the statistical report.
Literacy Gain & Numeracy Gain The only data included in ‘Literacy Gain’ and ‘Numeracy Gain’ is for those Youth participants for whom this was a goal. This only includes those who were studying for GED AND a pre-test and a post-test were conducted and the results were entered under the applicable category. The numbers below indicate for how many this was a goal. The information required on the report is how many attempted a literacy and/or numeracy gain and how many achieved. This year the problem for us was those who initiated GED studies and had the pre-test but NEVER had a post test. WE had two who had pre- & post-tests. Only one fully passed attaining his GED. Both were considered youth (age 24 and under).
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Category FY13 % Attained FY14 % Attained FY15 % Attained Literacy Attempted 12 n/a 1 n/a 2 n/a Literacy Attained 8 66.7% 1 100.0% 2 100.0% Numeracy Attempted 12 n/a 1 n/a 2 n/a Numeracy Attained 9 75.0% 1 100.0% 1 50.0%
Other Services Referral Any services for which the counselors have provided referrals are included in this number. Examples of common referrals would include another tribe’s services, DHS-TANF, food pantries, homeless shelters, another CPN tribal program services, housing, DHS-food stamps, commodities, WIC, and numerous other public assistance or social services. This number is deceiving. Many participants are referred to multiple sources. Not all referrals are noted in the client files.
Other Services FY13 FY14 FY15 Referral Adults 343 310 230 Youth* 533 555 700 Cash Assistance 52 43 57 Recipient
OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION Un-Met Needs - Limitation of Resources • Changes in number served As the chart below indicates, the total number of participants served in this fiscal year declined in one category- adult; but in both youth & Cash Assistance Recipients the number increased. We did find a large number of ‘incomplete’ applications for all ages of applicants. We attribute the changes to: 1. Adult Participants – The change in definition of youth – from 21 to 24 cap reflects as a change in adults and youth counts. 2. Cash Assistance Participants - With the focus on ‘how are you helping yourself?’ This really impacted those hard-to-serve repeat participants who feel they are ‘owed’ or ‘entitled’ service rather than seeking a ‘helping hand’ to help themselves. Many did not complete the application process when they determined they would be held responsible for helping themselves The Re-Entry and Diversionary outreach has helped to increase this number. 3. Youth – The strong outreach efforts and the change in the definition / increased age cap are believed to have caused this increase. Also, the re-structuring of our Admissions process is believed to have caught more eligible applicants – specifically Youth & JOM. CSBG & LIHEAP referrals for service from E&T has also increased. Page 44 of 56
Citizen Potawatomi Nation Annual Report FY2015
% Chg / Participants FY13 FY14 FY15 Prev Yr Adults 343 315 239 -24.1% Youth 537 560 739 132.0% Cash Assistance
Recipients 53 43 63 146.5%
• Uncertainty of Funding/ UNEXPECTED JPT FUNDS Congressional Budget Approval delays operating on Continuing Resolutions and other recent actions by Congress, has left us with uncertainty. We have strategized how to continue to serve the large numbers who are in need of help with decreasing dollars. One thing we are doing is to shorten any subsidized work placement to only a two week subsidy. This gets a ‘foot in the door’ for a potential employee but may not be sufficient for the ‘hard to serve’ participant. It is appalling to consider any reduction in this already under-funded program.
The unexpected distribution of JPT discretionary workforce development funds was a blessing. We were also able to keep 50% of the work placements on longer placements (twice the original budgeted amount). We had planned reductions in Supportive Services. We were able to negate that reduction with these funds. Each fiscal year, we budget to replace several computers and printers (25% or 4 machines).
We were offered an opportunity to provide service to our low income clients and the community. The tribal Human Resource Department refers people to our computer lab to apply for jobs within the tribe. Employees are also offered the chance to use the computer lab for various reasons.
• Data Base Until FY15 CPN utilized a database that was developed by Wendall Franks – Beartracks. There has been no update since Wendall died over 10 years ago. The form the system generated and the calculation it uses to produce report numbers do not match today’s reporting requirements. We manually corrected the sections that need to be updated. In FY15 the CPN Information Technology (IT) staff rolled out of the new data base. At first we entered applications in both systems. After about four months of beta testing this way, we stopped and only used the new system. However, all applications that were active in the old system had to be re-entered into the new system. In the middle of this, we hired new staff and had to train how to use the system properly. As we tried to complete this report, we found human errors that required correction. Some made by employees who are no longer employed. Among that we also found ‘hidden’ applications / files. We believe one of those previous employees hid the files before she left. We have since recovered those, reviewed, corrected, and are reported correctly. Also, this is our first time to report, so we had to work with CPN I.T. to correctly format queries for the statistical data. Page 45 of 56
Citizen Potawatomi Nation Annual Report FY2015
• Case Management Training We have new staff in need of this vital training. We are requesting this training be planned in conjunction with the National NINAETC & 477 Conference in August 2016 if not before. IF possible, we would encourage interactive webinar training be developed to offer this in blocks. With follow-up face-to-face training offered in conjunction with planned meetings.
Oklahoma Employment Securities Commission • Unemployment Records (UI) Availability UI Wages records are not available directly to CPN E&T. The client can now go to DHS to obtain a copy of the wage records.
Subsidized Work Placements Subsidized Work Placements FY13 FY14 FY15 Employers Assisted 23 18 19 New Jobs Created 12 6 9 Direct Hires From Placement 9 12 8
• Business Assisted We chose to report this in the Economic Development / Job Creation category on the Statistical Report Form since these were subsidized work placements. It is important to note CPN’s contribution and support of area business both tribal and non-tribal. Subsidized employment placements included clerical, receptionist, police dispatch, embroiderer, cashier, customer service, farmhand, cake decorator, painter, child care assistant teacher, metal fabrication, math tutors, and many more.
In this reporting cycle, we provided subsidized placements with 19 different employers. Some employers received more than one placement during the year, but were only counted once under the employers assisted category. Not included in the chart above a total of 27 Native Americans– 11 Adults & 16 Youth were placed in subsidized employment positions.
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Citizen Potawatomi Nation Annual Report FY2015
• New Jobs Created In FY15, we determined that 9 subsidized placements were in ‘new jobs created’ rather than filling an already existing vacant job. Afterward, eight (8) were hired in unsubsidized work placements. CPN Economic Impact FT14 (FY 15 is not available at the time of this report). The estimated impact for 2014 is $540.6 million. This is a conservative estimation of the turnover of $1 in our local economy. The actual impact may be higher. • The Citizen Potawatomi Nation remains the largest employer at over 2215 employees with more than three times as many employees as the next largest employer. Wages total over $78.6 million with an estimated effect of $165.8 million on the local economy. • Over $212.9 million was spent on goods and services with an estimated local impact of $374.8 million. • $28.9 million in tax payments and payments in lieu of taxes • Tribal Rolls Scholarships exceeded $4.1 million in the form of 3,092 checks. • More than $2 million to local charitable organizations. • More than $250,000 to Oklahoma schools. • More than $4 million in tribal scholarships. • Now dispatching 911 services for all of Pottawatomie County. • Rural Water District 3 is the largest rural water district in Pottawatomie County. RWD 3 serves almost 1,000 customers and its service area includes 60 percent of the Pottawatomie County with more than 285 miles of line. RWD 3 serves the towns and schools of Asher, Wanette and Dale. RWD 3 is also a partial water supplier to Tecumseh. CPN began operating the water district in 2007 and has expanded the infrastructure of the system to provide both improved water quality and quantity in rural Oklahoma. While doubling the number of customers and water treatment capacity, a second water plant is now part of the district and three new towers have been built to improve service. RWD3 is the only tribal-owned enterprise that is a public utility. The CPN began operating the water district in 2007 and, since then, several million dollars have been spent to expand the infrastructure of the system providing both improved water quality and quantity. While doubling the number of customers and water treatment capacity, a second water plant is now part of the district and 3 new towers have been built to improve service. • First National Bank and Trust Company is the largest tribally owned national bank in the United States. FNB has branches at Citizen Potawatomi Nation Tribal Headquarters, Shawnee, Holdenville, two in Lawton, Granite and Magnum Oklahoma. • Health Services reports visits of 125,584 to physicians and 6,056 to dental services. Prescriptions filled was 171,918 and Wellness Center report s 27,440 visits. • Elderly Nutrition reports 19,714 meals served, and 3,688 meals delivered. • Housing reports 160 rental units; 185 down payment assistance, and 1,037 student housing assistance. Page 47 of 56
Citizen Potawatomi Nation Annual Report FY2015
CPN Economic Impact FT13 The estimated impact for 2013 is $558.6 million. This is a conservative estimation of the turnover of $1 in our local economy. The actual impact may be higher. • The Citizen Potawatomi Nation remains the largest employer at 2215 employees with more than three times as many employees as the next largest employer. Wages for 2013 totaled $71.10 million and had a $150 million effect on the local economy. • In 2013, CPN spent $232 million on goods and services. Those purchases have a $408.6 million impact on the economy. • First National Bank & Trust Company is the largest tribally owned bank in the United States. FNB has branches at Shawnee MacArthur Street (Main Bank) CPN headquarters, Holdenville, Lawton two sites, Granite, and Mangum, Oklahoma. • Rural Water District 3 is the largest rural water district in Pottawatomie County. RWD #3 serves nearly 900 customers, 60% of the Pottawatomie County geographical area, through 285 miles of line. • RWD is the only tribal-owned enterprise that is a public utility. Since 2007, the district’s water treatment plant has ramped up production by twice the number of gallons per day and twice the number of gallons of capacity. • Contributions: $2,406,894 in contributions to the local community • Contributions: $26,531,682 million in tax payments and payments in lieu of taxes. • Oklahoma Schools received $239,118 from the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. • “Without doubt the Citizen Potawatomi Nation provides a unique economic advantage to not only Shawnee, but to the region and state as well. Their impact as this area’s largest employer is felt far and wide, providing a multitude of benefits to those employed by their enterprises or to those who provide services to them. Without question they are a great example of tribal business success and prosperity.” Tim Burg, Executive Director, Shawnee Economic Development Foundation. • Health Services in 2013 totalled: 110,613 Physician visits, 5,018 Dental visits, 156,550 Prescriptions filled, 2,180 Health Aids visits, and 28,735 Wellness Center visits. • Elderly Nutrition: 13,117
P.L. 102-477 Tribal Work Group Activities / 477 TWG Projects / 477 OUTREACH • Education of 477 Programs and Tribal Work Group Committee – 477 Guidance for Tribal Governments (a TWG product) continues to be distributed upon request. This information is also made available to interested parties (tribes and others) who are considering P.L.102-477. It is clearly noted this is not a federal product and as such cannot be distributed by our federal partners. It is safe to say that as TWG Co-Chair, Margaret Zientek or in her absence Carol Clay Levi has responded to questions on average at least once per month (or more). This is produced, copied, and mailed at the expense of CPN. Spent phone, internet, and ‘face’ time with multiple tribes with Page 48 of 56
Citizen Potawatomi Nation Annual Report FY2015
questions regarding the P.L. 102-477 law, program issues, as well as those who were considering going 477. Outreach efforts are coordinated with AOTR’s as well. • DOL-Native American Employment & Training Council – Served as representative for P.L. 102- 477 TWG with the Effective Management Committee. Represent the interests of 477 grantees on this committee. • Reminders to 477 grantees via email, texts, and phone calls– comments due, reports due, update on issues such as HHS-TANF and OMB Audit Guidance, Federal Register Comments, Administrative Work Group Meetings, Advocacy Meetings, etc. The TWG Executive Committee maintains an email distribution list of 477 grantees who have asked to be sent email or participated in TWG meetings. Information passed thru this pipeline several times each month. • As 1 of 8 tribal representatives on the Administrative Flexibility Tribal Work Group with federal partners have contacted DOI- Ass’t Sec. staff regarding follow-up for outstanding issues. No additional meetings have been held since May 2014. • Senate Indian Affairs – Met with various staff regarding 477 Issues such as HHS and discussed possible administrative and legislative ‘fixes’ to address these problems. • Quarterly P.L. 102-477 Tribal Work Group Meetings – coordinated and presided as Co-Chair at quarterly meetings. Included educational information and ‘showcased’ successful tribal programs and distributed information regarding demonstration projects. • NINAETC / P.L. 102-477 National Conference August 2015 Durant, Oklahoma – assisted AOTR’s with workshop presentations; and peer- to peer technical assistance.
PHOTO’s We have provided documentation of some program activities on video and photo’s on compact disc. Please refer to the CD sent via mail.
CASE EXAMPLES ADMISSIONS Case Example Participants who are seeking Employment and Training services are required to complete an E&T application. We require several documents and with some of our participants they are not prepared for the documentation that is required for services. The most frequent issue is documenting income for those who have unstable work history. This is especially difficult with displaced homemakers and long-term unemployed. It is such a blow to their self-esteem, they are barely functioning. Often we have to help guide them in how to document how they have managed to pay their bills. In FY14, we have over 300 incomplete applications. In FY15 in the changing from one data base to another, this number is not readily available to report. Harry Parker Scott came to us seeking assistance with employment and general assistance being unemployed and homeless. He had a particularly difficult time obtaining the needed documentation for our programs. He had recently come to Oklahoma from another state and had very few items with him. We Page 49 of 56
Citizen Potawatomi Nation Annual Report FY2015 were able to contact his last employer and assist him in getting the needed documents that he was lacking. It is extremely overwhelming for applicants in this difficult situation to provide needed documents with no transportation, home or way to communicate with the needed facilities. We were able to assist Mr. Scott with general assistance.
ADULT EMPLOYMENT Case Example-1 Elan P. is a college student and a CPN Tribal Member who came to us looking for summer employment/internship to assist with his college education costs. Elan was placed with the Cultural Heritage Department and the Economic Development Corporation through our department to see if the placement would fit his interests as well as his educational needs. The placement was a great fit and the client was hired on by the tribe for the rest of the summer. The client did indeed fit well and was also asked to research issues for our Tribal Chairman. The client was able to take the income he earned and apply it to his college costs and he was able to use the research experience gained towards college credit when he returned to Columbia that fall.
ADULT EMPLOYMENT Case Example-2 Mike W. is a client with a long work history in a detention facility where he worked with commendations and promotions. While the client excelled at the job, after 15 years, the job began to wear on his large heart. He decided it was time for a change but even with the longevity of his job, he did not have a lot of skill sets or diverse employment history to put on a resume. This was inhibiting the client from finding a new job. We placed the client on with a maintenance crew where he worked hard and gained employment experience to add to his resume. The client was then able to become gainfully employed on his own, and provide for his family.
EDUCATION Case Example 1 Candace Montgomery is a 40 year old member of the Muscogee Creek Nation and graduated Shawnee High School in 1994. Client began college at Rose State College in 2005. Client attended Rose State part time seeking her Associates in Applied Science with a major in Library Technical Assistant. Client received a Certificate of Completion in Library Technical Assistant prior to her graduation in 2009 with her Associates. Client began University of Oklahoma in 2010 seeking her Bachelors in Information Library Science. Client is expected to graduate in December 2016. Client is a part time attendee of OU because she works full time for the Pioneer Library System. Client became a client with Employment and Training in 1995. Client was a summer employment client through Indian Health for several summers. Client was then placed at CPN Childcare Center as a cook and eventually worked her way up to an Assistant Teacher and then Lead Teacher. Client left the daycare in 1998 due to a pregnancy. After client had her first child, Ms. Montgomery came back to Employment and Training and was placed at the Pioneer Library System in 2001 and has been employed ever since.
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Citizen Potawatomi Nation Annual Report FY2015
EDUCATION Case Example 2 Joshua Crouch is a 16 year old member of the Choctaw Nation. Mr. Crouch is a concurrent student at Choctaw High School and Rose State College. Mr. Crouch is also a current JOM client. Mr. Crouch began taking High School classes in 7th grade. Client is already listed as the Valedictorian of his High School during his junior year. Mr. Crouch is also taking 6 hours of college credit each semester and has received A’s in his classes. Mr. Crouch hopes to become a College Professor in Mathematics.
HIGHER EDUCATION Case Example 1 Last year we reported on Alexzandra Humphrey and this year we want to share her success story. Alexzandra Humphrey is a 21 year old member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation and a graduate of Kentwood High School in 2013, while she was completing her junior and senior year of high school she participated in a program called Running Start which allowed her to take college course to begin completing some of her college credits. Alexzandra not only received her HS Diploma in 2013 but also her Associate's Degree in Visual Communications at the time of her graduation. Alexzandra graduated from both schools with double honors, being the President (high school) and Dean's (college) Honor Roll. Client has also been a member of the National Society of High School Scholars and the Phi Theda Kappa since she was a junior in high school. Client has assisted with video game and character designs. Alexzandra recently graduated December 2015 with her Bachelor's in Media Arts and Animation from the Art Institute of Seattle with honors. Client also has a certificate in 3D animation. Ms. Humphrey would like to begin a career working for Disney and/or Pixar studios and has applied for a yearlong paid internship with them.
HIGHER EDUCATION Case Example 2 Dakota Paxson is 19 year old member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. Client is seeking his Associates Degree in General Studies from Seminole State College. Client graduated Tecumseh High School in 2014. Once Mr. Paxson receives his Associates Degree he would like to get his Bachelor’s degree is Pre-Med from St. Gregory’s University and then continue his Masters at Southwestern and apply for Medical School. Mr. Paxson has always turned in all required paperwork on time and is excelling in his classes at Seminole State while working part time. Mr. Paxson believes he is dedicated and hard working.
GED Case Example -1 Joshua Hudson is a 27 year old member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. Mr. Hudson attended Blue Springs High School in Missouri until 2004 and completed the 9th Grade. Client began working at Price Dropper and then Sioux Chief manufacturing Plant in Missouri until he moved to Oklahoma in 2014. Mr. Hudson currently works full time as a meat cutter the Firelake Express Grocery. It is a requirement to work for the Citizen Potawatomi Nation with a GED or High School Diploma so the Mr. Hudson became an Employment and Training client. Mr. Hudson came in and began his GED pretest with 2 subjects scoring well enough to pass and 2 subjects “too close to call”. Mr. Hudson proceeded to take the Social Studies
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Citizen Potawatomi Nation Annual Report FY2015 and Science portion of the Official GED test where he passed Science with honors and Social Studies 1 point shy of honors. Mr. Hudson took the study packets home for Language Arts and Math and worked on them for 2 weeks before taking the Official GED in those subjects. Mr. Hudson passed both subjects scoring in the top 10 percentile. Mr. Hudson is now looking into to attending College and furthering his education.
GED Case Example -2 Ashley Trevino is a 24 year old member of the Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma. Client is seeking her GED because she believes it is preventing her from obtaining employment. Client has come in a taken all four of her GED pretest and scored well on two of them. Client was given study packets on all four subjects and has decided to work the two subjects she needs the most help in. Client is dedicated to getting her GED and has made every appointment scheduled.
SOCIAL SERVICES Case / Intensive Example-1 Katrina Jim is also enrolled through Higher Education. Katrina lost her job working through Dale Rogers at Tinker Airforce Base for standing up to a supervisor that was belittling one of her coworkers and she was not going to stand for it any longer. Katrina was labeled with a disability a long time ago but has never let that get in her way. She is a single Mom of two kids and came to us in August of 2014 seeking assistance with possible classes at Seminole State College in American Sign Language. In September 2014 she came in seeking assistance to obtain employment and possibly Social Services. She had a lot of work experience and good knowledge of a lot of different things so it seemed she should not have a problem finding and keeping employment. In October, Katrina came to employment classes that were offered one day each week for the month. She was still collecting unemployment at the time and was still contemplating school or a job or both. We had an opening for a placement and put her on placement to assist with Christmas Baskets and other duties that we needed assistance with. She proved herself to be a very hard worker and we ended up doing contract labor with her as well as a few others. We had a very large project that involved sorting and separating clothing and that took some time. In the later part of January, the placement/contract labor was over and she came in to seek assistance with a bill that she was having trouble paying. She did not receive a child support payment in January and she was counting on it to help her pay a bill. In the meantime, she was accepted by DRS services as well as Voc Rehab and was still struggling to pay day to day bills. With all of the things going wrong for her, she never once gave up. Her tennis shoes were stolen in January as well and she wears a larger size so finding a new pair was not an easy task. She continued to search for employment and her unemployment ran out in February 2015. With no unemployment and no child support coming in, she came in seeking General Assistance and was able to qualify. She did start taking classes at Seminole State in March of 2015 and was going through our Education department for some assistance as well. In April, Katrina interviewed and got a job working at Tinker Air Force Base in Midwest City but had to wait to start in June. She received General Assistance
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Citizen Potawatomi Nation Annual Report FY2015 for the next two months but then she received her first paycheck. She did have to drop out of school and had to really think about what was best for her family and the job was the best decision for her. She is now making almost $20 per hour and is doing fantastic. She had so many things stacked against her but she never gave up and is now a success!
SOCIAL SERVICES / INTENSIVE SERVICES Case Example 2 David Walker has been coming in for assistance off and on since 2009. He originally signed up for assistance with GED studies but got sidelined for a time when he went to prison. When he got out in 2012, he came in and utilized our Re-Entry program. While going through the intake process, it was noted that David needed to file for Social Security Disability as he has numerous health issues. As soon as he was released from prison, he began job searching even though his health was bad. After a small amount of time he began caring for his elderly Father as his health was worse than David and he had fallen. David qualified and continued to qualify for General Assistance from December of 2012 until January of 2015. David learned a lot in the prison system and his health had gotten worse while he was incarcerated, he did what was asked of him and more to be able to participate in all of our programs here. In November of 2014, David got his disability hearing and was awarded Social Security Disability. David received General Assistance from He did not receive a check until the middle of the month of January of 2015. David was so grateful for all of the assistance that was provided and said that without everything that we were able to assist him with, he was very unsure what may have happened to him.
YOUTH EMPLOYMENT Case – 1 B. Stewart is a high school graduate who is seeking summer employment to help her with fees and tuition for college that she will be attending in Colorado this fall. The client was able to be placed at the CPN Warehouse where she was in charge of assisting in deliveries, cleaning ice chest at the festival, and help stage different materials for other departments. The client worked full time during this work placement and was able to achieve money to help cover her fees and some tuition fees that she may encounter this fall.
YOUTH EMPLOYMENT & JOM Case - 1 Last year we reported on Madelyn H. is a high school student at Choctaw High School. She received help getting her driver’s education course and her first after school job. This year, Madelyn is starting to think about different career paths. She is certain that she wants to go into the medical field, she just does not know which part. She has requested help with a job over the summer to help her start saving for college application fees. I sat down and talked with her more specifically on about parts of the medical field that really draws her attention. She then told me she wanted to be the first person that made contact with the patient. I was able to place her at the Oklahoma Vein And Endovascular Center. She was placed there to file paperwork, check patients in and out, answer phone calls, set appointments, etc. With this placement, the client was able to experience what that career path would be like and she would be able to determine if that truly is something she wants to pursue.
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Citizen Potawatomi Nation Annual Report FY2015
JOM Case -2 A. Mitchell is an elementary student at Tecumseh Public Schools. His mother asked if there were any services available to help A. Mitchell be around other children his age and to get involved in his heritage background. Through our JOM program, A. Mitchell was able to attend our Summer Golf Camp where he learned the basics of golfing. He also attended our culture classes this summer. We were able to help him get involved in his culture heritage. A. Mitchell has since attended every culture class and also asks when our next one will be.
CHILDCARE Case -1 Neiki Parnell was a Tecumseh High School student that participated in the JOM program through Citizen Potawatomi Employment and Training. She graduated from high school then went to Employment and training to look for job placement. Neiki was referred to the Child Development Center to do an interview for an assistant infant teacher. The interview went well and she was hired. After being hired E&T helped her with scrubs and gas vouchers to help assist her in her new job. While being employed here at few years she found an interest in attending college. The right opportunity came about through Citizen Potawatomi Nation. The tribe offered the ACE program at St. Gregory’s University. Neiki graduated with a Bachelor’s in Business from St. Gregory’s University. She has been a loyal employee of CPN for the last 10 years. Neiki is currently our After School Coordinator and she is being a wonderful foster parent to 2 Native American children.
CHILDCARE Case -2 Corri Cooper is a 19 year old Native American girl who is a former CPN child development student. She attended our center from the age of 2- to 12 years old. Her mother used our CCDF program to help pay for the cost while she and her sister attended our facility. Corri used E&T for the summer youth program to work as a floater in our center during her high school years. Upon graduation from high school she returned to E&T for job placement. Corri is currently an assistant teacher in our infant class. She plans on attending Rose State College this Spring Semester. Corri said CPN child development center and E&T had a great impact on her life and loves the fact that she has been given the opportunity to help, learn, and grow here as a native American woman.
EMPLOYMENT / RE-ENTRY / Diversionary Case 1 - Shared 477 Client Kenneth Chambers is a Muskogee Creek Nation member, he is 44 years old. He was released from prison in February 2013. He was in on several accounts out of Seminole, Hughes, Ponotoc, and Okfuskee County. While he has fines that are still due he was able to qualify for our Diversionary program. He is looking to get employment, his driver’s license back, and to enter a sober living house. He is currently living with his uncle in Shawnee. He will be referred to the Shawnee DUI center to have a drug and alcohol assessment
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Citizen Potawatomi Nation Annual Report FY2015 and to take classes to get his license back. He will also be given job searches and supportive services. His main priority is getting into the house, so that he can stay clean and get some money in his pocket and job skills under his belt. The CPN Diversionary grant was able to help Kenneth get his driver’s license back by sending him through DUI School. He obtained employment through McCoy Tree service, where he was able to save money and rent his own apartment. Kenneth was able to attend the CPN Re-entry and Diversionary focus groups where he was able to meet with others that are in the same situation. Through this he expressed, “I have received more help from talking to others than I ever thought was possible”. Kenneth has exceled at his goals with the help of the CPN Diversionary program and his strong will. “I could not have done all of this without ya’lls help.” Chambers expressed.
EMPLOYMENT / RE-ENTRY / Diversionary Case 2 - Shared Client Brown is a 34 year old male and member of the Sac and Fox tribe. He was in prison for about 3 years for driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. He is currently employed with McCoy Tree Service in Shawnee, OK. He is seeking clothes for work, and boots. He works Monday-Thursday 7-5, and off on Fridays. He is currently seeking help with rent, obtaining his driver’s license, and an interlock device to get to and from work. He will be Reentry. He already has employment and his GED. The CPN Re-entry program was able to install an interlock device, send Brian to Dui School, and pay for his driver’s license reinstatement fee. Brian also attended the Reentry/Diversionary focus groups where he was able to communicate with other people in the community. “If I had not found this program I would have went back to my old ways and ended up back in prison”.
EMPLOYMENT / GA / CSBG / Hardship – Case 1-Shared Client Richard Bright is a CPN tribal member who came to employment and training after being laid off from the oilfield in September of 2015. He lived in Norman with his wife and kid, and was seeking any type of assistance he could find. During the process of completing his employment and training application, he was assisted through the CSBG program with his electric bill and City of Norman water bill through the CPN hardship assistance. Richard qualified for General Assistance which helped with other household necessities. He used his supportive services to purchase some of the necessities for his new job as well as gas vouchers until he got his first full paycheck as school teacher.
JOHNSON O’MALLEY / LIHEAP / CSBG– Case 2- Shared Client Heather Mick is a Cherokee tribal member in a household of 10. She was a foster parent and has since adopted several of the kids. Having qualified for our programs, she utilized both CSBG and LIHEAP programs to assist her during times of need. Her children are all Native American, and being so are all clients of the JOM program which has helped with numerous school related activities and costs. They range from graduation items and band camp fees to drivers education.
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EDUCATION / LIHEAP / CSBG / JOM – Case 3- Shared Client Leslie Bass is a single head of household with three kids. Upon relocating from Texas, Leslie was utilizing the EDU assistance to attend St. Gregory’s University while working full-time. While she was working to further her education and support her family, she utilized the LIHEAP and CSBG programs for utility assistance. Leslie used the CSBG program to help with placing her into CPN Family Housing, thus allowing her kids to attend a school that was located within our JOM program jurisdiction.
EMPLOYMENT / REINTEGRATION / CSBG / LIHEAP – Case 4- Shared Client Tecumseh is an Absentee-Shawnee tribal member and a client of the Reintegration Program. During which he used both CSBG and LIHEAP to assist him and his family of three while seeking employment. CSBG helped him during his time of need with rental assistance and energy assistance in the summer, along with utilizing our AC loaner units when temperatures reached peak numbers. As a client of the Reintegration program, he received gas assistance while job searching and was able to obtain sustained employment.
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