Ohiarihkó:wa / July 2014 Featured Programs Medicaid Office for the Higher Public Works Service Aging Education Coordination Kawennì:ios Thompson Brothers Honored 1 Helping Build a Better Tomorrow I Love Rakeni Social Services Division Holds Father's Day Event By Mona Romeo, Staff Development Coordinator n June 14, 2014, the Social Services Division HAVFD was kind enough to bring one of their trucks of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe hosted the to the park to allow the children to view and speak to “ResponsibleO Native American Fatherhood Day” at the firemen. Generations Park. The event offered an opportunity to recognize fathers and father figures as well as give Through the combined efforts of the social services fathers and children a day of fun filled activities and division programs, a BBQ lunch was enjoyed by all who games. attended. Some of the activities enjoyed were a scavenger hunt, The afternoon closed with a social by local drummers dunk tank and tug of war. Each father was given a who graciously donated their time. t-shirt with the logo of the event. Drawings were held We also thank Seneca Select and CAA Enterprise for for prizes that we felt fathers would appreciate such as their generous donations that helped make this event a fishing gear, car washing supplies, camping equipment, success. sporting supplies and other similar items. We anticipate that A poster contest was this event will be held held in the weeks prior yearly on the Saturday to the event. Princess before Father’s Day. We Porter had the winning thank all of the fathers poster. She received a and father figures who day trip for two adults brought their families to and four children to celebrate the importance Calypso Water Park. of fatherhood and hope to see you again next year. ◊ Above: Kwiio White from the Akwesasne Group Home Takes A Turn in the Dunk Tank Left: Joseph White Won the Racing Package Right: Matthew Benedict and Family All Set for Fishing. Other Door Prize Winners Not Pictured: Kyle Jacobs - Sports Basket Anthony Tillman - Car Wash Ian Oakes - Gardline Photography 2 Economic Development Welcomes New Director Christopher Thompson Selected By Allyson Doctor, Communications Department Director he Office of Economic Development welcomes development and strategic planning. Christopher Christopher Thompson as the new Director. started with the Tribe on Monday June 9, 2014. ChristopherT brings more than a decade of experience to the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, most recently Christopher received his BSc in Psychology from from the Mohawk Council of Trent University in 2003 and has studied Economic Akwesasne, where he spent the past Development at the University of two years managing the Economic Waterloo. Christopher is a member Development Program. He moved of the Akwesasne Area Management home to share his expertise in 2012 Board and fulfills the Director role after a decade in London, Ontario. where he is a strong supporter of His federal experience is vast and workforce development. includes working with the Federal Christopher is the son of Jerry and Economic Development Agency Connie Thompson and brother to of Ontario (FEDDEV) as an both Jordan and Kelly Thompson. He Economic Development Officer, the lives with his wife Shannon who is a Federal Economic Development library consultant. of Northern Ontario (FEDNOR), Human Resources and Skills Christopher will focus on Development Canada (HRSDC) developing a strong and diversified and Service Canada. Throughout this economy in Akwesasne and looks time, his experience centers around forward to working with Lindsay First Nations and rural community Tarbell. Two positions will be hired development, workforce development, grants and shortly and the Office of Economic Development will contributions, business services, community economic strengthen its efforts towards attaining economic self- sufficiency. ◊ On the Cover: The achievements of Lyle and Miles Thompson is not only historic, but deeply personal to Akwesasne. These young men demonstrate leadership, courage and commitment to the world through our game. Our youth have strong, educated role models. It is an honor to recognize our Iroquois Tewaaraton Award winners of 2014. Kawennì:ios “Good Words” is published monthly by the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, Communications Department, 412 State Route 37, Akwesasne, NY 13655 Allyson Doctor - Director / Editor (518) 358-2272 Aimée Benedict-Debo, Publications Manager [email protected] Alyson Cole - Production Assistant www.srmt-nsn.gov 3 Office for the Aging Program Feature By Allyson Doctor, Communications Department Director he Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe welcomes volunteerism, and increase efforts to attract younger the experience and commitment Lora Lee seniors with a new image, programming and services. LaFranceT brings to her new role as the Director for the Please join the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe in welcoming Office of the Aging. Lora Lee’s entire career has circled Lora Lee to her new position. the coordination of benefits for elders. In her position, Lora Lee states she will be “striving to put ‘Seniors About the Office for the Aging First” and living the mantra, “If it’s good for seniors, it’s The Saint Regis Mohawk Office for the Aging good for everybody.” (SRMOFA) provides senior Lora Lee La France was born services on the Saint Regis and raised in Akwesasne. She is Mohawk Indian Reservation. the daughter of George and Lynn The SRMOFA is centrally La France and the granddaughter located in Tsi Tetewatatkens of Peter and Elizabeth La France building behind the Tribal Police and Mary and Phillip Thompson, Department. Our services include: all of Akwesasne. Lora Lee is a graduate of Salmon River Information and Assistance Central School; she received her The SRMOFA is a central Bachelors of Science from Cornell source for accurate, up-to-date University and her Masters of information on programs, services Business Administration from the and benefits for seniors and University of St. Mary. caregivers. Lora Lee has spent the past Transportation eight years as a certified HIICAP counselor at the Seniors Center, Seniors can request helping seniors understand transportation to and from their and apply for health insurance; Lora Lee LaFrance Named Director home to the seniors’ center for additionally, she operates the the noon meals and activities. NY Connects program, helping elders and disabled Assisted transportation/escort services are also available individuals find and obtain benefits. Previously, she for those who need a ride to appointments. Scheduled worked at Health Services as a facilitated enroller, as a group trips are also available for shopping, banking and patient services coordinator and with First Environment scenic tours and special trips. Research Projects as a Research Support Specialist with the Albany Superfund studies. In-Home Services Lora Lee is very excited to begin her position as Expanded In-home Services for the Elderly Director of the Office for Aging. Her priorities are Program (EISEP). Non-medical service that assists to fill vacant staff positions to increase the availability people who are not able to meet their personal care and efficiency of services, revise the mission statement needs independently. Services available can help with to make “Seniors First”, increase collaboration and bathing and housework. 4 Caregiver Services The Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP) provides free, unbiased, Caregiver services are for anyone caring for an elderly confidential assistance with health care questions and or disabled person. They include a monthly caregivers concerns. newsletter and support group. The services are designed to help those families providing care to a frail senior. Services and activities that foster good health, healthy lifestyles and promote physical and mental health. Nutrition Services Medication management consists of activities Nutrition services are intended to promote the health that assist older persons to adequately manage the and well-being of older adults. Meals are served at the medications they are taking and avoid medication center or delivered to the participant's home. Services misuse and/or abuse. can reduce the isolation experienced by many older adults. In addition to the home delivered meals, a weekly Legal assistance is provided by Legal Aid Society breakfast box, supper bag meal, weekend frozen meals of Northeastern New York. The Paralegal provides and shelf stable meals can be provided. Nutrition assistance to seniors with a variety of legal counseling is provided for seniors. issues. Other Services Being active by participating in various activities may prevent the A Maintenance Support seniors from feeling depressed Worker can help those who and lonely. Activities also sparks do not have friends and/ the creative talents of seniors. or family who can assist The Activity Coordinator them with minor home actively promotes various maintenance and repairs. events including Monday SRMOFA can also assist bingo, Ace to King card with building improvements games, Day trips, etc. Seniors and maintenance including are always encouraged to accessibility modification, make suggestions on trips, defined as structural presentations, crafts and other adaptations that meet the activities of their interest. needs of older individuals who have disabling conditions. The Saint Regis Mohawk Senior Citizens Club, Inc. is open to all Seniors age 55 and older. Membership SRMOFA staff assists seniors