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About Siletz news / (Siletz, OR) 199?-current | View Entire Issue (June 1, 2019)
477 Self-Sufficiency Program offers Summer Youth Employment Program The 477 Self-Sufficiency Program (SSP) is accepting applications for our Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). This program is separate from the Tribal Youth Employment Program offered through the Education Department. The program’s mission is to provide youth age 14-24 with the opportunity to gain employment or education skills in a field that interests them. Our current placements are 240 hours and pay is $12/hour for Work Experience and $9/hour for Classroom Training stipends. The program is available to youth who reside within the 11-county service area. Placements can start as early as July 1 and end by Aug. 31. Basic eligibility criteria includes, but is not limited to, the following: • • Youth must be between ages 14-24 at the time of application. Amer ican Indian ver ification (includes American Indian, Native Alaskan and Native Hawaiian) and those enrolled in a federally recog- nized Indian Tribe. Participants can also be eligible with verification of descendancy from a family member who is enrolled with a federally rec- ognized Tribe. • Latest school grade report. Par- ticipants will need to have at least a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0. Participants below a 2.0 can participate in the Classroom Training Program and receive a stipend while attending summer school. • Income eligibility requirements apply. Slots are limited and are on a first- come, first-served basis. If you are inter- ested in applying for the Summer Youth Employment Program, contact one of our Tribal services specialists or intake special- ists located in each of the Tribal offices. Applications are available now and will be accepted through June 14, 2019. MAT services coming to Salem area Social Security reverses harmful The Siletz Community Health Clinic MAT is primarily used for the treatment will soon offer Medication Assistance of addiction to opioids such as heroin and policy on trusts for disabled members Treatment (MAT) in Salem, Ore. The clinic is contracting with a local pro- vider, Eric Davis, MSW, CADC III, and JD Health and Wellness to offer these services. MAT services that will be provided include medication treatment (SUBOX- ONE ® / VIVITROL ® /Antabuse), mental health counseling, and A&D counseling. What is MAT? MAT is the use of medications with counseling and behav- ioral therapies to treat substance use disorders and prevent opioid overdose. prescription pain relievers that contain opiates. (SAMHSA). Who is eligible for services at the Salem MAT clinic? Siletz Tribal mem- bers, other Natives, and non-Native with close family ties. Initially, the program is able to accept 25 patients. When will services be available? June 2019 (tentatively). For more information about the Salem MAT program, contact Delina John, CADC I, at 541-444-9697 or 800-922- 1399, ext. 1697. Social Security video conferencing available The Siletz Tribe and the Social Security Administration (SSA) entered into an agreement to participate in SSA’s Video Service Delivery (VSD) project. “The goal of the VSD project is to reach out to members of the public who wish to conduct busi- ness with SSA, in remote locations, through real-time video conferencing in order to provide them with better information and access to SSA services.” In the past several years the Siletz Tribe has noticed a disturbing trend in Social Security Administration (SSA) policy. The agency started to classify Tribal minor and disabled adult trusts from per capita gaming revenue as something SSA regulations call a “resource.” This classification was then being used to exclude some of our disabled minors and adults, or those otherwise in need and qualified for SSA benefits. Staff worked hard to investigate this trend, to identify its source and after that to negotiate with SSA. This allowed us to amend our Distribution Ordinance so that the problem could be reversed. Tribal Council passed an Amendment Resolution on April 23, 2019; then we waited. As a result of staff’s continuing efforts, on May 10, 2019, the Tribe’s Legal Depart- ment was told that SSA’s regional office and its attorneys have accepted the amended ordinance’s wording. SSA will no longer classify Siletz’ minor and disabled trusts as a “resource,” making those members again eligible for SSA payments. Hopefully, this will result in benefits being restored to some of our most vulnerable members. Staff will continue to work hard with states and counties on this project in the coming weeks. Our aim is to be sure that those critical federal SSA benefits are restored to all deserv- ing Tribal members and that they remain available in the future, safe from similar attacks. If you are having trouble with your Social Security benefits, please contact Tribal administration so we can continue to work on these issues. Video conferencing services are available in the Siletz administration building located at 201 SE Swan Ave., Siletz, OR 97380. Conference openings are normally available Tuesdays between 1-4 p.m. To schedule a video conferencing appointment, contact Kyanna Fisher, Tribal ser- vices specialist, at 541-444-8222; 800-922-1399, ext. 1222; or kyannaf@ctsi.nsn.us. Culture Craft Nights Feather Dance Practice Courtesy photo L to r: NINAETC co-chairs Margaret Zientek and Erwin L. Pahmahmie Jr.; Craig Regester, Food for Lane County; and Kurtis Barker, 477-SSP director 477-SSP program nominates local employer for national award Siletz Tribal Community Center June 3 • 5-7 p.m. Eugene Eugene Area Office June 4 • 5-7 p.m. Portland Portland Area Office June 10 • 5-7 p.m. Salem Salem Area Office June 11 • 5-7 p.m. Come and learn how to dance in the Feather Dance and learn our tradi- tions surrounding the dance. Siletz Tribal members and their families welcome. Young people under age 10 need an adult to accom- pany and assist them. The Siletz Culture Department will provide instructors to assist. Contact: Bud Lane, budl@ctsi. nsn.us; 541-444-8320 or 800-922- 1399, ext. 1320 Sponsored by the Education and Culture Departments The 477 Self-Sufficiency Program nominated Food for Lane County for an Out- standing Employer Award at the National Indian and Native American Employment & Training Conference (NINAETC). Food for Lane County was selected to receive the award for its contributions and continued partnership with the 477 program. Food for Lane County selected Craig Regester to accept the award on its behalf. Craig was a previous Work Experience and On-the-Job Training participant who is still employed with the organization. Food for Lane County has been a partner with 477 for well over 10 years. It has trained and hired numerous participants throughout those years. Food for Lane County worked with us when many organizations and businesses were reluctant. They provided worksite training and certifications to participants with challenging backgrounds and those with little to no work history. We look forward to our continued partnership and congratulate Food for Lane County on its Outstanding Employer Award. The award was presented at the 2019 NINAETC Conference that took place in Durant, Okla., in April. June 2019 • Siletz News • 3
