S moke S ignals
DECEMBER 1, 2015
NOTICE TO ALL TRIBAL MEMBERS
ON THE SSI/SSD SUPPLEMENTAL
INCOME PROGRAM
Attention Tribal members on SSI or SSD programs:
It’s getting to be that time of year again. Time to remember to send
us a copy of your current 2016 benefit statement from the Social
Security Administration so that we can update your file. This is a
requirement for members between the age of 18-54 who are
wanting to re-qualify for this supplemental program. If you
do not receive your current benefit statement you may order one by
calling the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or go
online at www.ssa.gov. Your current benefit statement must reach
our office by Jan. 31, 2016, to avoid any future delays in your benefits.
For Elders age 55 and up, it is a requirement that we have an
updated Social Security Administration letter of eligibility
once every two years. We will need a copy of that document (SSA
award letter) to update your file.
Please mail copies of your benefit statement and the application to:
CTGR Member Services
Attn: Jolanda Catabay
9615 Grand Ronde Road
Grand Ronde, OR 97347
Fax: 1-503-879-2480
E-mail: jolanda.catabay@grandronde.org
Note: It is the responsibility of the Tribal member to notify
the Tribe of any changes in your benefits from the Social
Security Administration SSI/SSD program. Failure to notify
the Tribe may result in an obligation to repay ineligible ben-
efits received, interrupt or delay your Tribal Supplemental
Security Income and Disability payments.
Please feel free to contact me if you have further questions or
concerns. My contact numbers are 503-879-2253 or 1-800-422-0232,
ext. 2253.
Respectfully,
Jolanda Catabay
Enrollment Member Services Specialist
Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde
ATTENTION CTGR TELEPHONE SERVICE
If you have an emergency and need to dial “911” you must first dial a “9”
(9911). The only calls that do not require that you dial a 9+ are those made
from the CTGR extensions within the CTGR campus and/or those who use
CTGR Tel for their home phone service. n
Food Bank provides
boxes, seeks help
If you receive SNAP, TANF, SSI or LIHEAP assistance, you au-
tomatically qualify for assistance at the Grand Ronde Food Bank,
9675 Grand Ronde Road.
No one will be turned away in need of a food box.
Upcoming food box distribution dates will be 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 4; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12; and 9 a.m. to
1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18. Holiday food boxes will be distributed on
Wednesday, Dec. 23, from 2 to 6 p.m. and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 30.
The food bank will be closed at noon Thursday, Dec. 24, closed
on Christmas Day, closed at noon Thursday, Dec. 31, and closed on
New Year’s Day.
Those who are unable to pick up a food box may fill out an autho-
rized representative form and that person can pick up a food box
on your behalf. The authorization is good for one year.
The Grand Ronde Food Bank – iskam mfkhmfk haws – is run by
Marion-Polk Food Share, which has been leading the fight to end
hunger since 1987 because no one should be hungry.
“It takes a community to fight local hunger,” says Food Bank Co-
ordinator Francene Ambrose. “Your gift of time and talent means so
much to individuals, families and children who are struggling. We are
looking for assistance in repacking food, putting food on the shelves,
handing out food boxes on distribution days and end-of-the-month
inventory. Groups are welcome and other opportunities are available.”
Mandatory volunteer training is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. to noon
Tuesday, Dec. 8, for those who have not yet attended. Training cov-
ers safe food handling, non-discrimination and warehouse safety.
Volunteers are needed on Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 22-23, to
help with extra food for the Christmas holiday.
Call on non-distribution days to ensure someone is available to as-
sist you. You also can sign up for a monthly e-mail for the Food Bank
calendar and events, as well as follow the Food Bank on Facebook.
Contact Ambrose at 503-879-3663 or at fambrose@marionpolk-
foodshare.org for more information or to volunteer. n
Special Event Board seeking help
The Tribal Veterans Special Event Board is attempting to recruit younger
veterans – Iraqi and Afghanistan veterans – to join.
“Our committee is getting older,” said Veterans SEB Chairman Steve
Bobb Sr., who is a Vietnam War-era Marine Corps veteran.
Members of the SEB attend events as flag carriers and represent the
Tribe, as well as their branch of service.
Veterans interested in volunteering should contact Tribal Council Chief
of Staff Stacia Martin at 503-879-2304 or stacia.martin@grandronde.org. n
ATTENTION TRIBAL MEMBERS
COMMITTEE AND SPECIAL EVENT BOARD VACANCIES
The following Committees and Special Event Boards have vacant
positions.
Powwow SEB
Election Board
Timber Committee
Social Services Committee
Health Committee
1 Vacancy
1 Vacancy for an alternate
1 Vacancy
1 Vacancy
2 Vacancies
1 Vacancy
Please send completed applications to Stacia Martin,
9615 Grand Ronde Road, Grand Ronde, OR 97347.
Clothes Closet open Monday, Friday
The Clothes Closet is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday and
Friday on the Tribal campus near the Elders Activity Center at the
end of Blacktail Drive.
It accepts clothes, small appliances, small pieces of furniture, elec-
tronics and household goods that are clean and in good condition.
It does not accept books, large TVs or large furniture, but there is a
community board where people can post those items.
Donations are accepted during regular business hours.
For more information or emergency clothes, contact Lori Walk-
er-Hernandez at 559-847-7565 or Daniele Powley at 971-241-6170. n
Ad created by George Valdez
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