The impact of these contributions is huge and reaches the lives of many individuals of diverse backgrounds and needs.
The NACA mission and Community Development philosophy guide services when engaging with clients by recognizing the clients’ strengths, honoring their voices (stories) and fostering wellness. This may include financial relief for the disproportionately underserved community members, referring individuals to other resources as needed, and providing emotional and social support. Supportive Services also provides support to those who are unsheltered, also known as “Unsheltered Relatives.” Every human being is sharing a space on Mother Earth; thus, NACA’s community-based services focus on harmony and respect. Some tangible items provided to people in need are day bus passes, hygiene kits, PPE supplies and winter attire such as jackets, gloves and beanies.
The funds that fuel the Supportive Services program are donated by kind people in the community and across the state. The financial relief donations provided to those in dire need is always appreciated. NACA’s Supportive Services also provides financial support for K-12 grade students, to Native American patients of Northern Arizona Health Care, to persons in need of assistance with rent or utilities, to a family member whose loved one has passed and is in need of help with burial assistance, or to a person in need of ceremonial assistance for traditional care versus Western medicine.
Acknowledgement of these assistances is always accepted with gratitude and humility. The impact of these contributions is huge and reaches the lives of many individuals of diverse backgrounds and needs. Some statements from recipients include:
Taylor House Lodging: “Thank you for helping us with lodging at Taylor House; I drove [to Flagstaff] from the Navajo Nation in a downpour to spend time with my spouse, who is in the hospital due to cancer, and spending the night at no cost to us was a blessing. I feel safer having rested, and can drive home with my spouse if she is discharged.”
Educational Enhancement: “Thank you for helping me pay for my child’s afterschool program. I can see that she is excited and looks forward to attending sessions. This will help her with her social skills because she is a shy little girl. “
Rental Assistance: “If it was not for this aid, I’m not sure where we would have ended up. I had surgery and did not work for several months; thankfully, I still have my job. My spouse is working a low-paying job and was barely making ends meet. Thank you so much for practically rescuing us.”
Hygiene Kits: “Thank you for the hygiene kits; I love the chapstick and sunblock. I need that because I burn easily.”
Burial Assistance: “Thank you for helping with the burial cost of our late father. We loved him so much and we are sad that we no longer will have him beside us. He had some health issues that we spent time on, like going back and forth to the hospital to get him the medical care he needs. You are a blessing, thank the people who donated to help us, we will remember them in our prayers.”
Ceremonial Assistance: “Thank you so much for helping me with this ceremonial expense. I have been through a lot with my health due to COVID and my work has been impacted tremendously. I am barely going back to work part time; I have been unemployed for over a year, and it has taken a toll on my family. I am looking forward to this ceremony and to start healing.”
Bus Pass: “I am working on my recovery for 6 months, and it is hard to ask for help when you decide what you want to do for yourself. I take the bus to work and to my counseling appointments and it can be hard at times, but I keep getting up each day. I am far away from home, and I miss my traditional practice and my family. I am so thankful for the help; even my family [is] thankful to you for your existence.”
Utility Assistance: “It is embarrassing to ask for help, but the forest fire and floods have taken a toll on our finances; I so appreciate your help with paying for my utilities. I can’t believe I cannot afford to pay for it. Thank you, thank you.” FBN
By Lucinda Yazzie
Because the funds are donated, NACA’s Supportive Services can provide financial assistance one time per year, and aid is based on availability of funds. For more information about NACA Supportive Services, contact a Supportive Service case manager at 928-526-2968.
NACA’s Family Health Center currently offers the seasonal flu vaccine, as well as the COVID-19 Moderna and Pfizer primary vaccines, and the COVID-19 bivalent booster. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 928-773-1245.
Lucinda Yazzie is a social services coordinator. She and Selena Holgate are case managers in NACA’s Supportive Services program, within the Community Development department. They work with a diverse population of clients with different backgrounds and needs that may require financial or social assistance. They also work with other partnering agencies in Flagstaff, like Flagstaff Shelter Services, where those who are unsheltered are served with needed support. For more information or to apply for aid, call NACA Supportive Services at 928-526-2968 and ask to speak with a case manager.
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