NATIONAL INDIAN COUNCIL ON AGING

In this issue, we are highlighting Oklahoma Native Americans. It seems appropriate to mention a couple of the Native American agencies that serve inclusively. One organization is the National Indian Council on Aging (NICOA) which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1976 by members of the National Tribal Chairmen’s Association who called for a national organization focused on the needs of aging American Indian and Alaska Native elders. The mission of NICOA is to advocate for improved comprehensive health, social services and economic well-being for American Indian and Alaska Native elders.

NICOA operates as a national sponsor for the Senior Community Service Employment Program authorized under Title V of the Older Americans Act. The mission is to provide opportunities for lowincome elders through paid training, meaningful community service, and skills development. NICOA’s SCSEP provides services to anyone in the service area eligible for the program; help elders find work, develop new skills and talents, and build their financial security by taking advantage of the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). SCSEP is an on-the-job training and employment program designed to help those age 55 and older update their jobs skills, build work experience and confidence, and continue to have economic security and well-being.

SCSEP is administered by the U.S. Department of Labor under the authority of the Older Americans Act of 1965, Title V. SCSEP is the only federally funded community service and job training program focused exclusively on serving low-income elders 55 and older, in nearly all 3,000 U.S. counties and territories through state and national grantees. SCSEP helps job-seeking elders gain the skills necessary to re-enter the workforce. The program provides grant-sponsored (subsidized) income and training to participants while they serve their communities, which improves their well-being and prepares them for regular (unsubsidized) employment.

Paul Durrett, director of NICOA in Oklahoma said, “Our program is rebuilding after COVID. We have a job developer on staff, training has resumed and our staff and participants are excited about next steps. Prior to COVID, we had 88 participants in the program. Our goal is to train and place, minimally, 75 elders in 2023. We are actively recruiting non-profits and government agencies for work sites.”

To learn more about the program, sign up for training, or become a work site, contact NICOA at 405-951-9240.

NASHI accomplishes this mission by forming a partnership of residents, businesses, financial leaders, and local government officials who jointly commit to establishing policies and programs to revitalize lowerincome communities for the benefit of current residents. Providing technical assistance to Tribally Designated Housing for Elders to strengthen organizational and individual capacity is another avenue to the mission. NASHI insures communications between residents, city government, and financial institutions in regard to financial terms and methods; as well as cooperative efforts to promote home loan programs are clear. NASHI created a complete Homebuyer Education curriculum including teaching aids that address needs and services in Native America and other communities; and, provides property management and “lease to own” programs that create avenues to homeownership. NASHI also provides specific assessments and surveys for Native American communities to assist economic development initiatives and engages in other activities and functions as are proper and in furtherance, of the goals and purposes of this

For additional information on programs and eligibility

NATIVE AMERICAN HOUSING SERVICES, INC.

“The mission of the Native American Housing Services, Inc. (NAHSI) is to promote decent, safe, sanitary, and affordable housing for qualified individuals and families within the State of Oklahoma. “

Written by Medicare Jet-Setters

Stutchman