Two Feathers 2022 Impact Report

TWO FEATHERS

2022

Native American Family Services IMPACT REPORT

Dear Friends and Community,

Thank you for your ongoing support of Two Feathers through another year. Looking back, 2022 was filled with many successes. I would like to give appreciation to our Two Feathers team and Native youth and families who have trusted us to provide mental health and wellness-based services throughout Humboldt County.

In December 2022, we completed a 3-year strategic plan that will provide us with more focus on programming and ways to create more impact locally and nationally. We will deepen and expand our youth and community based mental health and wellness programs, and work towards helping other local Native youth-serving institutions promote wellness, community morale, pride, and hope.

We are incredibly proud to have reached over 350 young people through our school and community-based programming in the Hoopa Valley, Orleans and downriver regions, as well as on the Humboldt coastline. We continue to provide mental health counseling to over 150 Native youth a week and expanded our youth leadership employment program to include over 50 youth employees. Our ACORN youth wellness project continues to grow and improve, strengthening our youth-driven curriculum. We are excited about continuing to build this program.

Additionally, we have continued to bolster our LGBTQ+/Two Spirit programming, offering both our Rainbow Collaborative group weekly and our annual Rainbow Extravaganza on the Hoopa Valley Indian Reservation. We are also enthusiastic about the launch of supportive, wellness-driven housing support to our local community members. In October 2022, we purchased a residential dwelling on a 2-acre parcel in Hoopa. We are very optimistic that the property will allow us to offer improved services on the Hoopa Valley Indian Reservation.

We look forward to continuing to improve our programming, developing more local leadership, starting supportive housing programming, and continuing to do our best to empower our local Native American communities.

Sincerely,

Virgil Moorhead Jr. Executive Director Two Feathers-NAFS

Two Feathers Programs and Approaches

Two Feathers provides comprehensive services specifically designed for high-risk youth, including those facing significant challenges related to substance abuse, mental health disorders, and intergenerational trauma. These services encompass trauma-informed psychotherapy in the community and school settings, weekly group sessions, prevention programs informed by local knowledge, and culturally based intensive support delivered either at school or in the home.

Two Feathers’ approach fosters meaningful relationships with young people, allowing for deep engagement and transformative work. Our team members maintain small caseloads, enabling them to spend more time building trust with clients, developing personalized treatment plans, and providing support to youth and families.

Chekws Clinical Programming

Chekws Programming

Two Feathers aims to strengthen connections to uplift the culture, goals, and aspirations of Native youth. By participating in our program, individuals experience improved bonds with their families, develop interpersonal skills, improve decision making, and increase resilience. These positive outcomes reduce risk-taking behavior, leading to less harm, increased skill development, and improved overall health.

Counseling

Cultural Programming

By emphasizing cultural identity, Two Feathers Native American Family Services instills hope and selfefficacy in Native youth. Through the teaching of place-based practices, values, and traditions, Native youth experience positive transformations. Drawing on local wisdom and knowledge, Two Feathers Native American Family Services promotes a sense of pride and connection to one’s culture heritage. Two Feathers achieves this through various yearly cultural activities.

ACORN Wellness Program (Flower Dance and Stick Game)

Our ACORN Youth Wellness Program organized five Make it Stronger workshops to highlight and teach our ACORN values. These values are (A)cknowledging our whole selves; (C)onnecting community, culture, and language; (O)pportunity and access; (R)elationships to others; and (N)urturing nature and spirit. These

As part of the ACORN Youth Wellness Program, we also hosted two-day Stick Camp and Flower Dance workshops! Both of these program components allowed us to meet with smaller groups of youth and their families to help them practice integrating the knowledge and skills acquired during the workshop into their homes and communities.

PROGRAMMING

Captain John Continuation High School Groups

In 2022, Two Feathers began a weekly substance use prevention group at Captain John Continuation High School in Hoopa. The culturally based program engaged 27 youth in talking circles that emphasized building relationships, promoting hope, and increasing self-esteem. Furthermore, Two Feathers expanded its efforts by adding two weekly prevention groups at Captain John High School. One group catered to participants identifying as girls and focused on traditional practices of weaving bear grass, whereas the other group catered to participants identifying as boys and focused on traditional drum making. The weaving circles had five participants and the traditional drum-making group had four participants. These small groups emphasized the importance of building intentional relationships with elders and fostered a sense of belonging and self-worth among the youth.

Success Story

In 2022, Two Feathers started a student-led substance use group at Captain John High School, facilitated by our substance use disorder counselor. During each session, students were encouraged to anonymously write questions about substance use on flash cards and place them in a box. The group then gathered in a circle and the students discussed their thoughts in response to the questions. Students’ questions included: “Why are there so many drug addictions at a young age?” “Why do people like doing drugs? Personally, I hate seeing my loved ones nod out.” “What are you afraid of?” “What drug is the most dangerous?”

One participant in the group, the younger sister of someone who abuses fentanyl along with their mother, was vulnerable and open with her answers in the group. When asked “What are you afraid of” her response was, “I am afraid of not succeeding.” Despite her own substance use challenges, she’s making positive changes in her life. She wants to attend college and applied to the local community college. Moreover, her substance use has significantly decreased. She actively seeks support from her network of friends and trusted adults and surrounds herself with positive peers. This serves as only one example highlighting the profound impact of this group on the lives of its participants.

Sweat Ceremonies for the Community

Before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Two Feathers recognized the importance of resuming sweat ceremonies to facilitate community connection and support individuals on their healing journey. Once COVID-19 safety protocols eased, Two Feathers hosted sweat ceremonies for the community. On July 23, 2022, the first woman’s ceremony took place, with 18 women and female-spirited folx attending. The woman’s sweat became a regular occurrence, taking place twice a month through November.

In hearing the positive feedback from the women who participated in the sweat ceremony, Two Feathers received requests from the sweat leader that men would also like to participate. Responding to the need expressed by the community, Two Feathers organized the first co-ed sweat ceremony on November 26, 2022. The ceremony had 29 people in attendance, with some traveling more than 160 miles round trip to participate.

CULTURAL PROGRAMMING

Participation in the sweat ceremonies has led to remarkable healing and cultural growth, as evidenced by the experiences of the individuals involved. One person in particular stands out—a nonbinary individual who had previously felt unwelcome and uncomfortable learning about their cultural heritage. This individual was appointed as the fire-tender-in-training, learning under the guidance of sweat leaders. They have engaged in learning about the ceremony since their first sweat. They had previously struggled with alcohol for years but have remained alcohol-free since assuming this role. This story represents only one example among the many inspiring narratives shared by participants.

Skuy’ soo hue-no-woh Weekly 0–5 Playgroup

Two Feathers partnered with The Center at McKinleyville to provide young families with a welcoming space to play and foster relationships in a parent-led and culturally centered weekly playgroup funded by First 5 Humboldt.

Leadership Development and Advocacy

The Leadership Development and Advocacy Program uses paid community leadership opportunities to promote Native youth skill development, connection, wellness, and advocacy for community mental health. Opportunities are tailored to the interest of each individual, using a multitiered system of support model with a culturally affirming design to ensure its effectiveness.

Youth Work Pods: Youth Ambassadors

Two Feathers Leadership Development Program was established in summer 2021 to address the needs of Native youth who face multiple challenges. The program offers paid opportunities for youth to develop leadership and work skills and foster connection and wellness. Two Feathers recognizes the importance of empowering Native youth through positive community engagement activities that are culturally affirming. The initial success and positive experiences of our first Youth Ambassadors group inspired Two Feathers to create a pilot program. The program focused on supporting youth and young adults in developing leadership and advocacy skills while deepening their connection to cultural learning and knowledge. The program’s popularity among youth and the personal growth achieved by participants led Two Feathers to establish the Leadership Development Program as one of our core programs.

In 2022, Two Feathers employed 61 youth who collectively worked 5,566.25 hours. On average, each youth worked approximately 83 hours. Of the 61 youth, 20 (33%) worked more than 100 hours, 21 (34%) worked between 50 to 100 hours, and 20 (33%) worked between 10 and 50 hours for the year.

61 youth collectively worked 5,566.25 hours

20 youth (33%)

10–50 hours

21 youth (34%)

50–100 hours

20 youth (33%)

100+ hours

Youth Ambassador Leadership Summit

Twenty-four Youth Ambassadors participated in Two Feathers’ inaugural youth leadership conference, centered on the theme “Empowering Youth on the Move.” They spent the day building relationships with their peers, increasing their leadership skills, and learning how to empower themselves and their communities. Participants attended workshops on financial empowerment; expressed their voices through art, improvisation techniques, and conflict resolution; and screened the short film Long Line of Ladies.

Transition-Age Youth Business Plan

Four local Native high school students earned a spot in the top five finalists for the Native Youth Business Plan Competition! The Transition-Age Youth Action Team developed a proposal to advocate for the establishment of a youth-centered space that prioritizes the mental health needs of Native American youth. Emma Sundberg (Wiyot junior from McKinleyville High), Claire Patterson (Karuk sophomore from Eldorado

Success Story

In 2022, a family support coordinator from Two Feathers established a meaningful connection with a young person who accomplished numerous goals throughout their time together. In the previous school year, this high school student faced challenges related to attendance and completing schoolwork. However, after joining the Hoopa Valley High School Youth Ambassador Program and regularly meeting with the support coordinator, the youth made remarkable progress. The youth began consistently attending school and did not miss a single day of work, which were identified goals they had set. This young person has become a self-advocate, another objective they had established. They have demonstrated growth in their ability to ask questions, observe their peers and mentors, and step outside their comfort zone. The trusting relationship forged with the family support coordinator, coupled with opportunities to engage with their culture and community, has empowered this individual to develop strong leadership skills and a greater sense of self-esteem.

Community Building and Events

In 2022, Two Feathers organized and hosted more than 15 community events. These events created a sense of belonging and connection for Native youth, families, and community members, providing space for people to affirm and celebrate their cultural identity. Community events play a vital role in improving the morale of the community, participants, and staff members while simultaneously linking participants to services offered by Two Feathers. Documenting the number of participants at community events can be challenging; however, Two Feathers implements strategies such as raffles and prizes to increase the number of participant sign-ins at events. After the event, we evaluate all raffle ticket slips and remove duplicates.

Community Event Participation Sign-in

Two Feathers hosts a weekly two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (2SLGBTQIA+) Rainbow club on campus at Hoopa Valley High School during lunch. The club is a welcoming space for students to gather and support one another. Having been established for more than a year, the club attracts 27 students each week.

In addition to the weekly club, Two Feathers hosted the second annual Rainbow Extravaganza on June 25 at Pookey’s Park in Hoopa. It was the second Pride event hosted by Two Feathers Native American Family Services in collaboration with Klamath-Trinity Joint Unified School District teachers Katie Hodges and Tina West.

Approximately 50 participants attended the event and received community resources and information. In addition, the Rainbow Extravaganza’ aimed to foster knowledge and community building for our 2SLGBTQIA+ community members, providing them with a safe space to be their authentic selves. Last, representatives from local organizations attended in support of this event, including The Raven Project, Open Door (Trans Health Series), North Coast Rape Crisis Team, Queer Humboldt, Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Redwood Coast Regional Center, Karuk Tribe (Division of Victim Assistance), Save California Salmon, Office of Clients’ Rights Advocacy Disability Rights California, Hoopa Elementary School Teachers, and United Indian Health Services.

Easter Egg Hunt

Two Feathers organized its first community-wide Easter egg hunt that drew a crowd of 600 participants. The event held special significance because it marked a return to community engagement following 2 years of isolation and a reduction of community events due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Several community members expressed their appreciation, stating, “This is exactly what we needed.”

The egg hunt featured more than 3,500 eggs filled with treasures quickly collected by young and old kids. Additionally, other attractions were available to participants, including a petting zoo, face painting, tiedying, corn hole, bubbles activity, a firetruck, fitness fun, mini gardening, community partner information

The event was free and open to the Humboldt community, providing a valuable opportunity for community members to come together, forge connections, and simply enjoy themselves. The event served as a muchneeded opportunity for the community to reconnect with others after a period of limited social interaction.

Halloween

Two Feathers hosted a Halloween Block Party with approximately 600 attendees to kick off the Halloween festivities. The event offered free games, including pumpkin picking and decorating. The street was lined with food vendors and artists who shared their treats and creations with the community. As an added highlight, a local youth rock band, Pacific 101, performed a free concert, adding to the festive atmosphere! Following the event, Two Feathers Youth Ambassadors dressed in costumes scared more than 300 visitors as they walked along the Spooky Trail.

The Halloween fun continued in Eastern Humboldt with a community dinner and costume contests. When people arrived, they got to walk the Spooky Hall, where more Youth Ambassadors were prepared to frighten them. More than 300 community members played games, enjoyed a delicious dinner catered by the wrestling team, and viewed creative costumes worn by attendees.

To end the celebrations, Two Feathers organized a Trunk or Treat event, where 200 community members participated in trick-or-treating activities from decorated cars, adding excitement to the Halloween festivities.

Giants Game and Warrior Game Trips

Two Feathers organized two exciting field trips for youth, creating memorable experiences and

The groups strengthened and built relationships throughout these trips by having fun and sharing new experiences. The adults were impressed by the youth’s respect toward chaperones, the city, and the individuals with whom they interacted.

Youth Spotlight

Two Feathers would like to honor and show appreciation to Renee Doolittle, a Two Feathers youth we have had the privilege of getting to know since 2019! Renee has led the way in most programs, groups, events, and other activities, attending 152 times! As a Two Feathers and local community youth leader, Renee has been an integral part of our Youth Ambassador program for 1.5 years. Through the program, Renee has developed leadership skills, received peer support training, developed cultural leadership skills, and gained essential job readiness skills. Renee has become a niece to many of us at Two Feathers, contributing significantly to the establishment of a positive and healthy environment for Native youth.

Renee has shown so much growth during the past few years. She brings laughter and inclusivity and is a teacher to all who want to learn. Her strong connection to culture and her willingness to provide a safe space for her peers to ask questions and learn has been pivotal in fostering strong relationships in the Youth Ambassador program, other Two Feathers programming, and the community. At the same time, Renee participated in volleyball, basketball, and softball. She showed up whenever times got hard and signed up to participate regardless of all obstacles, demonstrating her unwavering commitment and resilience.

We have had the privilege to see her grow into an amazing person who can face all things life puts in her path. She has shown great strength in facing some of her hardest struggles. She is a natural leader who not only exceeds the expectations of the Two Feathers staff but also sets an example of hard work and determination. Renee is a caring person who will befriend anyone she encounters. She is a natural aunty. All young kids and toddlers want to be around her and feel instantly connected.

We are very excited to see her journey in life as she steps closer to adulthood and continues her cultural teachings and leadership skills for the next generation.

Community Events and Professional Training

Thrive UNLDT

In June 2022, Jeremy Fields, founder of Thrive Unltd, visited Two Feathers to share their “Re-Define” initiative. This initiative is aimed to bring awareness to the effects of historical trauma within Native communities. Staff and community members listened and learned about Thrive Unltd’s approach to understanding how trauma’s presence has transformed the dynamics of our families and communities and reflected upon what cultural identity has become versus what it should be.

Charlie Appelstein

Two Feathers invited Charlie Appelstein to Humboldt County to deliver his training titled “No Such Thing as a Bad Kid!” Charlie is a nationally recognized youth care specialist and author who focuses on teaching positive, strength-based techniques for professionals working with at-risk children and youth. With his extensive experiences, Charlie is dedicated to supporting young people facing emotional and behavioral challenges and those who guide them.

This training took place in December at two locations: on the coast in McKinleyville and in Eastern Humboldt in Hoopa. The goal was to reach teachers and individuals working with Native youth. A total of 152 participants attended the training, where they learned effective techniques and strategies to engage with youth. The emphasis was on understanding and responding to students’ emotional and behavioral challenges using a positive, trauma-informed, strength-based approach.

Based on feedback from attendee surveys, most respondents (more than 75%) were satisfied or highly satisfied with the overall event and the knowledge they acquired. Charlie received praise for his expertise and presentation skills. Many attendees expressed interest in extending the training to two days, highlighting their eagerness to delve further into the content.

Caroline Cruz

In November, Two Feathers hosted a Tribal Best Practices training featuring Caroline Cruz as the facilitator. The training introduced the idea that culture serves as an evidence-based practice, offering preventive and supportive elements. Caroline’s passionate delivery resonated well with attendees as she shared personal stories and experiences. Attendees received a tool as a resource to help further their program development. Thirty-one participants completed a survey after the training. Almost all of the respondents (94%) expressed that they were satisfied or highly satisfied with the overall event and the knowledge they gained. Furthermore, 100% of participants expressed that they were satisfied or highly satisfied with Caroline as a speaker. The attendees appreciated her expertise and found her personal stories and experiences compelling.

Two Feathers Staff Spotlight: Getting to know us

Employees: 1st Generation College Students

Two Feathers prioritizes being part of the community. We are proud that 60% of our staff are Native. Focus on mental health and have a large body of staff dedicated to this work. We are inclusive and have staff from a range of backgrounds and expertise.

17 (53.1%) 1st Generation College Student

Employee Ethnicity Employees by Role

Employees: 1st Generation College Students Total: 32

15 (46.9%)

19 (60%) Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian 1 (3%) Asian 2 (6%) Hispanic

10 (31%) White

15 (46.9%) Clinician

4 (12.5%) Administrative

4 (12.5%) Management

Employee Ethnicity Total: 42

Employees by Role Total: 32

9 (28.1%) Advocate/ Prevention

Financials

Our work would not be possible without the support of our generous and collaborative individual, grant, and foundation support.

Total Expenses Breakdown

$3,663 (0.1%) Fundraising

Revenues

$388,660 (11.7%) Net Assets released from restriction

$264,424 (8.3%) General and Admin

$2,913,244 (91.6%) Program Services

Total Expenses Breakdown

Total: $3,181,331

$165,689 (5.0%) Other Operating

$37,272 (1.1%) Contributions

$2,725,993 (82.2%) Grant and Contract

Revenues

Total: $3,317,614

Expenses

Expenses Breakdown