Support for youth activities now available
Funding will support extracurricular activities and opportunities that limited income families might not be able to afford
By Geneva HorseChief-Hamilton
PAWHUSKA, Okla. (May 3, 2016) – A new program at the Osage Nation will help families afford the kinds of activities that will help talents flourish and skills develop. Osage Nation Financial Assistance now offers support, “to help families spend more time together as their children participate in sports, art initiatives and after school activities,” according to the policy for the program.
“These funds will be used to lessen financial burdens for families by allowing them to make better use of available income and to achieve greater participation in the affairs of the communities,” said Jodie Revard, Financial Assistance Director.
Families with young children and a limited income can find themselves in a position where activities like sports, clubs, and art education become missed opportunities because bills come first, added Revard. While a lot of parents in this position find other ways to see that their children do not miss out, it is still a challenge. With support from the Osage Nation’s Tsi WahZhuPi Program, families can afford more opportunities and have the kind of quality time together necessary for healthy development and confidence.
The list of qualifying activities is generous and includes; Brownies; Girl Scouts; Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts; gymnastics; tumbling; martial arts; boxing; ballet; jazz; tap dance; hip hop dance; cheerleading; softball; baseball; soccer; football; camps; golf; swimming league; archery; workshops; afterschool programs; and other opportunities will be considered with appropriate information provided.
“It is important that we, as a Nation, ensure that our children have the access to healthy, organized, and mentally and physically stimulating activities. By assisting parents with some of the costs we can accomplish part of that. We want to build a stronger Nation, with stronger citizens and our youth are the foundation on which we can build,” said Casey Johnson, Osage Nation Director of Operations.
Some of the eligibility requirements include; must reside within the boundaries of the Osage Reservation (Osage County); youth participants must be enrolled members of a federally recognized tribe; income must be below 125 percent of the Department of Health and Human Services Federal Poverty Guideline; youth participants must be 18 years or younger; Osage preference priority (call Financial Assistance for details); veteran preference priority (call Financial Assistance for details).
For more information about the Tsi Wah Zhu Pi Program contact Osage Nation Financial Assistance at 918-287-5325 or visit them online at www.osagenation-nsn.gov/financial-assistance.
For Media Inquiries:
Osage Nation Communications | 918-287-9746