SPIPA
2020 Annual Report
Message from Board Chairman and Executive Director in Community Resources, Family Support, Health and Wellness, and Workforce Development programs, as they all moved through a difficult year. Program services provided by SPIPA staff continued to meet the needs of Tribal communities in the most creative of ways. From porch deliveries of food and care packages to phone appointments and video chats, Tribal families and elders alike were checked on, and ensured continued services. Program staff picked up the pace and looked for new, innovative ways to stay in direct contact with clients.
I
f you would have told me a year ago that global operations were going to come to a screeching halt, I would have looked at you in disbelief. In an unprecedented time, I am proud to say that this year, program managers really came together to formulate a strategy to provide Tribal communities with support
To say I am proud of those who continue to show up and consistently strive to make a difference in the lives of those they serve would be an understatement. My hands go up. Many thanks.
Unprecedented pandemic, noteworthy teamwork
A
s the Executive Director of the South Puget Intertribal Planning Agency (SPIPA), I am proud to report that our organization has successfully navigated the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the significant hardships that Tribal communities across the United States have faced, SPIPA has remained steadfast in our commitment to providing essential services to the people the Agency serves. When the pandemic hit, SPIPA had to quickly pivot it’s service style to adapt to the new reality. Top priority being the health and safety of our employees and the communities we serve. SPIPA implemented strict safety protocols to ensure that employees could continue to work safely, while also minimizing the risk of transmission of the virus to Tribal communities. One of the key ways that SPIPA adapted was increasing the use of technology to provide services remotely. The Information Technology Team rapidly implemented new software and hardware systems to enable remote work for employees, and also expanded online service offerings in creation of electronic forms. This has enabled staff to continue providing critical services to Tribal communities, even when physical access to offices was limited. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, SPIPA has remained committed to the core mission of providing reliable services to SPIPA Consortium Tribes. We understand that food, energy, and workforce development are critical components of modern life, and SPIPA staff have worked tirelessly to ensure that Tribal
2 | SPIPA Annual Report
members have access to the services they need to run their homes, businesses, and communities. At the same time, we have also recognized that the pandemic has placed a significant financial burden on many. SPIPA staff have worked hard to provide support to those in need, including offering additional food services and vouchers, while also expanding service areas to include enrolled AI/AN in other rural and urban locations to be able to provide assistance to those who are struggling. In addition to Workforce Development services, SPIPA has also worked to support our communities in other ways during the pandemic. For example, SPIPA has partnered with local disadvantaged farmers to distribute food and other essential supplies to those in need. SPIPA Programs have also worked with other community leaders to provide support for mental health services, which have become even more critical during this challenging time. Looking ahead, SPIPA remains committed to providing essential services to Tribal communities. While the pandemic is not yet over, we are optimistic about the future and the potential for a return to normalcy. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and adapt our service style as needed to ensure that we can continue to serve Tribal communities safely and effectively.
Covid-19 forces SPIPA to extend 5 year Strategic Plan
T
he South Puget Intertribal Planning Agency (SPIPA) is an organization that was formed by the Chehalis Tribe, the Nisqually Indian Tribe, the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe, the Skokomish Indian Tribe, and the Squaxin Island Tribe in Washington State. It’s purpose is to help these Tribes work together on important issues that affect their communities. One of the ways that SPIPA does this is by creating a Strategic Plan. This Plan outlines the organization’s goals and objectives, and it helps the Tribes focus their efforts on the areas that are most important to them. However, the Covid-19 pandemic has forced SPIPA to extend its current strategic plan. This extension is necessary because the pandemic has created many new challenges for the Tribes, and SPIPA wants to make sure that its plan reflects these new realities. One of the key areas that SPIPA is focusing on in its strategic plan is economic development. The Tribes have long struggled with high levels of poverty and unemployment, SPIPA is working to change that. The organization is partnering with local businesses and government agencies to create new job opportunities for tribal members, and it is also investing in training and education programs to help people develop the skills they
need to succeed in these jobs. Health and Wellness is also a major priority for SPIPA. The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the many health disparities that exist in Tribal communities, and SPIPA is working to address these issues head-on. The organization is partnering with local health providers to increase access to care, and it is also promoting healthy lifestyles through education and outreach programs. Finally, SPIPA is working to promote cultural preservation and revitalization. The Tribes have a rich cultural heritage that includes traditions, languages, and customs that have been passed down for generations. As one of the key values of the organization, SPIPA promotes cultural education through a series of grants administered at the Tribal community level. As SPIPA works to continue to improve the lives of Tribal members in the South Puget Sound area, it will move forward, outlining key priorities like economic development, health and wellness, and cultural preservation. Although the plan has been extended due to the Covid-19 pandemic, SPIPA remains committed to these important goals and is working hard to make a difference in the lives of Tribal members across the region.
2020 SPIPA Board of Directors The SPIPA Board, which meets once a month, sets direction and approves policies for the South Puget Intertribal Planning Agency (SPIPA). Each Board member listed below is appointed by their Tribal Council and assists the SPIPA team in keeping their Council and administration informed about SPIPA activities and intertribal project opportunities.
Chehalis
Harry Pickernell (Delegate) Dan Gleason, (Alternate) Board Chairman
Nisqually
Sharlaine Revey (Delegate) Marie McDonald (Alternate) Joe Cushman (Alternate)
Shoalwater Bay
Skokomish
Alex Gouley (Delegate) Jack-Lyn Smith (Alternate)
Squaxin Island
Vicki Kruger (Delegate) Board Treasurer Patti Puhn (Alternate)
Charlene Krise (Alternate)
Kathirine Horne (Delegate) Board Secretary Lynn Clark (Alternate)
SPIPA Annual Report | 3
Workforce Development Programs Youth Program At Home Empowers Kids during Stay Home Stay Healthy Order
W
hen Washington State declared the Stay Home Stay Healthy order due to an unprecedented global pandemic, Julianne Gale, Youth Program Supervisor in the TANF Department at the Skokomish Indian Tribe, realized children were going to be at home for quite an extended period of time. “Usually, we have an in-person afterschool program and a summer recreation program and employment program. Effective afterschool programs have been shown to have a wide variety of benefits to youth, families and communities.” Concerned for youth prolonged isolation at home, she adds “Tribal Youth programs in general give youth the opportunity to use their time productively to connect with their culture and community; to find support in avoiding negative behaviors, and to practice managing their problems successfully. The current absence of our in-person programming is a big loss for the youth and community. This at-home version of the program will hopefully provide some of the same benefits that our After School Program or Summer Recreation Program would have provided, while protecting the community at the same time.” Families connected to the Skokomish Indian Tribe throughout the Skokomish TANF service area in Mason County were encouraged to participate in a survey. Names, ages, grades, addresses, and interests were collected to find the best project fit for each child. Each week, youth were delivered an activity package with all supplies and instructions included. Activities range from art supplies to educational materials to cultural kits, including items like
science kits, colored pencils, journals, gardening supplies, paint, rattle-making kits, and more. Approximately once a month, they receive an extra big box of supplies and activities that can be used all month long. Youth and Families are encouraged to share their completed projects in the Skokomish Youth Facebook group or via text message to a youth worker to help maintain a sense of community despite social distancing measures. Youth that choose to use their supplies creatively could have their art/educational projects featured in the next letter to all the youth in their age group! In May 2020, they began delivering these packages to 111 youth in 56 households. The program has grown to serve 137 youth ages 5-19 in 61 families every week.
Family Support Programs
Home Visitors take to virtual workshops for check-ins and info sharing
S
PIPA’s Healthy Families Program has served families at the Chehalis Tribe, The Nisqually Indian Tribe, The Skokomish Indian Tribe, the Squaxin Island Tribe, and the county TANF sites located in Tacoma and Bremerton for several years. The 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic really challenged the gathering style this program relies on. Healthy Families Home Visitors quickly began meeting virtually and revising recurring cultural and Positive Indian Parenting workshops that supported parents during the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order mandated by the Washington state Governor, as well as a monthly virtual meeting with a Licenced Mental Health Counselor to be able to provide support and information regarding child development and behavior. Meetings were held bi-weekly, with topics ranging in selfcare, story telling, emotional intelligence, parenting tips to keep young children busy during the Stay Home, Stay Safe order, mental health, family activity kits, as well as talking to teens and older kids. The program staff met up a few times throughout the year to put together kits to deliver to families in a safe, socially distanced environment.
4 | SPIPA Annual Report
Health and Wellness Programs Chehalis and Shoalwater Bay continue with socially distanced cancer awareness activities
I
n the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the South Puget Intertribal Planning Agency (SPIPA) Health and Wellness Staff of the Chehalis Tribal community found a way to bring attention to another pressing issue - cancer.
Tribe’s Annual Yellow Brick Road, an outdoor event during the pandemic.
In 2020, they organized a car parade to raise awareness and support for those affected by cancer. The parade featured decorated cars and signs encouraging cancer screenings and education. It was a unique and impactful way to bring attention to an important issue while also adhering to social distancing guidelines.
Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing health crisis, staff turned up in full force, sporting pink ribbons and t-shirts in solidarity with those who have been impacted by cancer.
At the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe, SPIPA Health and Wellness Staff partnered with the Tribe’s Patient Navigator in coordinating a couple outreach tables at the
Their presence was a beacon of hope and encouragement, reminding everyone that even in difficult times, we can still come together to support each other and raise awareness for important causes. SPIPA Health and Wellness Staff’s dedication to this event is a testament to their commitment to the health and well-being of Tribal communities.
Community Resources Programs
Emergency food boxes and additional foods to supplement USDA Foods orders
T
he coronavirus has brought a wave of challenges to various communities across the globe. With the unprecedented disruptions caused by the pandemic, many communities, particularly the Tribal communities, have been left grappling with the impact of it all. The South Puget Intertribal Planning Agency (SPIPA) took the initiative of delivering emergency food boxes to Tribal communities to supplement the USDA foods grant during the pandemic. In March 2020, as the COVID-19 Pandemic was declared a national emergency, SPIPA began working with local organizations and Tribal leaders to identify the immediate needs of Tribal communities in the region. The agency recognized that food insecurity would be a significant challenge, particularly with many Tribal members losing their jobs and income sources. This led to the development of the USDA FDPIR Emergency Food Boxes, which aimed to provide emergency food to Tribal communities to supplement the USDA foods grant during the statewide “Stay Home, Stay Healthy’ order mandated by Washington State Governor, Jay Inslee.
The Emergency Food Assistance Program aimed to provide an additional source of food for Tribal communities, particularly for households that rely on the USDA foods grant as their primary source of food. The program focused on providing culturally appropriate foods, including traditional staples such as wild rice, canned salmon, and fresh produce. The program also aimed to provide healthy and nutritious shelf-stable foods to promote the overall health and wellbeing of Tribal members. Since the inception of the Emergency Food Assistance Program, SPIPA has delivered over 200 emergency food boxes to tribal communities in the South Puget Sound region. The program has been successful in providing additional food resources to tribal communities during a time when many are struggling to make ends meet. The program has also helped to support local food businesses by sourcing food from local vendors, which has had a positive impact on the local economy.
SPIPA Annual Report | 5
SPIPA Audited Financials Fiscal Year 2020 EXPENSES $16,778,246 Management & General 12% [$2,013,349] *Program Service Expenses 88% [$14,764,897]
REVENUES $16,892,245
Investment Income .28% [$47,372] Program Service Revenue 14.3% [$2,416,273]
*PROGRAM EXPENSES BY CLUSTER AREA Health and Wellness 11% Family Supports 22%
6 | SPIPA Annual Report
Other Revenue .42% [$74,551] Contributions & Grants 85% [$14,354,050]
Community Resources 8%
Workforce Development 59%
SPIPA Program Clusters
Community Resources
Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)- Reduces the impact of poverty by improving nutrition and providing education, recreational, and social activities. Home Weatherization Program - Low-income households receive an energy audit and receive products and services to improve the energy efficiency of their home. Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) - Low-income households receive financial assistance for home energy costs. Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (USDA Foods) - Distributes food each month including fresh vegetables and frozen meats. Family Violence Prevention Services Act (FVPSA)- Comprehensive dating and domestic violence prevention program which offers assistance and support to victims and non-offending members of their household. Women Infants Children (WIC) - Provides healthy food along with nutritional information, to women, infants and children. Emergency Food Assistance Program (EFAP) - Provides emergency food vouchers to eligible households and individuals.
Health and Wellness Native Womens Wellness Program (NWWP) - Promotes communtity awareness and education, access, referrals and free screenings for the early detection of breast and cervical cancer. Comprehensive Cancer Control Program (CCCP) - Convenes community members and resources to promote healthy lifestyles, the earliest possible detection of cancers and support to all community members going through treatment after a cancer diagnosis. Senior Meals - Provides nutritious meals to Tribal elders. Caregivers - Provides support for unpaid family caregivers with training, one-on-one counseling and support groups. Also may provide assistive medical equipment such as walkers, hand rails, lifting straps, etc. Medicare Improvements for Patients & Providers Act (MIPPA) - Teaches people about applying for and accessing Medicare benefits for themselves, family and community members.
Workforce Development Tribes Assisting Native Families (TANF) - Provides employment and training services to eligible, enrolled native families and may provide financial assistance as clients move toward self-sufficiency. Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)- Provides training, counseling, and other assistance to eligible clients to overcome barriers to employment. Native Employment Works (NEW) - Provides work activities and supportive services to prepare for, obtain and/or retain employment to eligible clients.
Family Supports Healthy Families - Home Visitors provide services to improve child and family outcomes including health & development, parenting practices, and improved school readiness for eligible families. TANF-Child Welfare Building Healthy Generations (TANF-ICW) - Coordinates Tribal TANF and Child Welfare Systems to develop processes and cooperative models at the local and intertribal level through program technical assistance and community education. Foster Home Program - Provides a full range of foster care services including foster home recruitment, child placement and foster parent training and support. Child Support Program - Coordinates with Washington State’s Division of Child Support and SPIPA TANF sites to assist in providing child support pass-thru payments for eligible families who receive SPIPA TANF. Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) - Assists low-income families to obtain child care for work, promotes early childhood development/afterschool program coordination.
SPIPA Annual Report | 7
South Puget Intertribal Planning Agency
3104 SE Old Olympic Hwy Shelton, WA 98584 360.426.3990 spipa.org SouthPugetPlanning
SPIPA is a Tribally chartered 501(c)(3) non-profit serving the Chehalis, Nisqually, Shoalwater Bay, Skokomish and Squaxin Island Tribes.