EASTERN SHOSHONE TRIBE P.L. 102-477
NARRATIVE REPORT
WIND RIVER RESERVATION
OCTOBER 1, 2014-SEPTEMBER 30, 2015
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EASTERN SHOSHONE TRIBE P.L. 102-477
WIND RIVER RESERVATION
OCTOBER 1, 2014-SEPTEMBER 30, 2015
NARRATIVE REPORT 2014-2015
Mission Statement:
All Tribal applicants, recipients of Temporary Assistance for needy Families and Low-Income
individuals, are encourage, assisted and required to fulfill their responsibility to support their
children by preparing for accepting and retaining such employment as they are capable of
performing to become self-sufficient.
The Eastern Shoshone Tribe P.L.102-477 Plan is fully integrated in all stages
and consistent with statutory and regulatory requirements for each program.
Implementation and Integration of the Eastern Shoshone Tribe P.L. 102-477
will provide training services to better serve the client or that client’s family
needs with vocational training, on-the-job-training and training components,
including work experience activities, youth activities, work supportive service
to enter, re-enter or retain unsubsidized employment, child care for families
in need of daycare for their children, financial assistance and barrier removal
from welfare to work.
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INTERGRATED 477 PROGRAMS
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL)
Workforce Investment Act (WIA)
Adult Comprehensive
Supplemental Youth
HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES (HHS)
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
Native Employment Works
Child Care Development Fund
Discretionary & Mandatory
INTERIOR/BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS (BIA)
Job Placement Training
TPA/Welfare Assistance
EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING
WORK EXPERIENCE/ON THE JOB TRAINING
The Eastern Shoshone 477 Employment & Training Program is designed to provide our clients
with Work Experience and On the Job Training (OJT). The training allows them to develop and
enhance their work ethics, customer service skills and life management abilities. The 477
Program has several partnerships with various businesses throughout the Wind River
Reservation and Fremont County.
The Work Experience program participants are placed in a 1500 hours training position.
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OJT is an on the job short-term training of six months. The Eastern Shoshone 477 Program lacks
to find employers that are interested in placing trainees into subsidized employment due to not
fulfilling the obligation in hiring the trainee after the 6-month contract and with tribal working
hours and budget cuts it has enormous effect on employment with the Shoshone Tribal
Departments, this continues in FY 2014/2015. The Training Assistant (TA) Services allows
participants to be employed for 72 weeks and at a higher wage per an hour. The Training
Assistant gives the participant a long term training to enhance their skills and knowledge of
particular job duties.
Listed are Tribal Programs and Local Businesses that 477 WEX, TA and Youth were placed for
training.
Eastern Shoshone Tribal Gas Station
ESCAPE Program
EST Boys & Girls Club
EST 477 Program
Eastern Shoshone Rose Casino
EST Rocky Mountain Hall
EST Cradle Board to Crayons Day Care
Morning Star Manor
Shoshone & Arapaho Tribal Court
Eastern Shoshone Enrollment
EST Tribal Water Engineer
Eastern Shoshone Secretary’s Office
Eastern Shoshone Tribal Health
EST Warm Valley Senior Citizens Center
EST Department of Juvenile Services
Wind River Indian Health Services
Fort Washakie School District #21
Eastern Shoshone Finance Department
Eastern Shoshone Office of Aquaculture
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Norther Arapaho Tribe Wood Cutting
YOUTH PROGRAMS
The 477 Youth Program was a 10-week youth employment June through August 2015. Tribal
youth were given the opportunity to experience employment for youth that never had a job
and the youth that returned to continue to gain more skills as well as social and work ethics.
There were a total of thirty two (32) youth participants funded by the EST 477 Program and the
Eastern Shoshone Tribe. The Tribal funding was allocated to the Youth Employment program to
increase the jobs and training opportunities in the Youth Programs for the 2014/2015.
A Pre-employment drug test is required for all applicants applying for employment. The ES
Tribe Human Resource Department confirms and authorizes youth applicants for employment.
The youth participants started the 2015 EST Summer Youth Program with an orientation, which
included lunch, completed the required paperwork to complete the hiring process. Several
speakers from other tribal agencies gave presentation on different topics.
Welcome Address – Eastern Shoshone Business Council Chairman – Darwin St. Clair
Introduction of EST 477 Staff, John Wadda, EST 477 Director, Pauline Davis EST 477
Coordinator and Tonya Washakie, EST 477 Job Developer
EST Boys & Girls Club - LaJuana St. Clair, Director
Fremont County Commissioner – Keja Whiteman
EST Department of Family Services – Tips for Teens - Dorcus Big Hair & Francis Blackburn
Wind River Job Corps Center – Orion Morris, Admissions Counselor
Wyoming Department of Workforce Services – Roulette Keevert
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An end of the year picnic was held for the all the EST 477 Summer Youth participants at the EST
477 Program Office. There were thirty (30) youth that completed and thirteen (13) participants
had perfect work attendance during the eight (8) weeks of the program. The Youth were
honored and awarded completion certificates.
CHILD CARE SERVICES
The EST 477 Child Care Services assists families that are making the transition from welfare to
work through educational and training programs. It also provides for families that are working
full time and still meet the low-income criteria.
The Eastern Shoshone provides child care services to eligible families in our service area by
Certificate System. Certificates are utilized in a variety of child care categories including Center-
based care, Group home child care, Family child care and Relative Care, break down of children
in the child care settings include:
Tribal Center Base 31 Children
Other Center Base 34 Children
Group Home 9 Children
Other Care 13 Children
The Eastern Shoshone 477 Child Care Services served fifty three (53) families during the 2014-
2015 Fiscal Year. There were eighty four (84) children ages 0 – 13 years of age served in one of
the three child care setting:
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0 - 2 age 31 children
3 – 4 age 24 children
5 - 6 age 15 children
7 – 12 age 14 children
The Wind River Indian Health Service held two certified 4 hour Heartsaver 1st Aid/CPR Courses
in March and June 2015. Thirteen successfully earned their certified 1st Aide/CPR Cards. All 477
Child Care providers are now incompliance in health and safety regulations in obtaining their
cards to meet the provider requirements.
Child Care Services Activities:
October 2014 a community Halloween Carnival was sponsored by the Eastern Shoshone Boys &
Girls Club as well other Tribal Programs. The Eastern Shoshone 477 Program participated in the
staff dressing up and opened up two booths for the children to play games for small prizes.
April 2015, a designated “Month of the Child” – The Eastern Shoshone 477 Program held a
“Preventing Child Abuse Walk” for the community, numerous children walked and participated
in the activities held after the walk. Information, coloring books and balloons were given to
each child in attendance.
May 2015, the Eastern Shoshone Tribal Health held their annual Tribal Health Fair. Like every
year the P.L. 102-477 Program participated giving out information on child safety, coloring
books and nutrition.
A Public Hearing was scheduled for May 29, 2015 at the EST PL 102-477 Office, five community
members were in attendance for the public hearing. Those in attendance wanted to know
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more about CCDF eligibility and income guidelines. Notice of hearing was posted and published
in the Wind River News, Riverton Ranger and Lander Journal. No comments were received.
In February 2015 a Market Rate Survey was conducted on the Wind River Reservation. The only
daycare on the Reservation changed from hourly rate to day rate making it affordable for
parents that utilize the day care for their children. Payment rates are based on the State of
Wyoming’s licensed daycare centers for child care services.
EDUCATION SERVICES
Central Wyoming College in Lander WY offers High School Equivalency Credential classes
in Fall and Spring sessions, students have the opportunity to enroll in either semester
consisting of 2 sessions being held. Each student must attend daily for seven (7) weeks this
gives students one on one with instructors, each student that enrolls has a $25 registration
fee (fee waivers is available based on need) students are given a student card allowing
them to have access to all student activities held at Riverton and Lander Colleges.
The Eastern Shoshone 477 Program partnered with Central Wyoming College in 3-4 week
courses.
Workplace Readiness - 22 participants
Basic Computers - 9 participants
Advanced Computers – 10 participants
Basics of Money – 40 participants
The Workplace Readiness Course was designed for participants to learn the concepts of
Communications and Soft Skills in the Workplace. The meaning of Teamwork, Networking with
other employers. They also learned to use and identify their strengths, decision making,
customer service, self-esteem, and making change to their lives after gaining employment.
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Students also did or updated their own resumes once they completed their resume, a mock
interview was scheduled teaching them the proper way to dress, make eye contact and know
what to expect once the interview starts. Supportive Service was granted to each participant
for Clothing – 1 outfit for the mock interview, Transportation/Gas to get to the college, 1 – 2GB
Jump Drive (USB) for their resumes and cover letters, and Childcare was set up during those
hours in class at the EST Cradle Board to Crayon Day Care.
The Basic and Advance Computers was set up to teach participants the beginning of computers.
Keyboard and mouse exploration, printing, multitasking, icons, exploring paint and calculator.
Inputting information, basics of Microsoft Office Suite, control panel, security basics, saving and
storing files. The advance computers was set up for participants that already had little more
advance of computer knowledge. The advance features of this course covered Microsoft
Programs including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher. Hands on exploration using
Microsoft Programs using Web Browsers, Tips and Tricks. Features of Goggle, Goggle Drive and
Email. A Jump Drive (USB) was given to all students that didn’t own one. Some students that
already attended the Workplace Readiness Course was reminded to continue to use the USB
that was provided.
The Basic of Money Course was set up for three Groups, eight hours per group. The course
covered topics in learning how to manage personal and family finances. Basics of banking,
checking and savings accounts. Learning about loans and interest.
SPECIAL SERVICES FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE RECIPIENTS
The Eastern Shoshone 477 Program’s General Assistance served one hundred fifteen (115)
individuals eighty (80) were employable and thirty five (35) were unemployable all eighty (80)
individuals had a self-sufficiency plan in place. Six (6) completed their Individual Self-Sufficiency
Goal.
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The main objective has been to provide direct cash assistance services to all federally recognize
tribal members of the Wind River Indian Reservation. These low income individuals are
encouraged, assisted and required to fulfill their responsibilities by preparing for accepting and
retaining employment or education in order to become self-sufficient. These individuals have
been encouraged to utilize the one-stop services provided by the 477 Program. These direct
serviceable contact opportunities provides a means for these low income individuals to emerge
from their dependency of welfare in order to become more productive and independent
individuals.
The Eastern Shoshone 477 Program requires all incoming and current clients to complete the
477 intake application and sign an Individual Responsibility Contract plus develop an Individual
Self-Sufficiency Plan which focuses on the elimination of personal barriers preventing self-
sufficiency. The EST 477 Program General Assistance services have intensified the client
requirements which have improved the client compliancy level. In conjunction with Indian
Health Service has improved the quality of services for those individuals who are seeking Social
Security Disability benefits. There have been several individuals who are seeking disability who
have been referred to the Red Feather Vocational Rehabilitation in order to determine the level
of disability. Those individuals who have been seeking social security disability benefits have
been providing medical and social security status documentation to the Eastern Shoshone 477
Program in order to remain in compliance with the GA requirements.
A financial prediction did not foresee the constant growth in participants during the winter
months. The federal funding has been exhausted which is a true indicator the Wind River
Reservation is in need of more federal funding in order for the General Assistance to continue
to provide for the participants basic needs.
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families goal of the Eastern Shoshone Temporary
Assistance program is to work to move financial assistance recipients from welfare to self-
sufficiency (work), with opportunity for life changing choices that will protect their personal
dignity, pride, and cultural identity.
In fiscal year 2014/2015 - Cash Assistance recipients were served in benefits in the form of cash
assistance to eligible participants in meeting the basic unmet needs of TANF. Services are
provided to single, two-parent households and child-only cases.
Once services are identified for Cash Assistance the adult(s) first meet with the 477 Intake
Specialist collecting all documentation for the entire family to determine if the family meets the
eligibility requirements for program services. The adult(s) then meets with a benefits specialist
for a full interview of all income and resources if any, to determine the level benefits available
to the family. The adult(s) then meets with an assigned 477 case manager to create a plan
focusing on the 3 main objectives of Employment, Education/Training or Other Objectives for
the client(s). Clients are required to follow the plan, submit monthly eligibility reports and
timesheets for work participation (20 hours per family per week) and to meet with their case
manager once every month. Child only cases meet with Case Managers once every three
months. GA and other 477 cases also required to meet with their case manager once every
three months.
Monthly cash assistance amounts are based on the State of Wyoming’s Temporary Assistance
for Needy Families payments. The cash grants are based on the size of the household.
Temporary Cash Assistance has gained valuable experience and the continued success of the
TCAR (Temporary Cash Assistance Recipient) program to our community with a strong emphasis
on “TEMPORARY SERVICES” to needy tribal members. There have been several changes that
are very critical as the tribe faces many economic challenges with Tribal budget cuts and the
employment trends in the State of Wyoming have grown due to many lay-offs in the Oil Field
Industry and families facing requirements of the State of Wyoming Department of Family
Services Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) requiring 3 months SNAP
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assistance for employable families even though unemployment has increased in Fremont
County.
To meet minimum work participation rate requirements for each assistance recipient, the Tribe
chooses to offer all of the allowable and countable work activities per week, per family, to be
20 hours of qualified activities
The Maintenance of Effort-MOE (with the State of Wyoming Department of Family Services)
to provide financial, technical and administrative support to the E. Shoshone Tribal P.L. 102-
477 TANF Program has continued to remain in good standings.
The training and education of the clients has been a priority with the 477 program in order to
achieve self-reliance skills, which promote self-sufficiency. The Tribal Learning Center
Computer Training component have been designed and structured to prepare the clients for
making career choices and job readiness at the Ft. Washakie Learning Center. In addition the
GED classes for Temporary Cash Assistance clients that meets daily.
October 2014/February 2015 the Eastern Shoshone 102-477 Program held their annual Clothes
Shopping for TANF school age children. For eligibility for children to get the 1st Distribution in
October 2014 a school verification is required proving each child has attended school ten (10)
consecutive days from the first day of school in August and the family case has to be in good
standing. There were a total of one hundred and eighty two (82) children served; a $200 Kmart
Shopping card was dispersed for each eligible child. The eligibility for the 2nd distribution in
February 2015 school grades and attendance was required, a total of fifty four (54) children
were eligible based on grades and attendance. Students had to have a grade of “C” average
and above, absence five (5) days or less, a $100 Kmart Shopping card was dispersed for each
eligible child and the family case has to be in good standing. On both clothing distributions
477 staff were stationed at the store for parents/guardians to return all shopping receipts. To
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record information of TANF Children’s grades and attendance an Eaglesun School Information
and Benefits TAS Module was purchased to keep updated information of children’s school
performance to be kept in the data system.
November 2015 the Eastern Shoshone Tribe Rose Casino donated fifty Turkey Baskets to the
477 Program for Needy Families. Case Managers based the need on the size of household.
In December the 477 Program formed a toy drive and sent letters out to all programs for
donations, Marathon Oil Company, Eastern Shoshone Housing Authority, Eastern Shoshone
WIC, Eastern Shoshone Boys & Girls Club, Shoshone Rose Casino all made contribution to the
toy drive. The 477 Staff took time to decorate and set up a snack area with cookies, hot cocoa
and hot cider for the children to sit and wait to visit with Santa. Letters was sent to all 477
Children as VIP invitation and a set time for the community children.
Success Stories:
A father of three children applied for TANF due to economy he was laid off from the Wyoming
Oil Fields employed as Water Truck Driver. He completed his requirements and his goal was to
continue to seek employment and to keep the TANF services temporary. He was hired full time
with the Eastern Shoshone Tribe Propane Company, with the assistance of the Shoshone &
Arapaho Tribes TERO Program in assisting him in achieving his Hazmat Certificate in Rock
Springs, WY.
A single mother came into the TANF Program and achieving her Family Self-Sufficiency Plan goal
of Employment Objective. She obtained employment at the Wind River Casino as a
hostess/waitress in the Buffalo Restaurant.
A single mother of 1 child overcame her barriers to employment by receiving her Certificate in
Esthetic Course through the Styles School of Cosmetology in Riverton, WY. She took the
Wyoming Board of Cosmetology Testing, received her Esthetician License. She is now
employed with the Hairaphy Hair Salon providing services in beautifying the skin through a
variety of services, including facials, skin analysis, make up artistry as well as other techniques.
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There were several success stories with the Temporary Cash Assistance clients and a few will be
mentioned, but the 477 program is proud of all clients that are not mentioned that has
accomplished their goal in becoming self-sufficient.
The Family Resource Outreach is among the family services provided to strengthen families
and is dedicated to educate the clients within regards to cultural activities of the Eastern
Shoshone Tribe. The department also provides a reading program, cultural classes and
education/health sessions classes, which are hour long to educate the clients on social, health
and economic issues.
The Family Resource Department held numerous activities which are listed in the Services area
below. The client receives an Incentive for either Attendance or Completion and in some cases,
both. It depends on the activity which is scheduled.
The Family Resource Department encourages client participation in the sessions being
provided. Cultural activities are held every other month and many of the clients are offered
this opportunity to become part of the classes to learn the art and creation of the Shoshone
people. Once the client has completed their project(s) in the current activity, they receive a
Completion and an Attendance Incentive.
The Education Sessions provided are based on a monthly health chart and depends on the topic
such as, for example; Healthy Eating Habits, Cent$ible Nutrition, Diabetes Awareness, Alcohol
Prevention, Cancer Awareness, Lung Disease, Child Abuse Prevention, etc. These sessions are to
promote awareness of dangers and how they may be avoided and precautions if affected by
any of these.
The Family Resource Department also holds community activities such as the 477 Annual
Community Day, Prevent Child Abuse Walk, Tribal Health Fair, Annual Easter Egg Hunt,
Christmas Activity, Halloween Carnival, Flea Market, 50 Mile Walk Club and the Reading Club.
The P.L. 102-477 Family Resource Outreach Services had many activities that took place over
the course of the year.
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Services included:
Marriage and Family Strengthening
Teen Pregnancy Prevention
Cultural Classes
Maximize Resource Availability in 477 Program
Cultural Supports for Family Unity
Literacy Reading Program (For Children Only)
Educations Sessions
Health Awareness
Food Bank Assistance
The Food Bank Assistance is food donated by the National Relief Charity (NRC) from Rapid City,
SD deliver quarterly and items are boxed and given out on a first come, first served basis to 477
Needy Families. The 477 Office does not have the storage to keep donated food and is given
out as items are boxed and ready.
During FY 2013/2014 the Family Resource held Cultural Classes advertising for Native Artist
Instructor’s to teach clients of different projects whether the client chooses to continue the skill
to earn a few dollars. The following classes were held and a total of forty six (46) participated.
Some of the clients already have the skill of beading, classes are chosen based on the project
that the client had no knowledge of, but learning the fundamentals.
Beaded Coin Purse Making
Dance Fan Making
Beaded Flat Keychain Making
Shawl Making
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May 2014 the Eastern Shoshone 477 Program held its 4th Annual Community Day. The day
consisted of games (tribal stick hockey, spear throwing, tug of war, racing), a flea market, and
donated items; household items, toys and books from the National Relief Charity (NRC) out of
Rapid City, SD are free to the community.
SUPPORT SERVICES
The 477 Program Supportive service payments are not automatic nor an entitlement. Each
request is examined to determine if the participant has met all the criteria for the supportive
service, and that the supportive service will assist the family to achieve self-sufficiency.
Supportive services are provided to participants for continued employment or to gain
employment. Contracts are necessary for certain Supportive services such as rental
agreements and training programs. Breach of contracts will be recouped or deducted from
cash assistance grants or payroll wages.
The need has be specific and identified in the Client’s Plan for Self Sufficiency or stated as a
barrier to employment and directly related to an approved plan activity or employment
opportunity and is the last means within which to meet the need.
117 Participants were assisted with support services ranging in:
Work Clothing/Uniforms
Equipment/Work Tools
Rent and Deposit/Delinquent Rent
Child Care
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Public Transportation/Mileage
Vehicle Repairs
Driver’s License
Basic Needs – New Baby
Clothing for School age Children (Early Head Start to High School)
Grooming, Medical and Dental
Professional license
Automobile Insurance (No High Risk)
Current and Delinquent Utilities (delinquent considered as 1 time only)
Food (Participants on the Food Stamp program are case by case)
Emergency (Case by Case)
EST 477 STAFF TRAINING
March 2015 the 477 Program contracted with the Central Wyoming College to enhance
professional development for 477 Staff. Staff was given an opportunity to increase their
knowledge and skills on Computer Basics and Windows 9. A class for Excel I & Excel II was also
offered to staff learning the benefits of Spreadsheets.
May 2015 Eaglesun TAS Federal Reporting Data Clean-up Training was set up for two days for
the 477 Staff. This training was for TANF Case managers that are responsible to enter
Participation Hours for clients that required to do 20 Hours of Work Activities per week. Cindy
Wright, Eaglesun Systems Products, Inc. presented the training in the Federal Reporting Coding,
understanding the data collection reporting requirements and the importance of running the
required Quarterly Work Participation Report so the TANF Disaggregated Data Collection for
Families Receiving Assistance under the TANF Program will be accurate.
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May 2015 a Bill Helmich Associates – Federal Records Management was scheduled for all
477 Staff to attend on-site training. The training was to support personnel guidance in
procedures for protecting the confidentiality of information within records, it outlined the
requirements on how to establish and implement policies for records protection and
confidentiality. The training also examined the requirements of records maintenance and
retention, notification procedures, conditions of disclosure, access requirements, Privacy
Act exemptions, use and protection of Social Security numbers and medical information
security.
In July 2015 a Tribal Managers’ Training was mandatory for all Eastern Shoshone Program
Directors, Managers, Finance Personnel, and the Department of Human Resource to attend. A
brief introduction of the Super Circular was presented, Requirements of Audits, Employee
Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual and Financial Policies and Procedures Manual was
discussed on changes and being in compliance. Certificates was issued to all in attendance.
Unemployment Insurance (UI) Records
Information from the State of Wyoming Department of Employment has been received from
the Unemployment Insurance Division. Information was given explaining that under the
Wyoming statute 27-3-603 no “wage record” information cannot be provided for it is strictly
confidential.