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477 Department
477 Department
The 477 Department provides holistic services designed to meet the diverse needs of Tribal Members, including employment, education, training, housing, financial assistance, and more. Our goal is to streamline access to these resources through a single application process and a dedicated point of contact with Tribal staff.
Public Law 102-477, known as the Indian Employment, Training and Related Services Demonstration Act (25 U.S.C. 3401 et seq), was established to enhance the ability of federally recognized tribes and Alaska Native entities to address their employment and training needs. The primary intent of the 477 Program is to streamline and consolidate various federal grant programs related to employment, training, and related services into a single, cohesive plan, budget, and reporting system. This integration is designed to align with tribal priorities, reduce administrative burdens, and enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery within tribal communities.
Employment Training and Job Creation
To assist youth and adults facing barriers to employment by providing job training and other supportive services that will result in one’s increased ability to retain employment, thereby becoming contributing members of the family and our Tribal Community. Toward this goal we provide eligible Tribal members with a variety of services:
Services
- GED Preparation
- Job Readiness Training
- Job Search via the internet
- Resume Preparation
- Application completion instructions
- Individualized Career Plans
- Skill upgrading and retraining
- Educational and Tuition Assistance
- Occupational Skills Training
- Job Placement when possible
- Life Skills Education
ICWA
They ensure that the Tribe’s interest in children is protected if the removal of an Indian child from their home by the State child protective services becomes necessary. Minimum federal standards established by the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) require state courts to comply when an Alaska Native or American Indian child is taken into state custody.
ICWA is federal law that applies to Indian Children under the age of 18. ICWA applies to involuntary custody proceedings and does not apply to custody disputes between parents. Services include:
Services
- Intervening and attending court hearings, case staffing and meetings
- Conducting supervised visitations and home visits
- Conducting family searches and identifying potential relative placements
- Foster Care recruitment
- Making referrals to other supportive services
Child Care Assistance
NVE is dedicated to enhancing the quality, affordability, and availability of childcare for all low to moderate-income Tribal families by offering a voucher payment system to Tribal members utilizing State Licensed Daycare Centers, State Licensed Daycare Homes, and Approved Relative Providers. Tribal families can receive childcare assistance for their children when the parents work or participate in educational or training programs. Services include:
Services
- Full-time Voucher Payment
- Part-time Voucher Payment
- Payment to Providers to help offset required yearly training
- Incentives to Providers to help offset program materials
- Incentives to New In-Home Child Care Providers Job Creation Services
Burial Assistance and General Assistance
The General Assistance Program aims to provide specific, short-term financial assistance for basic essential needs (such as food and shelter) that will help achieve personal well-being, family unity, and economic and social stability when no other services are available. The goal is to increase self-sufficiency, and it is designed to provide relief and support to indigent adults who are not supported by their own means, other public funds, or assistance programs.
Services
- Burial Assistance Program allows for payment of up to $2,500 towards burial/funeral expenses, which are paid directly to a mortuary.
- General Assistance Program aims to provide specific, short-term financial assistance for basic essential needs (such as food and shelter).
Indian Housing Block Grant Program
Program funds will be utilized for various housing needs, including Home Improvement Mini-Grants and Higher Education Housing grants for students pursuing a degree or certificate and attending an accredited college, university or trade school. Having access to affordable and stable housing increases employment opportunities.
Higher Education Scholarships
Native Village of Eyak believes in promoting and fostering higher education in our youth and young adults. We strive to help all Tribal members who wish to continue their education.
Services
- Higher Education Academic scholarships up to $3,000 per year-payable in two half payments
Summer Youth Scholarships
Available on a first-come, first-served award schedule, Tribal youth up to 18 years old can apply for scholarships to help offset the cost of summer camps, athletic camps, cultural camps, and other activities. A limited number of scholarships are available each summer, up to $500.
Social Service Reserve Fund
In extenuating circumstances, Tribal members may have monetary requests that exceed the General or Emergency Assistance limits. When the request exceeds the eligible $1,000, the Social Service Reserve Fund Committee will take it up. If the request is outside of the following list, it MUST be approved by the Council regardless of the monetary amount.
Allowable Requests*
- General Assistance
- Burial Assistance
- Disaster Relief-Fire/Flood/Snow
- Tribal Member-Vision/Hearing/Dental Care needs not covered by IHS or PRC
- Emergency Housing Assistance (Up to 5 days)
- Foster Care Supply Support-Car Seats, Luggage, Clothing
*Note: If the request is outside of the list above, it MUST be approved by the Council regardless of the monetary amount.
How To Reach Us
Contact
(907) 424-2227
477@eyak-nsn.gov
Address
Pioneer Square
622 First Street
Cordova, AK 99574
Hours
Monday to Friday
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Staff
Tribal Resource Coordinator
Denise Eleshansky
(907) 424-2257
Denise.Eleshansky@eyak-nsn.gov
477 Director
Sarah Trumblee
(907) 424-2227
Sarah.Trumblee@eyak-nsn.gov
