SPIPA
2021 Annual Report
2021 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
Kathirine Horne (Delegate) Board Secretary Lynn Clark (Alternate)
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Skokomish
Alex Gouley (Delegate) Jack-Lyn Smith (Alternate)
Squaxin Island
Charlene Abrahamson (Delegate) Marvin Campbell (Alternate) Board Treasurer
Vicki Kruger (Alternate)
History In 1976, Tribal leaders from the South Puget Sound region had the remarkable vision to join together to create (South Puget Intertribal Planning Agency) SPIPA. The original mission of SPIPA, as set forth by the founders: Mel Youckton (The Chehalis Tribe), Zelma McCloud (Nisqually Indian Tribe), Bill Smith (Skokomish Indian Tribe), and Cal Peters (Squaxin Island Tribe) was to “Study, prepare, and recommend comprehensive Tribal plans; To aid in providing financial and technical assistance to participating Tribal communities; And to otherwise assist in such planning and development as may seem appropriate to promote the general welfare of participating Tribes.” In 1992, the Consortium welcomed the Shoalwater Bay Tribe as a SPIPA member. This unique model now provides intertribal planning, technical assistance and program management services to support each Tribe’s goal for their members.
Mission SPIPA is an intertribal nonprofit consortium, which serves the Chehalis, Nisqually, Shoalwater Bay, Skokomish and Squaxin Island Tribes through planning, technical assistance and program management in response to the directives of the Consortium Tribes.
Vision To assist and support the Consortium Tribes as they promote and enhance their communities.
Values • Accountability • Collaborative Leadership • Community • Cooperation • Cultural Sensitivity • Empowerment • Fairness • Proficiency • Resiliency • Trust • Vested Interest SPIPA Annual Report | 3
Chairman’s Message Your unwavering commitment to our work has been truly inspiring. Despite the challenges of virtual meetings and social distanced outdoor events, you have continued to find creative ways to connect with our communities, to provide essential services and resources, and to support those in need. Your ability to adapt and overcome obstacles has been a testament to your dedication and professionalism.
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am writing to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation for your dedication and hard work throughout the Covid-19 Pandemic. This past year has been a challenging time for all of us, and yet you have remained innovative, resourceful, and committed to our mission of improving the lives of Tribal communities through Community Resources, Family Supports Health and Wellness, and Workforce Development programs and services.
Your efforts to provide access to healthcare, to promote mental and emotional wellness, and to assist with employment and education opportunities have made a real difference in the lives of many people in our communities. I am so proud of the work that you have done and continue to do in this regard. As we move forward, I know that there will be continued challenges and uncertainties. However, I am confident that with your hard work, dedication, and commitment to our mission, we will continue to make a positive impact in the lives of Tribal communities throughout the South Puget region. Thank you for all that you do, and please know that your efforts are deeply appreciated.
Executive Message
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he year has been a challenging one for the organization, with the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 Pandemic. Nevertheless, we have persevered, adapting to new ways of working and continuing to provide vital services to Tribal Communities. SPIPA, like numerous others, has encountered substantial challenges due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. In response, leadership has implemented thorough measures to prioritize the safety of both staff and clients. This includes adopting a hybrid approach, incorporating remote Work-From-Home arrangements, and closed-door office setups. Virtual meetings, training sessions, and the enforcement of safety protocols within our offices have become integral parts of our operational strategy. Despite these hurdles, we remain committed to delivering essential services to our clients, and we take pride in the unwavering dedication and resilience exhibited by our staff. In addition to adapting to the challenges posed by the pandemic, SPIPA has continued to pursue the mission of providing technical assistance and supporting the needs of the Tribal communities in the South Puget Sound region, The Healthy Families Program staff has
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completed extensive training on a new data platform for information gathering, which will enable us to better serve families and to track the effectiveness of the program model. As we look to the future, SPIPA remains committed to the mission of supporting the Tribal communities in the South Puget Sound. We will continue to adapt to new challenges and to provide innovative solutions to the needs of our clients. We are grateful for the support of our SPIPA Board and the community, and we look forward to continuing to work together to make a positive impact in the lives of those we serve.
SPIPA Program Collaborations
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The Programs at SPIPA aim to meet the needs of Tribal Communities in a variety of ways
ollaboration is the key to building strong communities and supporting individuals in achieving their goals. Across the country, various organizations are coming together to provide comprehensive programs that support health and wellness, family and community resources, family support, and workforce development. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic that swept the globe, Programs and Services adminstered by South Puget Intertribal Planning Agency didn’t waste time to collaborate and work with Consortium Tribes to address community needs. Wrap-around services
included open attendance at most virtual events; Mental health care packages; Group consulting sessions from local parent educators for families; Porch dropping activities for children and care packages for parents; Food boxes full of produce, dairy, baked goods from local farmers made available to Consortium Tribal members to supplement the rising costs of food. One of the biggest challenges to maintaining a healthy lifestyle is access to nutritious food. SPIPA Health and Wellness programs with Community Resources Programs worked closely with local disadvantaged farmers to provide free food to program
Community Resources
Family Support
Health and Wellness
Workforce Development
participants. This collaboration ensured that individuals had access to healthy food options, regardless of their income level. With families being the backbone of Tribal communities, SPIPA Family Support programs aimed to virtually provide families with positive parenting advice and information. SPIPA Family and Community Resources provided emergency services to those facing issues such as domestic violence, substance abuse, or mental health challenges. The program collaborated with local providers and mental health professionals to provide specialized support that is tailored to the needs of each family.
The Workforce Development program worked in partnership with Enterprise for Equity to educate interested Tribal Community members with the skills and resources they need to succeed in their own small business. This program Collaboration helps to identify strengths and provide valuable entrepreneur information to program participants. Additionally, the program may partner with financial insitutions to empower Tribal youth with financial literacy courses in hopes of teaching best practices in small busines management.
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Nisqually Warehouse Updates CARES Act dollars assist SPIPA programs to expand services to Tribal families
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he Nisqually Warehouse has been storing and housing perishable and dry goods managed by the South Puget Intertribal Planning Agency (SPIPA) Food Distribution on Indian Reservations Program (FDPIR) for over 38 yrs. Since 1984, the Food Distribution on Indian Reservations Program has grown significantly, delivering food to eligible Tribal members at the Chehalis, Nisqually, Pt. Gamble S’Klallam, Skokomish, and Squaxin Island Tribes. Between 2020-2022, SPIPA was awarded over $300,000 in CARES Act dollars to upgrade existing equipment, and organizational units to continue supporting and providing exemplary service to these Tribal communities. Building upgrades included a new roof, heat pump /HVAC system, thermostat, kitchen cabinetry, generator, and a stateof-the-art security system that monitors front and back doors; On the inside of the warehouse, a walk-in fridge and freezer, floor to ceiling commercial shelving units, a pallet jack, new non-skid mats, new computers, monitors, scanners, and other technology used by FDPIR staff; For transport, a new refrigerated delivery truck, parking lot expansion to accommodate additional truck maneuvering, and smaller storage units to organize food for safe transport inside the delivery trucks. These upgrades could not have come at a better time. Fairly recently, the Nisqually warehouse was recognized in best practice for inventory and organization and will serve as a model to others serving multiple locations. The FDPIR program has been able to provide to eligible Tribal members with an expanded service area to accommodate federally recognized Native Americans and Alaska Natives within the city limits of Olympia, Lacey, and Yelm, as well as County boundary lines to serve eligible tribal members in more rural areas, spanning as far south as the Chehalis Tribe in Lewis County, to as far north as The Pt. Gamble S’Klallam Tribe in Kitsap County.
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Building Equitable Native Economies Project
Building Equitable Native Economies is a grant SPIPA was recently awarded in the wake of returning to the workforce, post-pandemic. This grant provides education in the form of an academy designed to empower Tribal community members to make a passion or side-hustle into a successful career.
Inquiry
Participant shares passion or has an idea to start a small business
Intake
Partnering with Workforce Development Staff, intake is needed to attend upcomming informational workshops
Native Entrepreneur Academy (NEA) Participants complete a series of workshops aimed to empower and strengthen knowledge around best practices.
Success Successful candidates will have finished the training workshops and finalized a complete business plan.
Successful candidates will finish the Native Entrepreneur Academy strong with a business plan to support their entrepreneur endeavors. Once complete, graduates will be added to the South Sound Native Business Directory and invited to a SPIPA coordinated Business-to-Business expo to network and strategize with other small, Nativeowned businesses in the Puget Sound region.
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Workforce Development
WFD families return to YMCA Camp Bishop to connect with culture, nature, and eachother.
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fter a challenging year of quarantine and social distancing, Native families from the SPIPA Workforce Development Program gathered at Camp Bishop, a YMCA youth camp ground nestled on lost lake in Shelton, WA. Mornings consisted of breakfast together and anouncements. Guest speaker and faciliator, Gene Tagaban invited families to participate in outdoor exercises aimed towards youth empowerment. Many of Mr. Tagaban’s messages were intricately woven in native culture, using today’s mediums and a unique mindset that engaged youth to overcome obstacles and doubt in their everyday lives. The weather was slightly overcast, but that didnt stop many from water play. The afternoons consisted of crafts. In the workshop of drum making, The instructor talked about the importance of frame of mind when working on any sacred piece. It’s important to embrace positive thoughts while making drums, as the drum is medicine that is shared with others. The drum is the heartbeat of the earth and sets the tone moving forward. Evenings held relfection and storytime. Stories are an essential tool in native culture. Stories about animals teach about behavior while trees, and weather teach perseverence. The connection with nature and place are integral to the native way of life. Mr. Tagaban likes to tell stories that teach, entertain and heal. His main objective during his time at Camp Bishop was to engage with families and encourage positivity in communication between parents, guardians, and their children. Overall, it was a much needed time in the wilderness with family and friends, many of the kids can’t wait until next year to see what stories and teachings Mr. Gene Tagaban will bring next.
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Health and Wellness Events
Health and Wellness programs provide outreach materials and host cancer awareness events
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PIPA Health and Wellness programs have always prioritized the health and well-being of Tribal communities. SPIPA’s outreach activities have traditionally involved in-person events and gatherings, which have allowed community members to engage with patient navigators and receive essential health services. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has made it necessary for SPIPA to adapt it’s outreach activities to comply with social distancing guidelines and protect the health of Tribal communities.
Health and Wellness staff developed a series of virtual events and activities to promote health and wellness during the pandemic. SPIPA has facilitated virtual fitness classes, including yoga and dance classes, which have allowed community members to stay active and engaged with their peers while adhering to social distancing guidelines. In addition, the Programs have collaborated with other services to provide food boxes for Consortium Tribal members that support local disadvantaged farmers. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, SPIPA Health and Wellness Staff have continued to prioritize community outreach and engagement. SPIPA outreach and communications staff developed a social media group aimed at promoting awareness and the benefits of a healthy lifestyle during the pandemic. Additionally, Health and Wellness programs staff developed a series of informational flyers and handouts, providing information on cancer prevention and treatment, as well as other health-related topics. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented significant challenges for healthcare organizations, but SPIPA Health and Wellness programs have risen to the challenge. SPIPA staff have demonstrated their commitment to providing essential prevention services to Tribal communities, despite the obstacles presented by the pandemic. Through the implementation of virtual events, care packages, and social media groups, Health and Wellness staff have continued to prioritize community outreach and engagement, promoting health and wellness during these uncertain times. Health and Wellness staff dedication to community outreach and engagement has allowed it to continue providing essential healthcare services while adhering to social distancing guidelines. Through the implementation of virtual events, telehealth services, and social media campaigns, SPIPA has promoted health and wellness during the pandemic, providing vital support to Native American communities in the Pacific Northwest.
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Audited Financials EXPENSES $ 15,673,909 Management & General 12% [$1,852,223] *Program Service Expenses 88% [$13,821,686]
REVENUES $ 15,644,795
Investment Income .25% [$43,926] Program Service Revenue 14% [$2,310,835]
*PROGRAM SERVICE EXPENSES BY CLUSTER Family Supports 20%
Other Revenue 1.3% [$85,901] Contributions & Grants 84% [$13,204,133]
Health and Wellness 11%
Community Resources 7% Workforce Development 62% 10 | SPIPA Annual Report
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.
Family Supports 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. Foster Home Program - Provides a full range of foster care services including foster home recruitment, child placement and foster parent training and support. 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.
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 Building Equitable Native Economies Project: Development of curriculum to establish a series of workshops and ongoing assistance to propel Workforce Development clients in their small business goals as well as a Native business directory and networking Business Expo. 477 Cash Assistance, Employment and training, (Formerly 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.
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South Puget Intertribal Planning Agency
3104 SE Old Olympic Hwy Shelton, WA 98584 360.426.3990 spipa.org SouthPugetPlanning