The Mission of the Family Assistance Department is to assist individuals and families in accessing the services/resources designed to promote personal and family unity along with economic and social stability. Inherent in this mission is the belief that all individuals must be allowed to achieve their highest possible level of self-sufficiency.

The Family Assistance Department is made up of an array of tribal and federally funded Human Services programs designed to provide direct services for Tribal Citizens living throughout the Cherokee Nation jurisdiction.

Burial Assistance

In 1988 the Cherokee Nation implemented a burial assistance program designed to totally eliminate the financial hardship associated with burial expense for some low-income households that meet eligibility standards and selects a funeral home that has a contract with the Cherokee Nation to provide this service.

Elder Services Program

Elder Services seeks to provide a comprehensive coordinated system of supportive and nutritional services to older Indian participants with the goal of improving the quality of life for Indian elders residing within the Cherokee Nation jurisdiction.

Food Distribution Program

The mission of the Cherokee Nation Food Distribution Program is to distribute nutritious foods from a well-balanced food package in a dignified environment while providing healthy nutrition education and food preparation to eligible Native American households residing in the jurisdictional area of the Cherokee Nation.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

The Low Income Home Energy (LIHEAP) Assistance Program is funded by the State’s Department of Health & Human Services and administered by the Cherokee Nation Family Assistance Department.

Cherokee Nation Office of Veterans Affairs

Outreach for Counseling For Veterans of Confilicts/Wars

Tribal Work Experience Program - T.W.E.P.

The Tribal Work Experience Program is an extension of the General Assistance program designed to provide the unemployed/employable head of household with work experience and training opportunities to aid in promoting self-respect and self-sufficiency.

NAHASDA Native American Housing and Self Determination Act Emergency & Transitio

Since February of 1999, Human Services has had a program to help address homelessness in Cherokee Nation. This program is funded by HUD through the Native American Housing and Self Determination Act (NAHASDA).

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE

This program is to assist families who experience a natural disaster. This pertains to a burn-out, floods, tornadoes, etc.

General Assistance

The General Assistance program is funded through the Bureau of Indian Affairs and administered through Human Services in the Family Assistance Department.