The Caddo Nation has long been committed to helping others, both within the tribe and in the wider community. Through its Social Services and Indian Child Welfare programs, the tribe is extending a helping hand to those in need, embodying the spirit of being a good neighbor. As Kathy Butler, the Social Services Program Manager, puts it, "The Caddo Nation is the best neighbor you ever had."
Comprehensive Support for Those in Need
The Caddo Nation Social Services program, led by Kathy Butler, serves as a lifeline for many facing hardship. The program offers a wide range of assistance, from help with utilities and rent to food and gas assistance, providing a safety net for those struggling to make ends meet. However, the challenges are often complex and deeply rooted.
"We have homelessness. We have people needing help with utilities or rent. That's probably 90% of what we do," Butler explains. "But it's difficult. There's all these services out there, but it's almost like it's set up where you have to be right here. You can't be starting at the bottom to get to that stability."
The team faces the harsh reality that many families lack the basic necessities to even begin climbing out of their situations. As Harleigh Buster, the Indian Child Welfare Case Worker, points out, "It almost seems like you need a level of stability to even get to a level of stability."
Indian Child Welfare: Protecting the Future
The Indian Child Welfare program, spearheaded by Harleigh Buster, works tirelessly to protect Caddo children and support families in crisis. From investigating cases of neglect or abuse to providing ongoing support for children in foster care, Buster and her team are deeply committed to ensuring the well-being of Caddo youth.
"We're doing monthly worker visits with our kids that are in custody in state or out of state," Buster explains. "We try to be as involved as possible because we're asked to make recommendations or be qualified expert witnesses on things, and you can't give a recommendation on a child's life based on just a DHS worker's information."
The work is challenging and often heartbreaking, but Buster's passion for helping children shines through. "Every single part of an Indian Child Welfare case or DHS case is affecting that child, regardless of age," she says. "How can we ensure that the least amount of damage is done to a kid?"
Collaboration: The Key to Success
What sets the Caddo Nation apart is its collaborative approach to problem-solving. The tribe has fostered strong partnerships between its various departments, including Social Services, Indian Child Welfare, Community Health Representatives, and Administration on Aging. This interdepartmental cooperation allows for a more comprehensive and effective approach to addressing community needs.
"We've got a group message that includes the directors and key staff," Butler explains. "So if there's anything going on, we're all kind of knowing what's going on. If somebody needs something, we can all jump in and help."
This collaborative spirit extends beyond the tribe, with the Caddo Nation actively working to build relationships with state and local agencies. As Buster notes, "We've made a name for ourselves. We're being brought to the table a lot more and taken a lot more seriously, just because that involvement is there."
Pathways: A New Horizon of Care
Perhaps the most exciting development on the horizon is the Pathways program. This innovative initiative, set to launch soon, will allow the Caddo Nation to provide in-home care services to anyone with Medicaid in the state of Oklahoma.
"We're going to be able to provide services to anyone that has Sooner Care or Medicare or Medicaid," Butler explains enthusiastically. "We can go to those elders and we can help provide meals for them, we can do light duties, errands, medication, help them get in the showers - things that keep these people out of the nursing home as long as possible."
The program has secured a substantial grant of nearly $900,000 for the first year. This funding will allow the tribe to hire several new positions, including a Pathways director, a clerk, a cook, a bus driver, and even a part-time dietitian and billing specialist.
The Pathways program will also enhance the roles of existing health professionals. Nina, the tribe's Registered Nurse (RN), will be able to provide more comprehensive care to clients. She'll be conducting health assessments, managing medications, and coordinating care with other healthcare providers. For instance, she might visit an elder's home to check their vital signs, adjust their medication regimen, or provide education on managing chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease.
Nikki Gonzalez, the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), will be on the front lines of daily care. Butler shared a touching example of Gonzalez's work: "We have a client in Oklahoma City who has Parkinson's disease. Nikki goes up there to wash his clothes, help him get in the shower, run errands, get food or medication, and do an overall assessment of what's going on with him, you know, health or well-being."
These personal touches – helping with a shower, doing laundry, or just providing companionship – can make all the difference in allowing elders and those with disabilities to maintain their independence and dignity.
Expanding Reach: Beyond Caddo County
As the Caddo Nation's programs grow and evolve, there's an increasing recognition of the need to extend services beyond the boundaries of Caddo County. With significant populations of Caddo people in urban areas like Oklahoma City and Norman, the tribe is exploring ways to better serve these communities.
"We have talked about a satellite office," Butler mentions. "If we got patients there that we need to see, or clients, then we'd be able to do that."
This expansion of services is not just about reaching more Caddo people, but about being a resource for all Oklahomans in need. As Butler emphasizes, "Caddo County needs hope brought back to this county, and if we can do that, not only for our Caddo people, but for all people, then that would be amazing to revitalize and bring some healthy things to this community."
Challenges and Passion
The work is not without its challenges. Both Butler and Buster speak candidly about the difficulties they face daily. From navigating complex bureaucracies to dealing with the emotional toll of working with families in crisis, their jobs are far from easy.
Yet, what shines through in their words is an unwavering passion for their work and a deep commitment to making a difference. As Buster puts it, "Once you're in this and if you like it, you can't go nowhere else. It's different every day, and families are different no matter what. You get that adrenaline rush, and you're fighting the good fight."
This passion is matched by a clear-eyed recognition of the need for self-care and boundaries. "It's hard to find that rewarding or the purpose in it some weeks," Buster admits. "But those small wins, you have to be able to look at those small wins and have those boundaries."
Looking to the Future
As the Caddo Nation continues to grow its programs and expand its reach, the future looks bright. With dedicated professionals like Kathy Butler, Harleigh Buster, Nina, and Nikki Gonzalez leading the way, and innovative programs like Pathways on the horizon, the tribe is well-positioned to continue its vital work of supporting both its own members and the wider Oklahoma community.
The Caddo Nation truly embodies what it means to be a good neighbor. Through their tireless efforts, compassionate approach, and commitment to collaboration, they are not just addressing immediate needs but working to build a stronger, healthier community for all. As Butler so aptly puts it, "The Caddo Nation is the best neighbor you ever had." And with each passing day, that statement rings truer than ever.
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