Copyright © 2002 NLThomas
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Cherokee Nation staff and members of the Sevenstar family unload a wood stove at the Sevenstar's home in Nicut.

NICUT, OKLAHOMA - As northeastern Oklahoma braces for more wintry weather, Cherokee Nation employees delivered wood stoves throughout Sequoyah County. Patsy Cochran and Peggy Girty, Family Advocates in the Cherokee Nation Family Assistance Program, are both social workers that never thought they would be lifting wood stoves and air conditioners as part of their daily jobs. Over the past weeks, the Cherokee Nation has been supplying wood stoves to qualified families to help heat their homes this winter.

"When I was in school, I thought social workers sat in an office and helped people by making referrals to other organizations or agencies", Cochran said. "But that’s not how it works at Cherokee Nation. We spend a good deal of time out in communities because that’s where the people live—that’s where the needs are."

This week the need was for wood stoves. A new wood stove was delivered to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Amos Sevenstar just days ahead of a forecasted record cold snap. A Cherokee Nation Elderly Services worker discovered that the Sevenstars needed a new stove on an unrelated home visit.

"The old stove was in really bad condition and needed to be replaced", Girty said. "It was a serious fire hazard and there were young children in the house that were in danger of getting burned. The fire was exposed through the old door that no longer completely closed."

Family members were at the Sevenstar home in Nicut, waiting for the stove to be delivered.

"When the truck pulled into the yard, several people came out to help unload the stove", Girty said. "They were all excited about getting their new stove in the house and set up."

"As a child, I always wanted to help people and thought that social work was the best way to do that", Cochran said. "I'm glad I chose to work for the Cherokee Nation. We get to see the actual results of our efforts all the time. It’s very rewarding."

To participate, you must be eligible for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, have a Tribal Membership card, a CDIB card and not exceed federal income guidelines. For information, please contact Marsha Lamb, phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2366).