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News from the Cherokee Nation
Copyright © 2003 CNO
TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - The John A. Ketcher Youth Services Center will celebrate its 25th anniversary on Friday, November 14, at 12:30 p.m. The Youth Shelter provides short-term emergency care and protection for up to 30 days for youth experiencing a crisis in their lives, regardless of race or nationality.The Cherokee Nation has provided more than 375 children and youth with shelter over the past two years.
"Many youth are runaways that come to the shelter to avoid violence in the home, neglect, sexual and physical abuse, school problems and multiple family conflicts," said Linda Vann, associate director of Youth Services. "Many of these children are homeless because they’re awaiting group or foster home placement."
The Cherokee Nation Youth Shelter opened on November 14, 1978 in the old city hospital in Stilwell, Oklahoma. The program remained in Adair County until 1981, when it was relocated to Tahlequah. Through the insistence of dedicated staff and tribal officials, funding was secured through the Cherokee Nation, Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and Indian Health Services to build the new facility. The current facility was built in 1992 and was named after former Deputy Chief and Tribal Council Member, John A. Ketcher.
The public is invited to come celebrate this important anniversary from 12:30 to 3:00 p.m. on Friday, November 14. The Cherokee Nation Youth Shelter is located on Jules Valdez Road near the Tribal Complex off Highway 62, north of the Cherokee Nation EMS building. For more information, please call 918-458-4440.
| Related contact information: |
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Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org
Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager |
Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org
Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation |