Copyright © 2006 NLThomas
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TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA – The Cherokee Nation Career Services Division is announcing a new program to help Housing Authority residents with training for career development.

According to program coordinator Melanie Dodge, the new Resident Opportunity and Self-Sufficiency Program (R.O.S.S.) will offer eligible Cherokee citizens assistance with training costs, career guidance, coordination and development of training, and small business assistance. Participants will work with Career Services representatives on attaining the skills necessary to become employable in today’s job market.

“The purpose of the program is to aid the clients in attaining the skills needed to become productive, self-sufficient individuals,” said Dodge. “Program participants will work toward increasing their earning power with a Career Services Employment and Training Specialist through utilization of training and various employment strategies.”

To be eligible for R.O.S.S. applicants must be a resident of the Housing Authority of the Cherokee Nation. HACN residents are defined as individuals participating in one of the following programs: low rent (Direct Housing), mutual help, rural rent, lease purchase, mortgage assistance program, mortgage buy down, and/or Title IV.

Income guidelines also determine eligibility. Individuals who have an economic, educational or social limitation that results in a barrier to employment will be given preference.

For more information about the R.O.S.S. program, contact Melanie Dodge, phone: 918-207-3866.

Related Cherokee Nation contact information:

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 Cherokee Nation - Public Affairs Phone 918-456-0671 (Ex.2324) E-mail: ldaugherty@cherokee.org

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 Natural Resources Specialist Phone: 918-456-0671 (ex.2843) E-mail: bpeak@cherokee.org