FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 3, 2018
Muscogee (Creek) Nation Departments Assistant in Back to School Needs
OKMULGEE, Okla. – With the 2018-2019 school year approaching for schools across the Muscogee (Creek) Nation jurisdiction, departments within the Nation are assisting citizens with their back to school needs.
Several departments sponsored the Back to School event, which was held Friday, Aug. 3, 2018, at the Mvskoke Dome for any school aged citizen of a federally-recognized tribe.
Last year, MCN Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) department hosted the first ever event but this year the department partnered with the MCN Office of Child Care, Employment and Training and Children and Family Services to expand the event.
The event provided 700 free backpacks filled with school supplies to the first 700 to preregister.
The backpacks included basic school supplies needs such as paper, notebook, binders, markers, crayons and other items.
MCN TANF Youth Programs Coordinator Lauren Randall said it may not cover a complete school supply list but the program hopes it’s a helpful start.
“I know going back to school and getting school supplies is expensive,” Randall said. “I have three kids of my own so I know what the cost is. We thought it’d be a good way for our program to give back.”
Although the only the first 700 to preregister received backpack and supplies, the event was open to other families to enjoy the event.
The event had waterslide, pony rides, obstacle courses and inflatables for the children, along with free food and haircuts, which were provided by Okmulgee’s local Upscale Salon and Renovations Salon.
Several other departments set up booths to provide information on program resources including WIC, Children and Family Services, Lighthorse Police Department, LIHEAP, School Clothing Program and more.
Nurses from the Sapulpa Indian Clinic were on site printing off shot records and discussing the importance of immunizations.
Although it was a one-day event, programs such as the School Clothing Program, are available to assist MCN citizens with school needs throughout the year.
From Jan. 3, 2018 – Dec. 28, 2018, any Muscogee (Creek) citizen enrolled in a certified Head Start Program through 12th grade and citizens enrolled full time in a college or technical school is able to receive funding to assist in school clothing costs each year.
The program is not limited to citizens within the MCN jurisdiction.
In order to receive the stipend, proof of citizenship must be provided, as well as a completed application.
Grade school students must have a portion of the application completed by school officials verifying parent/guardianship and address.
College and technical school students are required to provide a letter from the school registrar office on official letterhead stating full-time enrollment.
Citizens who are homeschooled also receive assistance by providing receipt of textbook purchases or a copy of the curriculum as proof of homeschooling.
Head Start through 5th grade students receive $200 per calendar year and 6th through 12th grade students receive $250.
College or technical school applicants receive $150 in assistance.
Applications are available online to print and return at www.muscogeenation.com/services/school-clothing/.
For more information, contact the School Clothing Program at schoolclothing@muscogeenation.com. Completed applications may be faxed to 918-549-2478.
For more information on other MCN departments and programs available, visit www.muscogeenation.com.
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