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A Story of Change
Jamie is a single mother to 6 children from 17 years of age to 4 years of age. She was unemployed and had exhausted her 60 months of MFIP. She was receiving food stamps and medical assistance. When she initially came to the In-an-da’-we groups, she appeared defeated. She talked about not having any options or support. Jamie seemed very angry and depressed. One day at a meeting she started frantically taking notes and writing them on a napkin. That day something clicked with her and since then she has been a sponge soaking up all the knowledge and information she is collecting.
Jamie soon became a role model to others. She would speak openly in the gatherings about how she was implementing the tools she was learning and how they impacted her life during the prior week.
Jamie is now employed full time with benefits. She attributes her success to learning coping, empowerment and life skills in the In-an-da’-we program. She has made many friends and has developed a support system. Jamie’s minor children look forward to attending the meetings. Jamie has stated that her friends anxiously ask about what she has learned after each gathering. Jamie considers herself a work in progress and is looking forward to leading a healthier life with her children.
In-an-da’-we in Action
Stephanie is a single parent of two small children. She was in an unhealthy relationship when she started the In-an-da’-we program in July 2006. Her partner was very controlling and jealous. Through learning to define what an unhealthy relationship was, she was able to break the ties with this man while remaining safe. Another challenge was that she was living with her parents.
Today, Stephanie lives on her own, is out of that unhealthy relationship, and has developed healthy friendships with other women in the group. Stephanie completed two AIOIC education programs, graduating from both the Small Business Program and the Administration Program, and took a very active role in the Student Council. After graduating, Stephanie obtained a full-time, living-wage position as an Administrative Assistant and was able to move into her own apartment. Despite her busy schedule of work and family commitments, Stephanie still makes time to attend In-an-da’-we gatherings almost every Saturday. She also enjoys bowling and attending pow-wows with the other In-an-da’-we women.
Stephanie’s experience illustrates how the program empowers the whole woman to improve her life. Without the knowledge and empowerment to end her destructive relationship, and the development of positive peer relationships in its place, Stephanie probably would not have been successful in efforts to graduate, find work, and establish a self-sufficient home for herself and her children. She can also use her ongoing connection with the In-an-da’-we community to strengthen her for whatever future challenges may come her way.Our Mission
To empower American Indians to pursue career opportunities by providing individualized Education, Training, and Employment Services in a culturally sensitive environment.
