KANA Community Programs
The Community Development Department encourages and supports career development opportunities to increase sustainable economic development. We strive to maintain and develop new partnerships to enhance resources and collaboratively meet beneficiaries’ needs. It is our goal to promote individual self-development and economic self sufficiency.
Johnson O'Malley Preschool
The KANA JOM funds support educational preschool programs in villages for children ages three to five. KANA assists Tribal Councils by providing preschool teacher salaries and training along with classroom supplies, books and developmentally appropriate curriculum. Our goals is that by the time the children enter kindergarten, the foundation is laid for learning reading, writing and math.
Child Care Development Fund (CCDF)
The KANA Child Care Assistance Program provides financial assistance to low-income families who are seeking work, training, attending school and are in need of child care to pursue self sufficiency. The Child Care Assistance Program is designed to subsidize child care cost and reimburse parents who are eligible for assistance. Assistance is calculated based on income and family size. Child Care is essential to individuals who are pursuing economic self sufficiency. We encourage families to inquire about possible eligibility. An application for this form can be downloaded here or in the forms section.
Infant Learning
This program provides family centered early intervention services for infants and toddlers 0-36 months who may have developmental or medical difficulties or who are at risk of having problems. Services include: free developmental screening and evaluations; identification of necessary devices, home and community visits by ILP staff; toys and materials to help families enhance their child’s development, physical, occupational and speech language services; vision photo screening; the Ages and Stages Program; information on early childhood development; and assistance for families in locating additional resources.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
FASD – The ILP coordinator in collaboration with the Providence Kodiak Island Medical Center Social Worker provide training on FASD using the department of Health & Social Services (DHSS) developed curriculums. FASD 101 Disabilities of Discovery: Insights into Brain Based Disorders and FASD 201 Developing Successful Interventions and Supports.
Supplemental Youth Services (SYS)
SYS is available to youth between the ages of 14 -21 whose families are economically disadvantaged. Participants in the Youth Program are provided work experience and/or academic enrichment. Job sites are selected with the interests of the youth in mind that will provide them with continuous job counseling and support.
Women, Infant, Children (WIC)
The KANA WIC Program provides one-on-one nutrition education and counseling by a registered dietician. Growth and development monitoring and diet assessment services are available to all eligible persons. Determining eligibility is based on federal income guidelines and demonstrated nutritional risk. The program is committed to excellence in health and nutrition promotion.
KANA Adult Community Programs
Higher Education
The Higher Education Scholarship is available to financially assist Alaska Natives enrolled in the Koniag Region. Funds are awarded specifically for the purpose of assisting students in achieving a four year academic degree from an accredited institution. KANA currently assists students who are enrolled members of Akhiok, Old Harbor and Port Lions. An application for the scholarship program can be downloaded here or in the forms section.
Job Club
Job Club is a program in which beneficiaries are able to utilize KANA’s computers to look for jobs, create resumes, get information on colleges or trade schools and work on scholarships. Periodic life skills workshops are also a part of Job Club.
Workforce Investment Act (WIA)
WIA provides employment oriented education and training to individuals who are unable to secure suitable employment because of a lack of experience and or education, who lack a marketable skill. This program was established to help/assist individuals obtain permanent employment through guidance and counseling, training or education, and funding assistance specific to their needs. A WIA application can be downloaded here or on the forms page.
Social Services
Social Services provide General Assistance and Burial Assistance to the residents of Akhiok and Old Harbor. ICWA services are also provided to the village of Akhiok. In addition to the grant programs Social Services works closely with the Behavioral Health staff to provide information and referral to community resources as well as direct intervention and counseling services.
Title VI
This program provides an opportunity for village elders to access well balanced meals that will enhance intake, improve nutritional status and provide a social outlet. The following villages offer meals and an opportunity to use the exercise equipment and computers located within the senior center: Larsen Bay, Old Harbor, Ouzinkie and Port Lions.
Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation (TVR)
This program is one of the sixty-nine American Indian/Alaska Native Vocational Rehabilitation programs in the United States. The purpose of this program is to assist people in identifying and overcoming barriers related to a physical or mental disability, to gain or retain desired employment. Program staff works with each person to determine an individual plan for employment. Each plan for employment is unique to the needs of individual and service of varying according to those needs. Some examples are: employment counseling, on the job training, resume development, college/vocational education preparation and physical restoration.
Village Public Safety Officer Program
The Village Public Safety Officer Program began in the late 1970's as a means of providing rural Alaskan communities with needed public safety services at the local level. The program was created to reduce the loss of life due to fires, drowning, lost person, and the lack of immediate emergency medical assistance in rural communities. The Village Public Safety Officer Program was designed to train and employ individuals residing in the village as first responders to public safety emergencies such as search and rescue, fire protection, emergency medical assistance, crime prevention and basic law enforcement. The presence of these officers has had a significant impact on improving the quality of life in the participating villages. As a result, the Village Public Safety Officers (VPSO) are generally the first to respond to many calls for help from community members; hence their motto. A complete job description is available for review by clicking here.