KANA Community Services
The KANA Community Services Division encourages and supports career development opportunities to increase sustainable economic development while promoting individual self-sufficiency. We strive to maintain and develop new partnerships to enhance resources the collectively meet beneficiaries’ needs. It is our goal to promote economic self- sufficiency and promote healthy families. To access the wide array of services outlined below please come to our new Near Island facility, downstairs, at 194 Alimaq Drive.
Programs Include:
- Child Care Assistance
- Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
- Education & Training
- Infant Learning Program
- Johnson O'Malley Preschool Program
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
- Social Services
- Supplemental Youth Services
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
- Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation
- Women, Infants, and Children
- Youth Leadership Development Program
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 Program is designed to subsidize child care costs 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 striving for economic self-sufficiency and we encourage families to inquire about possible eligibility.
- For the Child Care Assistance Application, click here.
- For the Child Care Monthly Billing Form, click here.
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
The Kodiak Area Native Association would like to announce a review of the 2011 Kodiak Rural Regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). This document will be open for public review from September 2nd through the 31st before being submitted to the U.S. Economic Development Administration. Copies of this document are located at the KANA main building and Near Island building, Sun’aq Tribe, Woody Island Tribe, the Kodiak Island Borough building, the Kodiak Chamber of Commerce and tribal councils within the villages. We encourage and welcome feedback from the community. Please forward all comments, suggestions or corrections to Amber Koning at 486-9843 or amber.koning-still@kanaweb.org.
To view the report, click here.
Education & Training
The Higher Education Scholarship
Higher Education Scholarships are available to financially assist eligible 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 and Port Lions. An application for the scholarship program can be downloaded here or in the forms section.
For the Scholarship Application, click here.
Job Club
Job Club is a program in which beneficiaries are able to access the KANA computer lab to search for jobs, create resumes, obtain information on colleges or trade schools as well as apply for scholarships. Periodic life and employment 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, or who lack a marketable skill. This program was established to 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.
For the Workforce Investment Act Application, click here.
Infant Learning Program
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)
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.
Johnson O'Malley Preschool Program
The KANA Johnson O’Malley funds support educational preschool programs in villages for children aged three to five. KANA assists Tribal Councils by providing preschool teacher salaries and training, along with classroom supplies, books and a developmentally appropriate curriculum. Our goal is that by the time the children enter kindergarten, the foundation is already laid for learning reading, writing and math.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program formulated to assist eligible low income households with home energy needs. Currently KANA is authorized to serve the villages of Akhiok, Old Harbor and Larsen Bay. Heating Assistance applications are accepted October 1 through April 30 of each year. Funds are distributed on a first come - first served basis and preference is given to the elderly and legally disabled.
For the LIHEAP Application, click here.
Social Services
The Social Services program provides General Assistance and Burial Assistance to the residents of Akhiok. ICWA services are also provided to the village of Akhiok and Larsen Bay. In addition to the grant programs we works closely with the Behavioral Health staff to provide information and referral to direct intervention and counseling services as well as referrals to a myriad of community resources.
Supplemental Youth Services (SYS)
SYS is available to youth between the ages of 14 -21 whose families are economically disadvantaged. Eligible participants in the 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 experience, counseling and support.
Title IV Program
This program provides an opportunity for village Elders to access well balanced meals that will improve nutritional status as well as provide a social outlet. Caregiver services are also provided through a network of itinerant and partnering agency providers to facilitate supportive services that will allow our Elders to remain in their villages. The following villages offer meals and Senior Center: Larsen Bay, Old Harbor, Ouzinkie and Port Lions.
Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
The TANF program is a federal and state funded program that provides temporary cash assistance and supportive services to eligible Native American/Alaska Native families who are in need until they are able to stabilize their lives. Services can include job-readiness training, assistance in finding a job, and supportive services that enable self-sufficiency. The program provides the tools necessary to promote and empower families to become self-sufficient so they can support and nurture themselves, their children, and community.
For the TANF Application, click here.
Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation
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 that is unique to the needs of the individual. Various services are arranged according to identified needs, such as: employment counseling, on the job training, resume development, college/vocational education preparation and physical restoration.
Village Public Safety Officer (VPSO) 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 persons, 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, “First Responders-Last Frontier”
- For the Village Public Safety Officer Application Addendum, click here
Women, Infants, and Children
The KANA WIC Program provides supplemental foods in the form of vouchers to eligible families to help purchase nutritious foods. Growth and development monitoring, diet assessment, and nutrition education services are available to all eligible families. High Risk nutrition counseling is available through a registered dietician. Breastfeeding services and support are an important component of WIC services. Eligibility determination is based on Federal Poverty guidelines, residency and nutritional risk. The program is committed to excellence in health and nutrition promotion.
- For the Pregnant Woman Application, Click Here
- For the Infant Application, Click Here
- For the Child Application, Click Here
- For the Breastfeeding Post-Partum Application, Click Here
- For the Family Information Form, Click Here
WIC Provides:
- Checks that can be used to purchase healthy foods such as milk, juice, eggs, cheese, cereal, dry beans and peas, and peanut butter
- Information about nutrition and health to help you and your family eat well and be healthy
- Support and information about breastfeeding your baby
- Help in finding health care and other community services
- Breast pumps to help support breastfeeding mothers
Youth Leadership Development Program
In an effort to promote active young leaders and increase youth involvement within their communities within the Koniag Region the KANA Youth Leadership Development Program will promote and help facilitate the formation of youth-led Native Youth groups in villages that will engage in activities that support cultural heritage, environment, community service, and healthy lifestyles. The program honors existing tribal Native youth groups, student councils, and other cultural activities and aims to enhance and support these established projects. The goal is to strengthen and provide cohesiveness to the island-wide support of youth programs, to give youth a voice and ownership in activities, and to guide the youth to become skilled leaders of tomorrow.