Important Links – Federally Recognized Tribes in Michigan

WIA-INAP http://www.doleta.gov/DINAP/

NAIA’s WIOA program is focused on assisting Native Americans in Wayne County to overcome the many obstacles and barriers, they face finding long term employment. WIOA is a federal program funded through the Department of Labor (DOL), Native American Programs. Potential participants looking to enter this program must be Native American in order to be eligible. NAIA has a long history with the DOL providing meaningful solutions to common barriers preventing our community members from securing long-term self-sustaining employment.

How does one become a WIOA participant? Like with everything unfortunately, each participant must schedule an intake appointment with our WIOA carrier coordinator to fill out the necessary documents required by the DOL. Our staff will sit down with you and guide you through the process. Once the initial paperwork has been completed and submitted a determination will be made which enters you into the program.

In order to know and understand the most efficient way to assist each participant we need to have a road map, what are your goals, ambitions, is there a career your inspired by or the obstacles you’ve been dealing with that have been preventing your success. This is accomplished by creating your Individual Employment Plan(IEP) which establishes where you are now and what its going to take to get us on track to accomplish those goals and ambitions.

NAIA’s WIOA Career Pathways program is here to assist you in reaching those goals by providing solutions such as but not limited to:

• Qualified Training Courses, certificate based
• Resume building assistance
• Job searches
• Computer training
• Interview preparedness
• Self-confidence building
• Job fair guidance
• Tuition waiver assistance
• One Stop advocacy
• Career Counseling
• One on One employment discovery
• Interview clothes, bus cards, obtaining ID, Tribal communication, school materials, utility assistance, work tools, work clothes, auto assistance

All good things can be achieved by hard work! If you are ready to put in the work to better your situation, give our WIOA Career Coordinator a call and set up an appointment for your intake.

“It’s never a problem, only a creative opportunity!”

Elders Program

NAIA’s Elder Program is currently self supporting. Our Elders gather here everyday to take part in our food and friendship lunch’s, Which are provided by Detroit Area Agency on Aging (DAAA). As part of the DAAA criteria our qualifying Elders must be at least 60yrs of age to receive a lunch. DAAA asks for a $2 donation, however it is not mandatory. Lunch is normally served at 12 noon each day with no lunches being served on normal NAIA observed holidays.

Our Elders here at NAIA have come together in support of each other; they share concerns, stories, rides and laughter with all who come to take part. In their time together the Elders have formed a group, a group that shares in fundraising, crafts, bake sales, exercise, field trips and resources. Come and contribute, do your part!

Every Wednesday here at NAIA is BINGO, our staff usually starts the calling around 11:30am.

DAAA has awarded NAIA with a 3 year diabetes awareness grant where we can out-reach to our Elders and provide Diabetic information and assistance.

We are always looking for new ideas which we can bring to our Elders, as well as new ways of encouraging our Elders to come and participate. If you are over 60 and are looking for something to do please come in and be a part of our Elders Program.

DAAA Outreach & Assistance

Food Assistance

NAIA assists families that are in need of emergency food. In order to receive the assistance a onetime application will need to be completed. Families are able to receive food assistance 4 times per year, not more than once a month. To be eligible you must fall within the Government poverty guidelines. For more information, please call NAIA to set up an appointment to fill out the application and pick up the food box.

Library

The library is located down in the basement and is usually open Monday thru Friday 10am to 3pm.

NAIA has recently taken all of our reading material much of which has been donated to us and we have created a fully functional Library.  All of our books are Native American related as well as all of our research materials.  We have books covering genealogy, fiction, non-fiction, plants, maps, medicines and crafts as well.  We also have an internet ready computer set up and available to help with any research or on-line applications or ordering you may need to do.  We hope that all of our members and guests can use this library and a learning tool or at least a valuable resource center.  We have a small amount of DVD’s and VHF tapes available to sign out along with our books and magazines.