This summer the Cherokee Nation is offering $100 clothing vouchers to help parents cope with the costs of getting their children dressed for a new school year. The vouchers will be redeemable at select Stage stores across northeastern Oklahoma.
“The clothing support program is an opportunity to work directly in the community with children and families. It is a great resource for eligible families to utilize as they prepare for their budgets for back to school necessities,” said Kara Whitworth, director of Cherokee Nation Child Support Services. “The Office of Child Support Services is taking the lead on this outreach resource as we see it as a great opportunity for another dimension of support for many of the families we already serve.”
Throughout July, Cherokee Nation employees will visit sites across the tribe’s jurisdiction to take voucher applications. A limited number of vouchers will be available at each location, and parents and legal guardians are encouraged to apply at the site closest to where they live. To qualify for a voucher, a student must be a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, live within the Cherokee Nation’s boundaries and be entering grades K-12 in the upcoming school year.
To receive a voucher, a parent or legal guardian must provide proof of residence, school enrollment and Cherokee Nation citizenship for each child and income for each adult in the household. If applicable, a notarized statement of no income must be presented. Kindergarteners do not have to show proof of enrollment but must be 5 years old by Sept. 1, 2012. Legal guardians must present a letter of guardianship issued by a district court. All families must meet income guidelines to qualify.
Voucher applications will be accepted on the following dates and locations from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.:
Monday, July 2 – Locust Grove Upper Elementary, cafeteria
Tuesday, July 3 – Sequoyah Schools, The Place Where They Play
Monday, July 9 – Collinsville High School, commons area
Tuesday, July 10 – Bartlesville Community Center
Friday, July 13 – Nowata High School, commons area
Monday, July 16 – Stilwell High School, cafeteria
Thursday, July 19 – Sallisaw High School, cafeteria
Friday, July 20 – Fort Gibson School, cafeteria
Monday, July 23 – Vinita, Ewing Halsell Middle School, cafeteria
Thursday, July 26 – Jay Upper Elementary, cafeteria
Friday, July 27 – Claremore High School, old gym
Tuesday, July 31 – Sequoyah Schools, The Place Where They Play