VOS Updates

Happy Friday VOS,

The Council was able to discuss the approval of ongoing program budgets with an allowable amount for both Tribal Wellness and Subsistence Support reimbursement programs, including increasing the school supplies from $100 to $200 for students.

Program applications with $500/max for both Tribal Wellness and Subsistence support is here. We will not plan to combine funds to offer an increase of wellness or subsistence. It is $500/per program/per member.

Although we do not have access to supplemental funding from the US Treasury to increase the max amounts for programs and we did have to close some of our pandemic relief programs, VOS was able to offer a significant amount of support to our community and loved to see how these programs served each family, individual and household.

Please make sure that prior to applying for any of our programs that you fully understand what the eligibility criteria is. If you doubt the eligibility, please reach out to VOS staff and have a conversation with the activities for reimbursement. VOS wants to support your healthy lifestyle and traditional activities; however, this is not a guaranteed program and without the access to supplemental funding, criteria is going to be enforced. VOS staff do their very best to provide information and criteria, at times Council approval or guidance is warranted.

Please do not apply with an expectation of being fully reimbursed if the activity is questionable and please do not assume that staff is able to make purchases on your behalf with VOS credit cards. Often times, reimbursement checks will be provided bi-weekly with payroll. Please make sure your mailing address is updated in a timely manner and that all supporting documentation is submitted as required for reimbursement.

VOS staff are your point of contacts for program questions and criteria and staff will reach out to the Council for guidance as needed.

Have a safe holiday weekend and stay warm out there