The Supportive Services Program assists tribal members with financial services that are needed to secure employment or complete employability objectives.

These may include, but are not limited to, the following; Transportation to and from a training or job site, tools and materials for a job, housing assistance for persons attending training away from their permanent residence, work and safety essentials, initial union dues, personal appearance, glasses, and other necessary needs. Other sources of funding may be explored as needed. Follow-up support will be extended for one month, or as needed, after a client has been employed or has completed other objectives.

The type of supportive services will vary with each participant and will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may not be available if funds become too limited. No participant shall automatically be entitled to repeat services. All repeat services will be considered a lower priority than the initial services. Any repeat service must be fully justified and approved in advance.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must have a bona fide job, be enrolled in a vocational or short-term training program, actively seeking employment, or completing objectives as refined in their employability developmental plan.
• Must be Alaska Native or American Indian and a member of a federally recognized tribe.
• Must be at least 18 years of age or an emancipated youth, at least 16 years old. Exceptions: a younger applicant who has graduated from high school or completed his/her GED and is deemed in good health for the requested service.
• All participants must have an employability plan.
• Applicant must demonstrate financial need and training must be determined to be feasible.
• Spouses of tribal members are not eligible for Supportive Services if they are not tribal members and would not otherwise be eligible for the program.
• Participants are required to make reasonable progress in completing employability objectives.
• Must reside in the Bering Strait-Norton Sound region (minimum of one [1] year).