StrongHearts Native Helpline Announces Move to the TC
The StrongHearts Native Helpline, a partnered project of the National Domestic Violence Hotline and the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center, is moving from Austin, Texas, to its permanent home in Eagan, Minnesota, where its national headquarters will be based. The move will take place in the winter of 2018.
Created in March 2017, the StrongHearts Native Helpline (1-844-762-8483) is the first national helpline created specifically to support Native Americans impacted by domestic violence and dating violence. With support from the Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Family and Youth Services Bureau, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, StrongHearts remains a collaborative project of the National Domestic Violence Hotline and the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center.
Created by and built to serve tribal communities across the United States, the StrongHearts Native Helpline is a culturally-appropriate, anonymous, confidential and no-cost service dedicated to serving Native American survivors of domestic violence and dating violence, along with their concerned family members and friends.
By dialing 1-844-7NATIVE (1-844-762-8483) Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. CST, callers can connect one-on-one with knowledgeable StrongHearts advocates who can provide lifesaving tools and immediate support to enable survivors to find safety and live lives free of abuse. After hours calls have the option to connect with the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) or call back the next business day. Learn more about StrongHearts at www.strongheartshelpline.org.
Organizations Win 2018 Bush Prize for Community Innovation
The Bush Foundation awarded the 2018 Bush Prize for Community Innovation to six organizations with a track record of successful community problem solving. The Bush Prize celebrates organizations that are extraordinary not only in what they do but in how they do it. This year’s winners are recognized for working inclusively, in partnership with others, to make their communities better for all.
The 2018 Bush Prize Native American organization winners are: Northwest Indian Community Development Center, Bemidji MN ($500,000); and Native American Community Board, Yankton, SD ($182,000).
Bush Prize winners receive a package that includes promotional support and materials, and an unrestricted grant equal to 25 percent of the organization’s prior fiscal year budget, up to $500,000. More information is available at BushFoundation.org. The Bush Prize, now in its sixth year, is awarded annually in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and the 23 Native nations that share the same geography.
Humphrey School recognizes local government projects that demonstrate innovation and collaboration
The awards program is organized in partnership with the Bush Foundation and its Native Nation Building Initiative; and co-sponsored by the League of Minnesota Cities, the Association of Minnesota Counties, the Minnesota Association of Townships and the Minnesota School Boards Association. The awards recognize projects in up to five different categories, and name up to one Leading Innovator in each: cities, counties, schools, townships and Native nations, which recognizes collaborations between tribes and a local government entity.
A panel of judges considered submissions for their creativity, sustainability and collaboration. The four Leading Innovators for 2018 will receive a grant from the Bush Foundation to continue their work, and a professionally produced video to use for marketing and awareness.
In the Native Nations Category, the recipients are:
• Cass County and Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe MOU – Cass County and Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe (Leading Innovator)
• Mahnomen County Economic Development Authority – Headwaters Regional Development Commission and White Earth Nation
• Education Day with the Mahkato Wacipi – Mahkato Mdewakanton Association, Mankato Area Public Schools, and Minnesota State University, Mankato
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Program – Mdewakanton Public Safety and the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community
The winners in the city, county and school categories will receive a $5,000 grant. The Local Government and Native Nations Collaboration Award winner will receive a $10,000 grant.
All awardees will be formally recognized at an awards ceremony and reception December 13 at 5 p.m. at the Humphrey School. To register for the event, visit: http://lgia.umn.edu.
