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A New Dawn: Program Funding Agreements Signed for Vital Native Community Projects
September 12, 2023
After what seemed like an endless wait, the day has finally arrived when Native Directions Inc. (NDI) and HomeCA Inc. join hands to sign the Program Funding Agreements (PFAs) for two transformative projects aimed at enriching the lives of Native communities. These initiatives focus on supporting young Native mothers and their children, as well as providing traditional healing in a natural setting.
Today marks a crucial turning point as the PFAs are set to be signed, not only by the dedicated sponsors, NDI and HomeCA, but also by the Advocate for Human Potential (AHP). With these signatures in place, construction can begin for a remarkable nearly 10,000 square feet residence, complete with two accessory dwellings, in the heart of Rescue, California. This facility will serve as the New Tribal Youth Perinatal Residential Substance Use Disorder (SUD) center.
The sponsors want to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) for their unwavering support in the pursuit of improving the lives of vulnerable Native individuals within the community. Their partnership is instrumental in making these projects a reality.
The signing ceremony was a momentous occasion, with Ramona Valadez, Executive Director of NDI, and Deanna Pineda, Secretary of HomeCA, capturing the moment in historic law pictures. Their leadership and dedication have been the driving force behind these projects.
In addition, we would like to recognize the DHCS officers who played a pivotal role in making this happen. Holly Clifton and Marlies Perez, both in charge of the Behavioral Health and Continuum Integration Program (BHCIP), have been instrumental in guiding and supporting these initiatives. Their expertise and commitment to the cause are commendable.
The second grant is equally promising, as it supports the construction of a 250-person capacity outpatient wellness and recovery center in Shingle Springs. This center will offer traditional healing methods alongside evidence-based therapeutic activities such as equine therapy, horticulture, music, and arts. The groundbreaking ceremony is just around the corner, and the goal is to have this facility up and running by the end of 2024. The positive impact it will have on countless lives cannot be overstated.
A heartfelt appreciation goes out to the sponsors’ development team, particularly the dedicated consultants and grant writers who invested their time and expertise into this noble endeavor. Their dedication is the cornerstone of this success.
Furthermore, we would like to acknowledge the strong leadership of two remarkable women, Ramona Valadez of Native Directions Inc. and Gina Wasdyke of HomeCA Inc., both non-profit entities in the state of California. Their unwavering commitment and vision have paved the way for these projects to thrive and bring hope to Native communities.
As the ink dries on these PFAs, we stand at the threshold of a brighter future for Native mothers, children, and individuals seeking healing. Today marks a significant milestone, and we look forward to the positive impact these projects will have on the lives they touch. Together, we are forging a path toward a stronger, healthier, and more vibrant Native community.
A Sacred Blessing: Natives, Veterans, and the Spirits Unite for Transformative Healing Centers
February 17, 2023
In a poignant ceremony that bridged traditions, land, and spirits, Native Directions Inc. and HomeCA embarked on a profound journey to bless the sites where four transformative healing centers will be built. These centers—an eagerly anticipated Wellness and Recovery Center, a Perinatal Center, and two Adult Residential Facilities—will serve Native individuals, providing culturally sensitive and person-centered healing methods. The blessing, led by three remarkable Natives who served in the US military, carried deep significance as they dressed in tribal garments and invoked ancient rituals to honor the land and its spirits.
The ceremony unfolded on large, secluded acreage properties that Native Directions had sought for these sacred endeavors. As a prerequisite to breaking ground for construction, the three Native Veterans led the spiritual rituals to consecrate the land. Dressed in tribal garments, their presence embodied resilience, wisdom, and a profound connection to both their cultural heritage and military service.
With profound respect for their ancestors and the spirits that dwell in the land, the Native Veterans orchestrated a ceremony that invoked blessings upon the forthcoming healing centers. The rituals honored both the past and present, acknowledging the deep connection between Native culture and the healing journey of the individuals these centers will serve.
As the ceremonies unfolded, a sense of awe and reverence filled the air. Eagles soared gracefully above, a powerful symbol believed by many Native cultures to signify the presence of good spirits and divine guidance. It was a moment of undeniable connection, as if the spirits themselves were validating the importance of these healing centers and the journey that lay ahead.
The land, now blessed and sanctified, will serve as the foundation for the healing process of Native individuals. Native Directions Inc., in collaboration with HomeCA, has dedicated these lands for long-term use, ensuring that the sacredness of the sites will be respected and cherished. The goal is to create environments that foster holistic well-being, resilience, and a deep sense of cultural identity.
The forthcoming Wellness and Recovery Center, Perinatal Center, and Adult Residential Facilities will embody the values and aspirations of Native Directions Inc. and HomeCA. Through culturally sensitive and person-centered methods, these centers will offer a sanctuary where Native individuals can find healing, hope, and renewed strength.
The blessing ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness between past, present, and future. It was a testament to the rich tapestry of Native culture, the unwavering spirit of Veterans who have served their country, and the immense potential for healing and growth that lies within each individual.
As construction commences and these transformative healing centers begin to take shape, the blessings of the land and the spirits will remain deeply ingrained. The commitment of Native Directions Inc. and HomeCA to honor and uplift the Native community is unwavering, and they stand poised to create spaces of profound transformation and empowerment.
Together, Native Directions Inc., HomeCA, the Native Veterans, and the spirits of the land embark on a shared journey. With the eagles as their guides, they forge ahead, embracing the belief that healing, resilience, and cultural identity will flourish within these sacred spaces. May the blessings bestowed upon these sites resonate for generations to come, fostering strength, renewal, and lasting hope for Native individuals on their path to wellness.