The Cook Inlet Tribal Council Recovery Service is a SAMHSA Services in Supportive Housing (SSH) grantee. The Council assists Alaska Natives and Native Americans who are homeless and experiencing a mental health or co-occurring disorder. Within the Council, the Welcome Home Project Clinical Case Management Team provides intensive case management, mental health services, and permanent supportive housing. The HRC’s Alexander Steacy talks with the team to learn more about how they strive to be culturally competent, a skill that is not limited to working with any one group.

The Welcome Home Project Clinical Case Management Team members interviewed for this story were Holly Mitchell, Beth Wilson, Lucas Rowley,and Janet Haynes. The HRC’s Alexander Steacy talks with the team to learn more about how they strive to be culturally competent, a skill that is not limited to working with any one group. Visit the Cook Inlet Tribal Council’s website to learn more.

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about the consumers you work with?

The older generation of Native Americans remembers being taken from their homes and stripped of their language and culture. When we work with them we try to honor their generational grief and trauma. We help them gain resilience from their past experiences and encourage them to accept help.

Q: What are some adaptations you have made to better reach consumers?

We like to take people outside. We go for hikes and walks as a part of our treatment. We see it as environmental mental health therapy. It helps people to develop self-confidence and learn methods for self-soothing.

Our team takes outings all year round, regardless of the season. During the winter, activities include cultural films, lunches, and talking circles. We also incorporate cultural activities like beading, basket making, fishing, berry picking, and storytelling. These activities help people learn about their heritage.

Consumers respond very favorably. Many share that the activities “bring joy to their hearts.” Activities promote growth, strength, and resilience.

Q: What are some barriers to participation in activities?

There are many severely depressed people who want to stay inside. We spend time sitting and visiting with them, slowly encouraging them to go outside. One group of women always complains until we arrive at our destination. Then, suddenly their moods improve. We give a lot of love and encouragement. If a consumer is not interested, we ask what he wants to do. We may take him on an individual walk.

Q: Could you share a success story?

Success involves many small steps. One consumer said she could not even walk down the stairs. Through a lot of work and encouragement, she was able to walk for a full two miles. Consumers help to motivate each other. They are building a sense of community here and this minimizes their isolation.

Q: What would you suggest to other programs working with culturally unique populations?

Be sensitive to culture. People bring different perspectives and it is important to be respectful of and honor differences. Providers must look for ways to find strength in someone’s cultural experiences and personal history. There is no one-size-fits-all method for working with others.

In our program, the team is culturally and ethnically diverse, and we serve diverse clients. We help them to see that stereotypes are not true. It is also important to meet people where they are.

We are very fortunate to work on this team. Our work is very soul satisfying.