10/03/2012
Dear Friend and Potential Donor,
We would like to take this opportunity to share with you what is happening in our literal “neck of the woods.” We are here amongst the Redwoods as we have traditionally been on the Klamath River. We are happy to tell you that we as Yurok People are not just surviving; we are increasingly returning to our strong cultural values that support a deeply caring society. On an individual level not all of us are thriving, many are barely surviving. Some Yuroks are in the throes of addiction and are seeking to “recover” from injuries done to themselves and to others. They are asking for HELP.
The Yurok Tribal Court developed a Wellness Court in 2009 that functions as a Drug Court to assist our Yurok Citizens in making the decisions that will lead to their wellness. The Yurok Wellness Court has assisted over 46 Yurok Citizens meet their family, tribal and community responsibilities by offering them the alcohol, mental health and substance abuse treatment that many are unable to attain on their own. While in treatment they are seeking to “recover” who they are and that includes repairing their relations. They need assistance with their emotional, physical, mental and spiritual well-being and it can be done with financial supports.
Of those that went into treatment we had 36 complete and 10 who did not. Of the 36 who completed, 9 were able to finish their treatment on their second or more attempts. The “want to” is what they bring to the beginning and this assists them in their overall completion of treatment.
Can you bring a “want to “as a donor? We “want to” keep supporting these tribal members who “want to” recover who they are and all their relations we are asking if you can assist in a financial way. Can you support one of our Yurok Citizens in their courage to face the issues of their lives and face the issues knowing someone has their back? These folks are willing to be upfront about their decisions and to look at the consequences of their decisions. They are being asked to reveal deep and difficult issues of their lives so that the healing can be focused and their functioning can be on purpose and their passion for life and family renewed.
Your financial assistance will go directly to their treatment costs. There are no administrative costs or salaries being paid out of your contribution. It will go directly to the cost of treatment.
The name of our campaign is, “We Got Your Back”. All donors for each treatment slot will be recorded on the back of a T-shirt and reproduced for both the donors and the Yurok Citizen. This campaign is based upon the traditional Yurok village value of taking care of every member of the village. This campaign is a manifestation (practice) of that value in today’s world. We must all step forward to help the ones who have stumbled. You have been “selected” by one of our staff as a person who will understand and support our values and our practices. In saying that we know that as you read this many have asked for help and you cannot help them all. If you cannot help us at this time do not for a moment feel bad, we understand the pressures of the day.
There are five treatment centers we have contracts with in Northern California, two of which are done in the spirit of the Native people, Friendship House of San Francisco and Native Directions of Manteca. The other three are Jordan Recovery in Crescent City, Humboldt Recovery Center in Eureka, and Skyway House in Chico. See Attached Cost Sheet.
We thank you in advance for sharing this moment in time to assist us in assisting them.
Here is how you can donate. Send your name, address and shirt size to the address below and the amount you are donating We will notify you when the selected Yurok Citizen is sent to treatment and send you the t-shirt of our gratitude.
Sincerely,
Abby Abinanti Jessica Carter Chief Tribal Court Judge Court Administrator
Anthony Trombetti
Wellness Coordinator
Yurok Tribal Court
Wellness Program
PO Box 1027
Klamath, CA, 95548
