The Department's mission is to assist families in maintaining a strong family in a healthy community structure by providing assistance in solving problems experienced by children, parents, and Elders in our community.
All those individuals who are members of federally recognized tribes residing within the service delivery area will receive information and referral.
Programs on this Page:
- Burial Fund
- Elder's Services
- Supplemental Assistance Program
- Foster Care Program
- Indian Child Welfare
Burial Fund
The Pokagon Band’s Burial Fund Code provides financial assistance with funeral and related expenses at the time of death for those that are covered by the Burial Fund. The Burial Fund provides a benefit amount of $10,000, of which up to $8,000 is provided for the funeral, up to $1,500 is provided for a monument, and $500 is provided for a funeral luncheon.
For information about Rush Lake Cemetery, please email Mark Pompey, Director of Social Services, or call him at (269) 462-4277.
Elders' Services
Enjoy hot and nutritious lunches Monday through Friday at Elders Hall. The Elders business and social luncheons occur on the first and third Thursdays of the month, respectively at the Community Center.
Read the newsletter for a listing of upcoming meals. Please remember to notify the program staff one day prior to attending so as to give ample notice for food preparation. The program is open to staff and non-elders at a cost of $3.00 a meal.
Turning 55? Don't forget to complete the Elder's Stipend Form!
Elders' Stipend Increments
Elders' stipends increase each five years by $250 starting at age 65. All elders over 65 receiving the stipend will notice an increase in their amount every five years until the amount caps at $1,750 for those aged 85 and above.
Age Amount
55-59 = $500
60-64 = $500
65-69 = $750
70-74 = $1,000
75-79 = $1,250
80-84 = $1,500
85+ = $1,750
Don't forget the Elders Stipend is taxable income. The federal tax withholding form is available here.
Elders receiving Supplemental Assistance Benefits will also receive this increase; they'll get the additional $250 but their supplemental assistance will not decrease. Supplemental Assistance Benefits are not taxable.
Elders are eligible to opt in or out of the stipend program during the month they turn 55 years old. Contact the Social Services Department at (269) 782-4300 for help understanding how this increase could impact your particular situation.
Supplemental Assistance Program
The purpose of this program is to provide supplemental financial assistance to address a recognized need in the Pokagon Band community and to ensure the general welfare of qualified citizens of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi. This program is intended to supplement, but not replace, federal, state, and county assistance programs. Supplemental benefits under this program shall be limited to those applicants that:
- Are Elders who are eligible to receive Elders Stipend Payments, or
- Are disabled persons and are receiving per capita payments at the time an application is filed and meet all income eligibility requirements as stipulated in the act.
For more information, please contact the Social Services Department at (269) 782-4300.
- Click here for the Supplemental Assistance Program Application.
- Click here for the Disclaimer of Per Capita Payment.
- Click here for the Disclaimer of Elders Stipend Payment.
Foster Care Program
The Pokagon Band Foster Care program seeks to find Pokagon homes for Pokagon children who have been removed from their homes and are in the process of being reunified with their families or need to be adopted.
We want to ensure that our children are placed in tribal homes, to keep them connected to their cultural identity, its values, and their community.
Please help fill this critical need for Native American foster and adoptive homes. If you can be the change that matters, please contact Christynn Black at Christynn.Black@PokagonBand-nsn.gov or (269) 462-4336.
Learn more about our Foster Care Program here.
Indian Child Welfare
The Social Services Department monitors the well-being of Pokagon Band children and families within state protective services and foster care programs. The department takes an active role in these cases through the provision of a variety of outreach services, as well as working closely with state and private agencies.
Learn more about Indian Child Welfare here.
For more information, please contact Karen Mikosz at (269) 462-4216 or email IndianChildWelfare@PokagonBand-nsn.gov.