MISSION – Cayuse Government Operations, part of the Cayuse Holdings family of companies, presented a check to two youth programs of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) in January. The donation was made on behalf of the 411 employees of Cayuse Government Operations and presented to the programs by Cayuse Government Services Managing Director Preston Eagleheart and Program Manager Ron Smith.
“It’s great to see the youth programs being supported,” said Smith. “Before Cayuse, I worked with various tribal youth programs such as the After School Program. The children who I worked with in those programs are now adults and are doing great things. Keeping these activities going is providing a safe and positive environment for the youth.”
A total of $13,000 will be shared between the After School Education Program and the Youth Leadership Council within the Department of Children and Family Services.
“Part of our vision at Cayuse Government Operations is ‘grow the company, grow the people,’” said Executive Managing Director Randy Willis. “We are proud to give back to the community and look forward to watching these important youth programs flourish.”
“We already had so many opportunities before, and this just expanded them by a lot. It’s going to be really good for us youth and I’m really excited to see what it’s going to bring,” said Miracle Edmiston, Youth Leadership Council publicist. The Council provides a collective voice for CTUIR youth, helps them transition from youth leadership to tribal leadership, and serves as a means of mobilizing and coordinating the actions of youth, other community members, and organizations toward positive goals and aspirations.
The After School Education Program runs five days a week, 48 weeks a year and serves 205 students – providing care, education and social opportunities during afternoons and evenings.
Kahoa, an after-school student who looks forward to utilizing the donation, said, “I appreciate you guys because we get to have more fun!”
