Page 5 - Chehalis Tribal Newsletter - August, 2018

5

HEALTH/WELLNESS

Land a new job

with Vocational

Rehabilitation

The goal of the Chehalis Vocational
Rehabilitation Program is to provide services to
Native American/Alaskan Natives consistent with
their individual strengths and abilities. Our clients
are provided with informed choices while working
to create self-confidence and independence.
The program’s ultimate goal is to prepare
individuals for
sustainable
employment.
How do I know
if I am eligible for
services?
n Provide
documented tribal
affiliation with a
state or federally
recognized tribe
n Live within
With support from their family, brother and sister Sheilah and Kevin Bray conquered the Grays Harbor,
202-mile Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic in mid-July.
Thurston, Lewis
and Mason
Siblings tackle STP ride counties
n Have a documented physical, learning,
mental health or substance abuse disability
n Barriers to employment
n Be able to benefit from Vocational
Tribal members support each sss Rehabilitation services
other on strenuous bike trip What is a disability?
JOIN THE FUN Disabilities can be seen or unseen. Disabilities
Brother and sister Sheilah and Kevin can be a physical, mental or emotional challenge
Bray peddled more than 200 miles as If you would like to train with Sheilah that might impede your ability to work. Here are
part of the 35th annual Group Health and Kevin Bray for the 2019 Portland to a few disabilities that qualify you for Vocational
Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic during Seattle Bicycle Classic, get in touch with Rehabilitation services:
the weekend of July 15-16. Sheilah at sbray@chehalistribe.org. n Visual impairment
More than 10,000 people participated n Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
in the grueling 202-mile course. The STP n Carpel Tunnel Syndrome
is the largest bicycle event in the region. temperatures above 90 degrees both days. n Alcohol and/or drug addiction
Ten percent of riders tackle the feat of They were given special towels intended n Learning disabilities
endurance in a single day. to keep them cool on the road. Along the n Arthritis
Because the STP is not a race, there’s way, stations were set up for bathroom What does the program provide?
no pressure to compete against others. breaks and to provide water to rehydrate. n Assists individuals with job preparation,
It’s about the journey and personal Sheilah admitted that the scorching application forms, resume writing, individual
accomplishment at the end. heat and equipment issues made vocational counseling and job coaching
The route begins at the University reaching the end difficult. n Works with employers, vocational schools,
of Washington and traces beautiful “I’m grateful that I achieved my goal colleges, on-the-job training, job placement and
backcountry and low-traffic roads down of crossing the finish line,” she said. other agencies and programs
to Portland. Riders and their families She also gives thanks to her family
celebrate at the finish line at Holladay for all of their support leading up to and
Park in Portland. throughout the STP. After the strenuous sss
Sheilah has continued to challenge days of riding, their family supplied
herself to complete the ride in two much-needed food, shower and a place CONTACT US
days. She stayed in shape by practicing to rest.
throughout the year; more importantly, Sheilah said she’s grateful her brother The Chehalis Vocational Rehabilitation Program
she conditioned herself to be mentally was able to ride alongside her this year. is at 461 Secena Road, Oakville. For questions,
tough when fatigue sets in. They are planning to tackle next year’s please contact Frances Pickernell at 360-709-
This year, Kevin took on the rigorous bicycle classic and wish to extend an 1735 or Erika Pickernell at 360-709-1872.
journey with her. Bicyclists endured invite for folks to join them.