For Devin Agnes, receiving support through Tanana Chiefs Conference has meant having a team of people working together to help him navigate services, address his needs, and maintain his independence.
Devin, who was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at birth, has been receiving support from his home community, the Nulato Tribe, since his diagnosis. Currently, he works with several department heads and program leads at TCC, including Bryana Angulo, Program Manager for Tribal Protective Services; Lisa Donat, Program Coordinator for Home Care Services; and Amanda Race, Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation Coordinator.
Since Chief/Chairman Sharon Hildebrand was elected in March, Devin has also had the opportunity to participate in weekly Teams meetings with TCC leadership and the people connected to his services, which include staff members at the Fairbanks Rescue Mission and the Alaska Center for Children and Adults.
These regular meetings have provided an opportunity for Devin to share updates, ask questions, and make sure the people supporting him understand what he needs. They have also helped keep his case moving forward as his team works to connect him with the services and resources he needs.
Sarah Russell, a social worker with the Fairbanks Rescue Mission, has played an important role in Devin’s day-to-day support, including helping him get to appointments and other places he needs to go. Fontana Dawson with the Alaska Center for Children and Adults has also participated in the weekly meetings, bringing specialized knowledge of the State Waiver process for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her expertise has helped the team navigate assessments, paperwork, and other steps in the process.
Each person involved has brought different knowledge and experience to the table, creating a collaborative network around Devin.
One of the services Devin is most thankful for is TCC’s assistance in helping him obtain his Medicaid waiver. While the process has taken time, the continued communication and weekly meetings have helped keep things moving forward.
For Lisa Donat, seeing the team come together has reinforced the value of collaboration.
“We all had a piece that we were knowledgeable about and together we were all able to assist him,” Lisa said. “Devin is smart and a go getter; he has great things in his future!”
For Devin, that determination has been evident in the opportunities he has pursued along the way. He regularly goes to the gym, pursues his education, and is becoming stronger by the day. One memorable moment came when he threw the first pitch while representing TCC at a Gold Panners game.
“Seeing the opportunities in action for one of our Tribal members has been amazing,” said Chief/Chairman Sharon Hildebrand. “Devin represents the determination and motivation we see in our Tribal membership. With a little support and encouragement, he was able to go the distance, and we are so proud of him and all that he has accomplished.”
For TCC leadership and the team supporting Devin, seeing him take part in that moment was about more than throwing a first pitch. It was an opportunity to see the impact of encouragement, coordinated services, and a community of people working together to support his goals.
“Seeing him throw the first pitch while representing Tanana Chiefs Conference at the Gold Panners game meant so much to us as an organization,” Sharon said. “Masee’.”
TCC is committed to supporting Tribal citizens through programs and services that promote independence, strengthen families, and help people live healthy and fulfilling lives in their communities. Devin’s story is one example of what can happen when individuals, families, service providers, community organizations, and TCC work together to help a Tribal citizen pursue greater independence and the opportunities ahead.