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Cherokee Nation highlights GED-to-job success; commerce reports 2,900 VITA tax returns this year
Summary
Career services presented a client success story and staff changes; Commerce Department reported nearly 2,900 VITA tax returns—about 400 more than last year—and noted capacity limits that may require staffing adjustments in Muskogee.
At the April 24 Cherokee Nation Executive and Finance Committee meeting, a career services representative identified only as Hunter described a client success story and staff coverage changes for upcoming summer programs.
Hunter said the office helped Miranda Coats, who had previously left high school, earn a GED, graduate from a business technology training program and gain work experience in career services. Hunter said Coats received multiple job offers and accepted a position with Cherokee Nation Health as a patient access representative.
Hunter introduced Michelle Arris as a manager who will assist with summer programs while other staff are absent.
On scholarships, Hunter confirmed that the career-services RN scholarship application deadline is May 16; a committee member asked whether that information could be shared broadly and Hunter said the office would provide details.
Anna Knight, representing the Commerce Department, reported that the department prepared nearly 2,900 VITA tax returns this year—about 400 more returns than in the previous year. Knight said demand is growing as other VITA sites across the state have closed due to a lack of volunteers.
Knight said Commerce typically dedicates about 15 staff to the VITA program during the tax season, which limits those staff from other duties for roughly three months each year. She said the department can reach out to Career Services and Human Services to expand appointments in regions with high demand, and identified Muskogee as an area needing an additional VITA worker.
Committee members praised the tax-assistance work and noted the program’s role in saving money for clients and connecting people to tax credits. Hunter and Knight offered to provide additional information to council members on scholarship and VITA appointment availability.
