Two Feathers Native American Family Services recently received a personal visit, letter and plaque from the California Assembly, Select Committee on Native American Affairs, for its work in promoting the stability and security of Native families in Northern California, as well as protecting the best interest of Indian children.

According to the letter from Assemblymember James Ramos, “Two Feathers has a history of success in improving and transforming the lives of Native American children and families.”

Katherine Van Horn, legislative director with the California State Assembly, presented the awards. She said, “Teaching and guiding youth toward positive indigenous values such as kindness, respect, honor, discipline, patience, gratitude and humility drive Two Feathers decisions and treatment approaches.” She complimented the entire team for their successes and the work they are doing in the local community.

TF-NAFS Family Services Behavioral Health Director, Dr. Virgil Moorehead Jr., said that the recognition meant a lot to the entire team. “It is easy to get busy with the work at hand and to forget to stop and celebrate our many successes. The Assembly’s praise is affirmation that the work we are doing to help Native families is vital,” he said.

TF-NAFS is a tribally chartered non-profit that operates under the federally-recognized Big Lagoon Rancheria and has provided therapy, advocacy and case management services to all American Indian people in Humboldt County, regardless of their tribe, for the past 20-plus years. Its services include school-based behavioral health services, substance abuse individual and group counseling, Making Relatives Wrap Around Program, youth cultural groups and wellness programming, community prevention and early intervention services. More information can be found at www.twofeathers-nafs.org or by calling 707-839-1933. Its office is located at 1560 Betty Court, Suite A, in McKinleyville.