Member Services

LEAH FODOR Member Services Coordinator
	Leah Fodor has been an employee of the Gun Lake Tribe for 11+ years. Currently, she serves as the Member Services Coordinator which includes Elders, Higher Education, Johnson O'Malley, Enrollment and the Tribe's monthly newsletter. Leah's office hours are Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
	Phone:	(616) 681-9510 ext. 338
	Toll Free:	(866) 681-9510
	Fax:	(616) 681-9520
	Address:	PO Box 218 Dorr, MI 49323

Click here for the 2008 Johnson O'Malley Survery

Click here for JOM Member T-Shirt Order Form

ENROLLMENT
Currently the Tribal rolls are closed. Leah maintains the enrollment software which includes maintaining the mailing list, producing ID Cards for existing Members, reports for enrollment verification, blood quantum or any other proof of enrollment members might need. Leah also serves as the supervisor to the enrollment clerk. Only babies born to existing members are eligible for enrollment.

EDUCATION
The Tribe offers many scholarship opportunities for members. Leah certifies Michigan Indian Tuition Waivers. Leah is also the staff person for the education committee. This committee is playing a vital role for higher education for the Gun Lake Tribe. This 3- member committee is responsible for developing the procedures for the 638 higher education scholarship fund; also developing policies and standards for the Johnson O’Malley program which covers students from ages 3 to 17. The committee consists of Lorraine “Punkin” Shananaquet, Dawn Krauss and Jodie Palmer. The education committee serves the community by abiding by their Mission Statement:

To promote the welfare of Indian children and youth in home, school, community and tribe. To raise the standards of school achievement of Gun Lake Tribe members.

The following programs are available through 638 to all GLT Members:

• 638-Higher Education Scholarships - This program is for all students enrolled in an accredited college/university. Scholarships are based on the student’s unmet need, which is determined by the financial aid office of the school for which they are enrolled. Most scholarships are based on $100 per credit hour with a $1200 maximum award allotted. ALL scholarships must be submitted within the first 60 days of the start of classes. The tribe also funds a grade incentive program. The only requirements for this benefit is to achieve at least a 2.0 GPA, submit your grades to Leah and a check will be sent for you to use any way you wish. This is our award to you for doing so good in school. For example, if you take 12 credits and achieve a 3.75 GPA, you are entitled to $540.00!

• Vocational Training – This program was established to assist the membership to acquire the job skills necessary for full time employment. The requirement are the same as the above mentioned 638 scholarship only it is available for accredited vocational schooling such as cosmetology school, truck driving school, mechanics school, etc. This is a one-time only opportunity.

• Employment Assistance – The tribe is able to help members search for jobs, create resumes, provide means for clothing for interviews, clothing for the job and a stipend once a job is obtained to aid them until they get their first pay check. To be eligible you must reside in the State of Michigan, be at least 18 years of age, be unemployed for a minimum of 7 days and be actively seeking a permanent, full-time position. Other unlimited services use of computer lab, resume software, paper and enveloped for resumes, local newspaper for job searching, mock interviews.

• GED Testing – This program will assist with GED testing fees.

• Johnson O’Malley – In order to be eligible for JOM you must be a member of the Tribe, enrolled in school and be between the ages of 3-17. JOM offers benefits to reimburse families for out of pocket expenses related to school such as gym shoes, gym uniforms, band instrument rental, cap & gown for graduation, etc. Each student is allotted up to $75 per semester.

• Archive Management – Leah is responsible for all archive’s housed at the Tribal office.

Click here for Member Services Applications & Policies (Forms are located within the Members Only section and require a User ID and Password)

Leah also belongs to the Michigan Education Directors Consortium. This group consists of the education directors from all the federally recognized tribe within the State of Michigan.

Should you have any questions about education, please contact Leah or Becky TenBrink.

ELDERS
Leah serves as the elder’s coordinator for the Tribe. She escorts the elders to various meetings and functions throughout the State. The Gun Lake Tribe elders are active with the Michigan Indian Elders Association. This organization meets 3x a year at various locations throughout the State. We have two voting delegates within this organization. They play an active role in making decisions that impact elder issues, offer scholarships to all tribes for higher education and also for students who receive straight A’s and/or perfect attendance. The monies for these scholarships are raised at the meetings through an Auction. There have also been anonymous donors contributing for the last 3+ years. Leah also administers the title VI Nutrition Grant which is run through the Michigan Inter Tribal Council. This grant provides the means for the elders to purchase nutritional food for healthy living. To be eligible for this program you must be an enrolled member, 50 years or older and reside within the five county service area. This grant also provides the means for Leah to cook and host elders meals twice a month from September-May. During the winter months the meals are held in Dorr at the tribal offices. The other months, the meals are offered at the Luella Collins Community Center.

MEMBER SERVICES
Leah also represents the Tribe in meetings where services available to the Tribe are discussed. She is also a Notary Public and provides this service free of charge to the membership.

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
Leah serves as the Editor for the Tribe’s monthly newsletter The Tribal Tribune. The Newsletter is sent out on the last day of the month. Any submissions for the newsletter must be copy ready and sent to Leah’s attention. If you have anything you would like added to the calendar, call or e-mail Leah.