WARNER, Okla. — Cherokee Nation leaders gathered with Warner community members and The Southern Cherokee Helpers Community Organization Oct. 22 to celebrate the grand opening of a new community building.
This facility is a $2.5 million investment from the tribe.
“As we open this beautiful $2.5 million investment, we should recognize how much this means to everyone involved,” said Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. “What really matters is the indispensable element involved in buildings like these: the community organizations. The Southern Cherokee Helpers worked for years, and we felt the grassroots push. A lot of people have been cared for thanks to the efforts of this community organization. Serving each other is something that Cherokees do at their best, because we have a duty to each other. They have been building community long before they had this community building, and now they’ll have a home that will make positive impacts for years to come.”
The Southern Cherokee Helpers Community Building spans 5,517 square feet and features a commercial kitchen, a backup generator, a wellness space, a large pantry and a computer lab.
“Our friends and family deserve a place for fellowship and wellness,” said Deputy Chief Bryan Warner. “We know these investments are vital to maintaining a Cherokee sense of well-being. The Southern Cherokee Helpers have partnered with the tribe on important issues like the lack of access to physical fitness and internet access. I’m particularly excited to see young Cherokees use this space for schoolwork or to see our elders maintain their health.”
Established in 2018, the Southern Cherokee Helpers have served the community of Warner through the COVID-19 Pandemic through outreach. The organization also met in various spaces prior to having this new facility.
“This time of year is a time for change and growth as we’ve been told by our traditions,” said District 4 Councilor Uriah Grass. “You can feel the energy across our Nation. Our communities feel invigorated from the investment by the Hoskin-Warner administration. The Southern Cherokee Helpers have done many good things without a space, and now I’m excited to see what the future holds for Warner.”
Investments into housing and communities are made possible in part by the historic Housing, Jobs, and Sustainable Communities Act. In recent years under the Hoskin-Warner administration, the Cherokee Nation has built, replaced or rehabilitated approximately 20 community centers for CCO-participating community organizations. The projects stem from a variety of funding sources, including dollars set aside from Chief Hoskin and Deputy Chief Warner’s historic Housing, Jobs and Sustainable Communities Act, and the Public Health and Wellness Fund Act.
The Southern Cherokee Helpers President Sarah Cowett joined Cherokee Nation for the ribbon cutting ceremony. Cowett along with members of the organization are looking to increase their presence in Warner.
“This is an amazing opportunity,” said Cowett. “We have waited so long to have a space to call our own. We have so many plans for this space and are excited to get to work.”