Cherokee Federal Organization Recognized for Extraordinary Accomplishments Supporting Critical Humanitarian Missions
TULSA, Okla. (June 14, 2022) – Cherokee Nation Management & Consulting, an organization within Cherokee Federal, announced it was honored with the Vanguard Award for Superior Corporate Leadership at the International Stability Operations Association (ISOA) 2022 Global Impact Awards. The accolade recognizes the organization’s commitment to and success supporting recent immigration, refugee and humanitarian needs in partnership with government agencies, including the U.S. Department of State (DOS) and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
“We are proud to support the federal government during these critical times on missions that align with our core values,” said Steven Bilby, President at Cherokee Federal. “Our success on these projects is fueled by our talented and dedicated workforce who is deeply committed to serving populations in need of compassionate care and support.”
In 2021, Cherokee Nation Management & Consulting was contracted by HHS and its Office of Refugee Resettlement to operate a temporary shelter in Pomona, California for unaccompanied children primarily coming from the Northern Triangle. Utilizing its vast emergency preparedness and response capabilities, as well as logistics and supply chain expertise, the organization created a safe and caring space to house up to 2,500 migrant children, many travelling thousands of miles alone to seek a better life.
Organized under the brand of Team Hope, highly trained professionals provided medical care, mental health resources, case management, education, recreational activities, meals and hygiene services. Over the course of the six-month assignment, the site reunified more than 8,400 children with parents, relatives or qualified sponsors in the United States. The average length of stay for these children was just 17 days – 50 percent below the national average.
In August 2021, DOS selected Cherokee Nation Management & Consulting to provide urgent support to evacuees from Afghanistan under Operation Allies Welcome (OAW). Within 24 hours of being selected, the organization quickly mobilized, coordinated with all stakeholders, and created a safe and secure intake processing facility at the Dulles Expo Center.
Additionally, it established secure intake processing facilities at the Dulles International Airport, Philadelphia International Airport and at a location in Camden, New Jersey. Wrap around services included the provision of logistical and operational support to the various government and non-governmental organization agencies on-site at the respective locations. The organization also provided medical care and treatment to Afghan refugees at two locations which were converted into the equivalent of field hospitals where Afghans had access to a range of care and services, including arrangements for the continuity of medical and mental health services before and after resettlement.
Through the term of the operations, the organization assisted more than 85,000 Afghan nationals as they arrived into the U.S. primarily through Dulles and Philadelphia airports. This historic humanitarian operation required strategic joint efforts and coordination with numerous federal agencies, state and local governments, non-profit organizations, including faith-based and veterans’ groups, the private sector, and local communities to help Afghans reach their final destinations in the United States.
The annual Global Impact Awards Dinner was held on June 9 at Capital One Hall in Tysons, Virginia. Five Vanguard Awards were presented to companies in recognition of overall outstanding achievement in stability, contingency, disaster or recovery operations. Examples of transparency, accountability, ethical conduct and respect for human rights—hallmarks of ISOA member companies—were important factors in making the award selections.
About Cherokee Federal
Cherokee Federal and its team of companies is owned by Cherokee Nation Businesses — the economic engine of Cherokee Nation, the largest Native American tribe in the U.S. 100 percent of the company’s profits support future business investments and the well-being of the tribe’s citizens through health care, education and job creation, ensuring better lives for Cherokees today and tomorrow. For more information, please visit www.cherokee-federal.com or follow Cherokee Federal on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.