The Blaine County Journal News-Opinion - We've Got The County Covered

If there is any kind of charitable function, fundraiser or community gathering happening in Harlem at the Fort Belknap Agency, Hays or Lodge Pole meant to provide a service to the people of the community it is almost certain that Tescha Hawley is involved in some way. Through the years Tescha herself, and then along with her Day Eagle Hope Project, has stepped up to go above and beyond to serve the many needs of those in our communities. Tescha worked with Heath Richman (Richman Insurance) and Doug McCracken (Ez-Mart) to put together a pop-up drive thru that served more than 400 meals from the parking lot of the VFW during the pandemic. The Day Eagle Hope Project expanded to open a food bank and often delivered meals to those in need, organizing delivery crews and going door to door to bring much needed meals to the Elders during Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years and whenever the weather or pandemic called for it.

Tescha first established the Day Eagle Hope Project to provide services of healing and hope in a culturally appropriate setting for those who have been affected by breast cancer. "We are honored to offer a compassionate blend of expertise, personal experience and inspiration to assist those affected by breast cancer." She added, "We have come a long way since we first started. We have expanded our services to meet the needs of our community. We worked hard to put together a space that could serve as a food bank to serve the community and recently we have developed a partnership with New Destiny Health to offer Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services."

Tescha is all too familiar with how fast a crisis can arise and has focused herself and the Day Eagle Hope Projects mission to be able to meet the community needs during difficult times, "We are here to serve our community, to serve as a resource for education, resiliency and support. The Day Eagle Hope Project (DHP) is a 501©3 non-profit organization based in Harlem and serves the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, Phillips County, Blaine County and Hill County. Tescha adds, "Nobody will be turned away, we are here to serve everyone."

The DHP's Food Bank is up and running and fully serving those in need, "This community effort has been successful due to collaboration between Fort Belknap Indian community volunteers, the Fort Belknap Housing Authority and Fort Belknap DES (Disaster Emergency Services). The DHP remains focused in its original mission, helping those with Breast Cancer with assistance wherever, however best suits the individual.

Breast Cancer affects many around us, "1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. After a cancer diagnosis, it's natural to have questions, lots of them," said Hawley. "We encourage anyone in need to call us for a personal visit with one of our compassionate and licensed health professionals. Individuals can also visit our online health library's cancer center for the facts on different types of cancers, diagnostic tests, treatments and more. The cancer treatment process can be confusing and overwhelming. Our specially trained patient navigators work closely with you to share information, interpret treatment plans, and answer questions the patient and their family may have. They can also help connect you with other helpful resources."

As we all know dealing with hospitals, doctors and insurance can create a lot of added stress, "We can help guide you through and around barriers in the complex cancer care system to help ensure timely diagnosis, treatment, and support. This is also critical to survival and early detection, and the medical community in the United States is seeing huge successes through patient navigation programs. We want to help overcome the barriers of cost, fear, and misinformation surrounding the disease and its prevention."

The Day Hope Eagle Project does its best to meet all the needs a patient may have, offering cultural support and spiritual care as well, "We host a monthly support group where our support group facilitator works with cancer survivors during 'caring and sharing' time to encourage healthy dialogue and education for everyone involved. We integrate traditional and cultural knowing. Having the support of others is an important part of breast cancer survivorship. Research shows that taking part in support groups, where you both give and receive help, is an effective way to reduce the stress and anxiety that can come with a breast cancer diagnosis." Hawley added, "As a health care organization, we're devoted to providing spiritual care to those we serve. We believe this support encourages hope and fosters strength and healing. Our spiritual care team is happy to visit with you, offer prayers with you or on your behalf and provide other services as needed."

The newest addition to services provided by the DHP is the New Destiny Health Partnership​, "Day Eagle Hope Project is partnering with New Destiny Health to offer a drug and alcohol treatment program." Hawley described New Destiny Health as "A dedicated team of Behavioral health professionals and caregivers who work with people to build on their skills, strengths and develop their own resources to self-manage and live well. Residents are supported during their transitional period by encouraging the development of skills required for employment. A positive environment focuses on daily life skills and expect individuals to contribute to the community." Each program is individually designed for each resident to ensure we maximize the success of a full recovery. The program is a 90 day residential program designed for males 18 and older. The program provides Behavioral Health services and helps individuals transition to sober living home.