Update Your Address, Please
By Angela WillefordAu-Authm Action News - June 3,
2010
Hundreds of pieces of mail end up getting returned to the Salt
River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community as undeliverable, which means
Community members may miss out on vital information pertaining to
their per cap, their children's Minors Trust account and other
important issues that require the input of Community members. This
is why SRPMIC departments are asking Community members and parents
of Community members to please make sure to update addresses when
they move.
… 20 percent to
25 percent of the mail was returned as undeliverable …
Community Development Department (CDD) Director Stacey Gubser
said,
"The adult membership mailings number over 5,000
people, and with each mailing the Community receives approximately
500 letters back as 'undeliverable.'"
For the Minors Trust, the numbers are significantly higher.
SRPMIC Treasury Operations Manager Dawn Yazzie Howard said in March
2010 they sent out 4,272 pieces of mail regarding open per capita
Minors Trust accounts, and 20 percent to 25 percent of the mail was
returned as undeliverable. Not only are Community members missing
out on vital information, the mailing expenses are very costly. CDD
Per Capita Specialist Michael Washington said that there are two
major reasons it is important for parents to update their
children's address.
"First, when a parent/guardian doesn't update their
child's address, they run the risk of having that child's financial
information fall into the wrong hands, as statements may be mailed
to an incorrect address. Second, if a parent/guardian applies for
any funds (clothing, health, or education and welfare) from the
trust account and the address on the Certificate of Needs and Use
form doesn't match the child's membership record, the request for
funds will be denied, resulting in a delay before funds are
released," said Washington.
Address updates may only be completed through the CDD Office of
Membership Services, 10005 E. Osborn Road, in the Two Waters
complex (Building B, the south building, on the third floor). If
you have any questions, you may call the CDD/Office of Membership
Services at (480) 362-7620, 7618 or 7614.
For additional questions regarding Minors Trust, please contact
the Administration Department or the Office of the Treasurer at
(480) 362-7400.