There’s not much money in being a medicine man or a dog groomer.
So when Robert Cross, an Oglala Lakota Sioux spiritual leader, and groomer Kerry Malloy got together, money troubles followed.
This month, with the help of Stride – a Lakewood-based nonprofit, self-sufficiency training program – the couple took a step toward solvency.
Five years ago, they joined the program after they were unable to get help from local social service agencies.
The dilemma was that as a spiritual leader of the Wajaje Titunwan band, Cross is barred by tradition from charging for his services or taking another job.
Most public-assistance programs require applicants to work or at least look for work.
“We couldn’t really apply for food stamps or for welfare because of Robert,” said Malloy.
And as a household, Malloy couldn’t apply either.
“I suppose I could have gotten welfare easily, but I didn’t want to lie about Robert living with us,” she said.
“Why put my family in that kind of jeopardy? I always just managed,” she said.
The best the couple could do was obtain Section 8 housing assistance, which Malloy said dropped the rent from $1,200 to a manageable $500.
“It makes me feel bad to depend on anyone outside of myself,” Cross said. “I’d rather live under a bush.”
A friend suggested they try Stride, and the couple found that the agency was willing to take on the challenge of working within the constrictions of Cross’ spiritual calling.
“For people to be successful, they have to negotiate their own path,” Stride interim executive director Sarah Maxwell said.
That’s how Malloy and Cross hit on the idea of a nonprofit group to educate people about the spiritual practices Cross performs for his community.
Malloy said her experience with animals and Cross’ connection with nature made it a better fit.
Cross improved his computer skills with the aim of developing a website for the nonprofit, which they plan to call Eagle Robe.
Stride helped Malloy repair a bad credit history through money-management counseling, and she learned she didn’t have to hold down two jobs to make things work at home.
“The only way for us to be self-sufficient was to learn to help ourselves,” Malloy said.
Staff writer David Migoya can be reached at dmigoya@denverpost.com or 303-820-1506.
