GANADO, Ariz. – The Navajo Division for Children and Family Services celebrated the reopening of the office in Ganado, Ariz., on August 12, 2026.
The office will employ the innovative concept of hoteling, which allows any NDCFS employee to reserve office space in advance through a central booking system for temporary use as needed.
The hoteling workstations are shared workspaces that offer flexibility to adapt to changing needs of employees, such as hybrid work schedules; meeting space for programs and employees directly in the service area when necessary; and efficient space management and lower overhead costs for employers.
Hoteling is also a way to recruit and retain employees as it will offer more options for hybrid and other alternate work schedules.
The office, which belonged to the Division for Child Well-Being (DCWB), required extensive renovations, including new flooring, a paint job, and bathroom repair. NDCFS Maintenance Technicians Ray Thomas and Michael Begay completed the renovations on behalf of the Division. They were recognized with certificates for their service.
“It’s a very special moment to honor and bring life to a building with blessing and prayers,” Freida White, Department for Long Term Services and Supports Manager, said. Sammie Largo, DCWB Community Involvement Specialist, conducted the blessing of the building.
Thomas Cody, NDCFS Executive Director, said this is likely the first hoteling office on the Navajo Nation. “I hope other divisions, other programs take on that concept,” he said.
The NDCFS has nearly 500 employees and the hoteling concept is one solution for the lack of office space.
“We’re maximizing our limited resources,” he said.
Cody explained that the P.L. 102-477 Plan being implemented by the Division supports integration of its programs and streamlining of services. With the flexibility allowed through the 477 Plan, the NDCFS is working to bring services to the hogan level, Cody said.
Department for Child Well-Being, Navajo Treatment Center for Children and Their Families, and Financial Assistance Unit are planning to regularly provide services out of the Ganado office.
Health, Education and Human Services Committee Chairman Vince James joined the NDCFS in commemorating the opening of the building. He encouraged the division to continue to build the foundation to offer services in local communities.
“You did a job well done to get to this point,” he said. “Thank you, especially to our constituents that speak out to provide these services at the local level.”
Getting services to the communities is a part of the goal with the Diné Action Plan (DAP), Deputy Director Sonlatsa Jim said. The DAP is the Navajo Nation’s roadmap to combat the modern-day monsters of suicide, substance abuse, violence, and missing and murdered Diné relatives. The NDCFS leads the initiative to implement the DAP and Jim serves as the chairperson of the Advisory Group.
President Buu Nygren commended the Division for its creative approach in using hoteling at the newly reopened office. “A modern and accessible workplace ultimately strengthens the service we provide to children and families throughout our Nation,” he said.
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