From Grassroots to Glory: How one woman is igniting change — one life at a time

From Grassroots to Glory:
How one woman is igniting change — one life at a time

Reva Stewart is a Navajo activist and advocate who has played a crucial role in exposing and combating a widespread Medicaid fraud scheme targeting Native Americans in Arizona. Her work has had a profound impact, bringing hope and healing to numerous individuals.

Reva’s efforts have been crucial in illuminating this complex issue and advocating for Indigenous communities in Arizona.

Exposing the Sober Living Home Scandal

In the summer of 2022, Stewart exposed a massive fraud scheme involving houses masquerading as sober living homes. These facilities housed individuals while partnering with fraudulent entities who obtained licenses to operate drug and alcohol treatment programs across Arizona. Once a license was obtained, it took a mere seven days to get an AHCCCS (Arizona Medicaid) ID which allowed them to bilk Arizona taxpayers over $2.5 billion dollars and counting.

The fraudulent facilities were:

Targeting vulnerable Indigenous people, especially those struggling with substance use or homelessness
Luring victims with false promises of help and treatment
Exploiting the American Indian Health Program (AIHP) to bill AHCCCS for services never provided
Often keeping victims in unsafe, unsanitary conditions against their will

Grassroots Advocacy and Support

Stewart’s testimony to state and tribal leaders has played a pivotal role in uncovering this extensive fraud scheme, which had been operating undetected for years. To support the victims and to increase awareness she established the organization Stolen People, Stolen Benefits. The on-going efforts include:

Documenting suspicious recruitment activities.
Helping locate missing community members and reuniting them with their families.
Coordinate GoFundMe efforts and social media blasts for donations to help Native Americans return to the state they were trafficked from.
Providing on-the-ground support: Care packages filled with hygiene products, food, water, and transportation for displaced individuals.
Advocating for stronger regulations and accountability measures for sober living homes.

Stewart continues to draw attention to ongoing issues of fraudulent facilities that continue to operate and recruit victims. This crisis extends beyond fraud, with Stewart characterizing it as “genocide” against Indigenous people.

Recognition and Positive Impact

Stewart’s tireless advocacy has earned her national recognition with the State of Arizona as Arizona Woman of the Year. She was nominated for USA TODAY‘s Women of the Year program for her significant community impact. Her work has been featured in major news outlets, bringing national attention to this issue. She remains committed to her cause, stating, “Until I see that my people are OK, I will not hand over this baton.” Her efforts have been crucial in shedding light on this complex issue and pushing for meaningful change to protect vulnerable Indigenous communities in Arizona.

Nonprofit efforts of Turtle Island Women Warriors

To address the ongoing crisis, Stewart founded Turtle Island Women Warriors, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness of the injustices facing Indigenous communities. “Our mission is to educate our communities and support victims of this fraud,” she said. “Turtle Island Women Warriors and Stolen People, Stolen Benefits will continue to SHINE a light and bring JUSTICE for our native relatives,”she added.