Wanblee Elder Center

Julia R. has been the manager of the elder center in Wanblee for the past 14 years and has seen many changes during that time.  She says the building is 40 years old, is owned by the elders and in need of many repairs. Since the building is owned by the elders and not the tribe they’re not able to get any assistance from them for maintenance and repairs.  Jerome says the community does get a quarterly stipend from the casino for the elders so is hoping some of that money can be used for some of their needs.

The floor needs replacing, lighting is outdated with many fixtures not working, doors and windows are in poor condition and they need a secondary interior door to prevent further heat loss when someone enters or exits the building.  The heat source is electric base board heaters and most aren’t working so they’ve been using a propane stove to warm the building on the coldest days which puts everyone at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning, luckily the building is drafty.  Most of the elders don’t stay very long because the building isn’t warm and there aren’t enough chairs to sit down and eat their lunch or socialize.  The plumbing is old, the roof needs repairs and there are holes in the walls that need patching, fencing around the property is falling down.  Keeping the building tight is critical to save on heating bills and keeping rodents out that may carry the Hantavirus which can be fatal.

A local church group recently painted the interior but the color is a darker blue making an already dark building even darker which isn’t good for elders with vision problems.  Jerome recently received a donation of paint so if that turns out to be a lighter color maybe Youthworks could repaint the center as one of their community projects this summer.  They have one window air conditioner donated by Hearts of the Sacred Spirit but it’s not large enough to cool the entire building.  The cook stove has 6 burners but they have a problem keeping them lit and the oven often goes out which makes baking very frustrating.  Julia has to get on the floor and try to relight the burner which is extremely hazardous and puts her at risk for burns or worse.

The refrigerator is old and the temperature fluctuates from freezing food to not operating at all resulting in the loss of a lot of their food, they do have 2 freezers in good working order.  Their food is provided by the tribe but Julia must make the 200+ mile trip every two weeks to pick it up in Pine Ridge, each area has a budget so they can only pick up what they need for 2 weeks.  Jerome tries to supplement their food whenever possible from donations he receives from NAHA, the food bank in Rapid City, and Running Strong.  If Julia runs out of other items like food containers for home delivery, she has to make the long trip back to Pine Ridge so sometimes  it’s easier for her to buy supplies locally using her own money.  The tribe provides them with bleach and dish soap to wash dishes, there is no dishwasher.  Julia buys her own Pine sol, SOS pads and many other supplies.  They are in need of a new industrial size mop, the current one is falling apart and most of the “mop” has worn away to half it’s original size.

They currently have 2 small tables, 2 larger folding tables but only  8 chairs, and a small sofa with matching chair which means they can’t accommodate very many people at one time.   There are 90+ elders enrolled in the feeding program but they actually serve or deliver around 40 meals a day Monday through Friday.  Many elders live in the outlying areas and have no transportation so their meals are delivered.  They’re in need of many things for the kitchen and the rest of the building:

• Cleaning supplies/paper products – Pine Sol/disinfecting cleaner, SOS pads/pot scrubbers. laundry detergent, liquid hand soap, paper towels, toilet paper.
• Kitchen needs – Bread pans, cookie sheets, large roasting pan, large serving spoons, ladles, spatulas, measuring cups, etc.
• Appliances – Warming/chafing dishes, electric frying pan, 2 or 3 large crockpots, heavy duty mixer such as KitchenAid
• Plastic – large garbage, quart and gallon size Ziploc, carry-out food boxes with 3 compartments, small containers for soup and fruit, plastic cutlery, napkins, any plastic food containers with lids such as cottage cheese, yogurt, butter, etc.
• Linens – dish towels and cloths, sturdy full size aprons, tablecloths (vinyl easily cleaned), cloth or paper napkins.
• Dishes and silverware – currently they have no stainless cutlery of any kind or plates, coffee cups, bowls, etc.

We’re looking at ways to use carryout containers that can be reused and not end up in the landfill, please let us know your ideas.  The tribe does provide the plastic cutlery but if they run out Julia has to buy it locally.  Cloth bags could be used to deliver the food instead of paper or plastic but we would need to make those. Again, we need your ideas.

Julia really wants to get the building fixed up to look more inviting and welcoming so the elders can sit down and enjoy their lunch and stay around to socialize with friends and maybe play games or read.  One of our SFK members, Laurie A., is going out to the Martin youth center in May to set up a library/game center for the kids.  She would love to set up the same for the elder center, Julia said it would certainly be a welcome addition for the elders.  They need chairs (Laurie’s bringing some with her) for dining and additional seating and could use a couple of sewing machines for the ladies to use.  We look forward to receiving a full report on Laurie’s visit to the Rez and hopefully lots of pictures too.

The elder honoring party for women over 70 will take place this Sunday on Mother’s Day.  Male elders will have their turn to be honored on Father’s Day in June.  We had an overwhelming response to Jerome’s request for help with food for this party, a big heartfelt thanks to everyone contributing.  It’s a little late to be asking for gifts for the party on Sunday but their needs are ongoing and Jerome can deliver them any time.   He suggested Polident, Polygrip, denture containers, towel/washcloth, nail clippers, toiletry items, coffee and tea.  Not sure we would want to be honored with Polident but it is something they need and most can’t afford to buy it.  The same gift list is good for elder men too, please send your donations here.

If you would like to help the elders in Wanblee please join us as we try to make their center a little more comfortable and inviting for them.   Please share your ideas for the center and thanks for all you do.

Here is a very good article about the food situation on Pine Ridge,

 

 

 

 

 

 

May/June Project, “Bags and Bedding”

It’s time to begin a new project but those of you still in the sewing dresses and shorts mode….carry on……the kids still need your beautiful clothing.  Classes at Marty Indian School end on May 19 but they will remain open and accepting donations until the end of June when summer school ends.  Donations for the shelter and youth center in Martin and the Wanblee area can be mailed anytime.

May/June  Bags and Bedding

1. Bags – Totes, Backpacks/school bags, pencil cases, toiletry bags, duffels, diaper bags, messenger bags and purses.  Make totes ahead to be filled later with school supplies, Christmas gifts, toiletries, etc..
2. Blankets/afghans/quilts/receiving blankets – all sizes baby through full/queen size.
3. Sheets – crib through queen size
4. Pillowcases/pillows
5. Bath towels and wash cloths.  Washcloths are a good project for our knitters and crocheters, sewers can make them from old towels or terrycloth.

Bags are needed in all three donation areas and are used to carry everything from school supplies to diapers. You can work ahead on backpacks/messenger bags and pencil cases, they won’t be needed until school starts in August, our project for June/July is “Back to School”.  Add small items like rulers, erasers, etc. to your pencil cases.

Rape victims have to surrender all their clothing at the medical exam and are given new clothing, undergarments, shoes and toiletries.  Shelter director, Kimmie Clausen, says they like drawstring bags the size of a pillowcase to put these items in and a small drawstring or zippered bag for the toiletries.  The filled bags are then taken to the Four Directions Clinic in Kyle and given to women after their exams,  Kimmie says they’re so grateful to get them.  Toiletry bags are also given out to kids in need using the youth center in Martin, students at Marty Indian School and to residents at the shelter.  Don’t forget to include any hotel sized toiletries you might have in your next donation box, they’re always welcomed.

Medium sized totes or diaper bags are great for the Bright Start program and for moms coming to the CDC toward the end of the month in need of formula and/or diapers for their babies.   Clothing, toiletries, sanitary pads, etc. may also be given out at that time if they have them.  Families leaving the shelter need laundry/duffel sized bags to hold their clothing and other items they received while at the shelter.  Since most come with nothing but the clothes on their backs, Kimmie gives each member of the family clothing, toiletries, etc.

Shopping bags/totes can be used in all areas as they can put just about anything in them including groceries, the Rez would love to get rid of plastic bags but need a replacement for them.  Holiday themed bags are great for Christmas gifts and teens love toiletry bags, makeup bags, purses, etc.  Drawstring bags are great for keeping kids toys together like blocks, puzzles, etc.

Blankets are needed everywhere by everyone on the Rez.  A blanket is given to each child coming to the shelter and also to women needing one when leaving.  We added blankets to our project schedule early so you would have plenty of time to knit, crochet or sew before they’re needed next winter.  They make wonderful Christmas gifts and people are always so grateful to receive a beautiful afghan or quilt.  Sheet sets are always in demand in sizes twin, double/full and queen.  The shelter can use crib sheets as well.   If your set doesn’t have pillowcases they’re a quick and easy DIY project.  We sent many pillowcases to Wanblee this spring so they have enough for now, but they’re still needed at the shelter and Marty Indian School.  Clients leaving the shelter are given their pillow/pillowcase so they constantly need replacing.

Towels/washcloths are always near the top on the list of needs for the Rez.  Towels are something many families don’t have or if they do, not very many.  In addition to needing one to take a bath, kids use them for swim class and their school athletic programs.  Clients sneak towels out of the shelter so Kimmie has to constantly replace them, but her budget is extremely tight and she doesn’t always have the extra money to buy them.  Baby towels with hoods are needed as well.  Gently used towels, sheets and blankets are certainly welcome in all areas.

Most of these needs can be found at summer garage sales, thrift stores or your own closet.  Ask family members, church members and neighbors for donations, with shipping costs constantly on the rise we have to find bargains where we can and free is even better.  Addresses for donation areas can be found here.  We’ll soon be sharing pictures of the beautiful summer clothing our members have made or bought over the last two months.

We thank you for your continued support and generosity to the people of Pine Ridge and Marty Indian School.

 

 

 

Updates for Martin Programs

It won’t be long until the school year comes to an end and kids begin their much anticipated summer vacation.  Some kids will be attending summer school, others will be going to camps paid for by non-profits that work on the Rez, and still others will be going to the youth center if they have transportation.  An advantage of attending some of these activities is the meals kids will receive which helps parents already struggling to feed their families.  Kimmie Clausen, Director of the CDC, women’s shelter, and youth center says she is now applying for the hot lunch program because of the generosity of SFK and the Ravelry group that donated funds to purchase a new cook stove for the center.  We began a monthly donation program in January and plan to allot some of the money collected to help purchase milk, eggs and other perishables for the youth center to help with their feeding program.  If you would like to join us by giving either a monthly or one time donation you can do so here.  Kimmie shops once a month at the food bank for both the shelter and the youth center but if attendance is high sometimes that food doesn’t last the entire month and the staff has been chipping in to help out although their salary is only $10 per hour.

Kimmie has hired a male director for the youth center and is still looking for a female director.  The new hire allows extended hours at the center 4-10 p.m. weekdays and 1-10 p.m. on weekends with longer hours expected after school’s out.  Hours had been cut over the past few months due to staff shortages but now kids are coming to the center in droves with the new hours.  They love to see kids using the center as they can provide a structured environment and supervised activities which helps keep kids busy and less likely to get in trouble.  Kids won’t just be surfing the internet or watching TV,  the South Dakota State University Extension program (Land Grant University) in Brookings.  is coming to help them set up raised garden beds and teach them how to maintain them.  Produce from these gardens will help feed the kids at the center as well as the shelter.  Many of the kids don’t especially like veggies as they haven’t had a lot of exposure to them at home so changing their eating habits is one of the goals of this project.  When we first started helping in Wanblee kids wouldn’t eat veggies either, but when they started serving fruit and veggie cups at all the parties there was quick acceptance and now fresh fruit is given in their goody bags at Christmas.  We anticipate the same acceptance with the Martin youth  and kids are more likely to try new foods if they grow or cook it themselves.  They’re planning to hold cooking classes very soon so aprons will be needed.  (hint)

The SDSU Extension program will also focus on teaching kids about how to keep their bodies healthy through proper eating and exercise and have already provided free passes to the local pool.  Swim suits are needed in sizes 0-12 for the shelter and up to age 18 for the youth center.  A special thanks to Angie B. and Sue S. for being the first generous members to send swim suits.   Some kids  are also getting exercise through tribal dancing which helps keep them in shape and gets them ready to perform at the Pow Wow’s held across the Rez in summer.  Kimmie has purchased a water cooler so kids can drink water instead of juice which isn’t good for any of us but especially a poor choice for those who have a genetic predisposition to diabetes.  The kids would love to go fishing and need rods and other gear so if you have any extra to donate they would be thrilled!

SFK member and librarian, Laurie A, is visiting Martin in a few weeks  to set up a corner library at the shelter.  In addition to books the library will have games and other activities so they could use donations of craft supplies, crayons, coloring books, puzzles, etc.  Carol B. will be purchasing bookcases for the new library.

Another SFK member, Janet S, is heading to the Rez in August to volunteer with Re-member to help repair homes.  She’ll be stopping by Martin on her way and deliver sewing machines and other donations to Kimmie for the youth center.  Kimmie said the girls have nearly finished sewing their dresses for the “coming of age” ceremony Isnati Awicalowanpi.  We’re thinking about sending sewing projects for the kids in kit form so they have everything they need to complete the project.

Kimmie is still working on acquiring some of the funds that had been allotted for a new shelter in Kyle (now postponed) to use for finishing the upstairs rooms, make repairs to the shelter, fence the property, and install a playground for the kids.  She’s currently behind schedule in receiving grant money from the justice department and is nearly $60,000 in debt, not good when you’re trying to operate a shelter and pay salaries but she’s hoping to receive a payment soon.  Kimmie is interested in working with the new emergency foster care center in Oglala that opened in February.  Barbara Dull Knife has donated 5 acres for a new facility to be built when funding becomes available.  She’s  also been working with Child Protective services, (LOWO) Public Health, medical personnel, and the tribe to set up a response team for people in crisis.

The shelter staff really isn’t equipped to deal with some of the tougher cases they get such as women addicted to meth or those severely abused.  They do the best they can but clients would be much served if they could go to appropriate facilities.  She is sending her staff for training in dealing with people addicted to meth as a few clients have come in under the influence and need to be isolated while they come off the drug.  If women are sent for treatment at another facility they need a safe place for their children to stay and if relatives can’t care for them the new foster care center in Oglala may be able to help.  The shelter readily accepts woman with their children but they don’t have the staff to care for children alone, child care is the mother’s responsibility at the shelter.  There are a few communities trying to set up safe houses for kids in danger and although the tribe may donate the house, they still need funds for operating expenses which is usually a huge stumbling block for any new facility on the Rez.

Kimmie is also director for the Community Development Corporation (CDC) in Martin which has received rural grants to repair the homes of 7 elders.  We really wonder when or if Kimmie sleeps as she’s the grant writer for all these projects.

Kimmie, along with other community groups, will be hosting a  human trafficking workshop, a community walk to commemorate missing women, assumed murdered, and holding a community event on domestic abuse.  There were 1500 cases of child abuse, neglect and domestic abuse in 2016, mostly the result of drug and alcohol abuse and living in crippling poverty.  The recent shut down of 4 liquor stores over the border in Whiteclay, Nebraska is hopefully a step in the right direction although there is a lot of work to be done getting people into treatment programs and providing education and job opportunities for residents.

Bright Start  has a new nurse so Kimmie will be going to Rapid City to meet with her and discuss the community’s needs regarding the program.  In exchange for Bright Start nurses providing educational programs to the Martin community about SIDS, parenting, vaccines, child care and development, etc. Kimmie gives them baby bags to give out while making their monthly home visits to new mothers.  These bags are made possible by donations that come, almost exclusively, from SFK and the Ravelry group “For the Children of Pine Ridge Reservation”.

In other baby related news, SFK has been looking at the Baby Box program, first made popular in Finland and now spreading across the US, as a way to provide a safe sleeping alternative for babies and hopefully lower the rate of SIDS on the Rez.  The boxes come with a mattress and other items at no cost to the mother if she participates in an educational program.  Kimmie was provided with the information  and will be discussing it when she meets with the Bright Start nurse.  A special thanks to SFK member Diane G. for sewing several layettes for new babies.

We’ve been busy working on our summer clothing project and Kimmie reports receiving many requests from girls that received a dress from our group last year if they could please have another.  She said the girls were seen around town wearing them all summer long.  If you like to sew please join our members in making dresses for these lovely girls.   Many of the kids in the 5-12 age group coming to the shelter arrive dirty and are always wearing the same clothes so Kimmie has been giving them a bag with clothing and toiletries, most of the older kids have learned grooming skills and are usually clean and presentable.  Your donations don’t remain very long at the shelter because the needs of the community are so high.  They will soon be doing an inventory with help from community women on the TANF program and Kimmie plans to give them a bag of clothing and other items for their families.  She has an extra washing machine to put in the youth center but it will need to be monitored to make sure it’s only used by those that need it most.  Please send pictures of your donations and we’ll share them with everyone at the end of the month.  All donations for the Martin area should be sent here, scroll down to the Sacred Shawl address.

Thank you, as always, from Sew For Kids.  Please remember, each small donation, each act of kindness makes a big difference to someone in need.

We’re posting a map (click to enlarge) of Pine Ridge so you can see locations of the areas we’re helping, look for Wanblee and Martin.  The Bright Start program covers the entire Rez.  Map can be found here.

 

 

Good News For Some Rez Dogs

I  recently received  an email from one of our members who had called Jerome High Horse in Wanblee, about buying him parts for the saws that he uses to cut wood for families. On the call he mentioned that he needed some dog food and “Could anyone help?”

While dogs are not part of our Sew For Kids projects, many on our sites are animal lovers. Dog food was needed, after Jerome’s daughter  went to the dump to drop off some items and found 4 young, helpless and crying pups. Why they were there I am not sure,  maybe someone needed to dispose of them for lack of resources or maybe their mom left them there while out looking for food.

His daughter brought them home and asked her dad if he could feed them and care for them until they could find them a good home or find an organization that would find them a good home. Jerome only knew of an organization that came thru in the spring. He built a little enclosure to keep them in and bought some food as they were hungry. When I later called him, he said they were very young and needed some milk as well.

When I heard about the need, not yet having talked to Jerome, I contacted the organization  Lightshine Canine based out of Colorado and working alongside people on Pine Ridge Reservation, and other Reservations in SD, rescuing dogs in need. There are many stray dogs on the Rez, that need homes and many have been killed in the past by tribal round ups. People on the Rez asked the tribe to stop this inhumane practice. Last year this organization alone picked up 2800 stray or needy dogs.

In the past , I had a chance to talk with KC Willis, the Director of the organization,  and knew about their good work so thru messaging, asked her if she could help with this situation. Feeding 4 extra dogs was not something Jerome could afford to do long term.  She responded immediately to my message and promised to call Jerome. Within a matter of an hour, the Rez contact person picked up the dogs so they could be seen by a vet, vaccinated, later spayed and then given to organizations that would find them a loving home. The person who arrived to pick up the dogs, turned out to be a person whom Jerome High Horse had worked with in one of his old jobs. KC gave Jerome a phone number so that he could contact the organization if someone brought them a dog in need of help in the future. Jerome has kept many dogs in the past but is so glad now to have an organization that can help him if this occurs again. There are so many people needs to address, and that is his first priority.

Please check out this organization and see what they do. Consider making a donation to help them with their work.  I did. It costs money to feed and transport the animals as well as to pay their vet bills. Having visited the Rez, and having seen the animals, I know that this is a good cause  It is heartbreaking to see sickly animals, struggling  to survive in such adverse conditions.

Thank you KC and the workers of Light Shine Canine for helping the dogs. Your organization has made a difference to their lives and provided them a better future.

What’s New in Wanblee?

Last minute preparations are in process for the upcoming Easter party in Wanblee this Saturday.  Local volunteers and people from several other groups have been busy working together to make sure children and their families have a wonderful day.  Sew For Kids and Ravelry members have sewn lots of colorful pillowcases to go with the 100 plus new pillows that were sent for prizes.  Kids absolutely love pillows and they’re one of the most requested items from our donation areas.  Many others sent stuffed animals with the winning prize of that effort going to Ruth G. who shipped a 25 pound box!  Other prize donations from the Yahoo group Pine Ridge Elders and many others included several kinds of balls for sports, candy and cash to purchase food.  They’re hoping to hold the party inside the new partially completed community center with the egg hunt being held outside if the weather cooperates.  They will be serving hot dogs with all the fixings, chips, fruit/veggie cups and water to drink, any leftovers will be sent home with families in need.  A very special thanks to everyone that helped make this party a reality for the children and their families!   Here are last year’s photos.

The Wanblee voters have elected Jerome High Horse as their new Community Chairman.  They couldn’t have made a better choice, Jerome and his wife Theresa have both dedicated themselves to improving the lives of the residents in Wanblee and the outlying areas since returning to the reservation several years ago.  We wish him great success and offer our support in all his endeavors.

Jerome says inside work on the community center is moving along, although slower than he’d like due to inclement weather and waiting for water and sewer connections.  They do have electricity in the building which means they can now use the new refrigerator and freezers they recently purchased.  They’re expecting volunteers from a few different groups to come and help complete the interior of the building and are hoping to be finished by late spring or early summer.  Youthworks will once again return for service projects this summer and Jerome is planning to house them in the new building which will be much better accommodations than on the floor at Crazy Horse school where they usually stay.  Bob and Mary Epps, co-founders of Families Working Together , good friends of Jerome and Theresa and financers of the community building exterior, are moving from their home in Wisconsin to Wanblee and will have a temporary apartment at the end of the new building until a permanent home can be built.  Bob and Mary met Jerome and Theresa while working at Re-member and have since worked on many construction projects together so they make a good team.  Mary is a nurse and plans to do some educational classes at the center.

Recently a gentleman from Colorado brought a truckload of salvaged food for the community and is delivering another load this weekend. People were so happy to receive the food and the need was so great   that it was all given out within a few days of arrival.  Jerome and Theresa are hoping to set up a food pantry in the new building so they can help combat the hunger problem in the community.  They will be making a trip to Manderson next week to pick up food boxes from Running Strong and Lakota Friends Circle (our mother organization)will provide funds for gas so two cars can be used to pick up food and make deliveries to families without transportation.

Theresa knows our main focus is children but asked if we could please get the word out about the needs of their local elderly meal center.  They have 82 elders in the communities in and around Wanblee who are entitled to a free lunch.  Jerome and Theresa do get monthly food boxes for them from the food bank, but the elders need to get a good meal at the center on weekdays as most experience food shortages at home.  Elders in many households are taking care of their grandchildren and this lunch may be their only meal of the day as they tend to save what food they have for the children.  Many have no income to speak of and live on commodities which don’t last through the month but they are grateful to receive anything.  Food for the lunch is provided by the tribe but frankly, it isn’t very good, it could   be supplemented with food from the pantry once established in the new center.  Jerome can purchase food from the food bank in Rapid City for 18 cents a pound so is a good way to stock the shelves for any food needs that come in.  Once the community center is operational they plan to serve a daily evening meal for kids or anyone that’s hungry.  We’re crossing our fingers that the new administration will continue school and elder feeding programs but honestly, we’re worried about the future of food for our kids and elders in need.

The elder center currently has 2 tables and 6 chairs for seating but they would like to acquire more and make the space more inviting for elders wanting to visit over lunch.  Keeping elders engaged in social activities is good for their mental and physical health and a good way to check on them to make sure there are no serious problems.

Elder Center Needs 

• Plastic cutlery and storage containers for food deliveries
• Condiments, S&P, yeast, baking powder, sugar, sugar substitute.
• Coffee and tea.
• Garbage bags, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, food storage bags.
• Cleaning supplies and dish soap.
• Kitchen pots and pans and cooking utensils.
• Cloth or paper napkins, cups and plates, eating utensils.
• Kitchen towels, aprons, dish cloths and scrubbers.

The center has a few pots and pans but they’ve worn out over the years and need replacing.  For these or any of the other heavier items you can make a cash donation to Lakota Friends Circle and they can make one large purchase and receive free shipping.  All donations are tax deductible and you will receive a receipt from LFC.  Please send your donated goods to this address.

We would like to send out “Get Well Soon” wishes to Jerome High Horse who recently had shoulder surgery.  His doctors have told him to take it easy for a while but we suspect he won’t as there is so much work that needs to be done.  Hopefully he won’t pick up a hammer or saw right away and instead settle for directing his volunteers until he’s well.

Thanks as always from Sew For Kids!

 

 

Sacred Shawl and Youth Center Updates – Martin SD

The shelter has received funds from one of the many grants Kimmie Clausen, the Director,  has applied for and she hired additional staff bringing the total number of employees up to 7 which means shorter hours and less work for everyone.  They’ve been busy at the shelter (unfortunately) but are pleased they can provide a safe haven for women in crises, the Martin community is busy putting together a team of responders- nurses, MD’S, mental health professionals, and social workers to help people in need.  They recently set up a sweat lodge, or Inipi in Lakota, which means “to live again”, at the shelter and will be held every Thursday night for women who are current or past residents of the shelter.  This ceremony purifies and heals the body, helps the participant gain strength and power, and is a spiritual rebirth.  Kimmie would like to start a women’s support group for past clients of the shelter so they can develop a network of women that help each other with their day to day struggles.  They’ve also been doing a weekly program on KILI radio speaking about various topics that are relevant to the community.

Kimmie was disappointed that she ran out of money before work could be completed on the two rooms above the garage, she really needs the space but will now have to apply for more grants before work can resume.  She also needs to update some furnishings and flooring in the shelter as after a year of serving clients things are starting to show quite a bit of wear and tear.   The carpeting needs to be replaced with tile which would be easier to maintain, two windows are beyond repair and will need replacing, new mattresses are needed in some of the rooms despite being covered and some of the furniture is looking pretty worn.  Outdoors they need more gravel on the road leading to the shelter as it gets very muddy when it rains and they need to fence the property to help protect and contain the children.  Parents do accompany their children outside but there’s always a risk they can be grabbed by a non-custodial parent or relative.

The shelter recently learned the Four Directions clinic in Kyle, (they perform screening after a rape) has had funds amounting to $875,000 for the last 4 years that was intended to be used for a domestic abuse shelter.  Kimmie spoke to the clinic and the tribe about allowing her to use some of the money to operate the current shelter since the fund isn’t large enough to build and operate a new one.  She has asked tribal officials for their help and any amount they received could help with maintenance and upgrades they currently can’t afford.  There is funding to operate the shelter for two more years, (only bare bones necessities), that is assuming the new federal administration doesn’t cut funding as has been rumored.

Kimmie is very appreciative of everything coming in, sometimes daily, and wants to thank all of you for your continuing generosity and support.  She said bags are needed (pillowcase size) for the Four Directions Clinic  that are filled with women’s items and given to those that surrender their clothing for a rape investigation.  Also needed are diaper bags for Bright Start , emergency bags for women coming at the end of the month for formula and diapers, and bags to hold clients belongings when leaving the shelter.   We will have a Bag Project coming up in May/June to fill some of these needs, more information coming in the May blog.

The My Space Youth center hasn’t been open as much as Kimmie would have liked this winter because of staffing issues.  She prefers to have the kids at the center as some get into trouble when home alone, she has come in personally on many of the snow days for just this reason.  Thankfully she just received a $25,000 grant for two JR/SR college students (male and female) to be there when the center is open.  Kimmie wanted the staff to be old enough to be responsible but young enough to relate to the kids.  They will be doing crafts, playing games, helping with reading and homework, making snacks and supervising the computer.  The SD extension office is going to work with the center to build raised garden beds this summer and the kids are hoping to visit some of the sacred Lakota sites such as Bear Butte, Wind Cave and the Black Hills.

Youth in the community, ages 10-16, have been meeting with elders and other adults on weekends for the past few months to learn about caring and respecting their bodies physically, emotionally and spiritually.  They are learning to refrain from drug and alcohol use, about reproduction and forming healthy relationships.  Elders have been teaching the youth about Lakota culture and how some of the old ways still fit into today’s society.

Girls learned how to make beef jerky, gather turnips, sweet grass and sage.  They are making their own moccasins and beaded medicine bags which they’ll wear hidden in their bras.  Girls who’ve had their first menstrual cycle are making a ceremonial dress from gingham for Isnati Awicalowanpi   or their coming of age ceremony.  They will go into isolation for 4 days where women (mothers and female elders) will wait on them, feed them, teach them Lakota culture and give them their spiritual name.  Their name is given to them by an elder who has worked with them over the past 4 months.

Boys also learn Lakota culture from male elders, learn traditional crafts and make a Vision Quest  after which they will be given their spiritual name.  Both boys and girls will also participate in the sweat lodge or Inipi ceremony.

These spiritual coming of age ceremonies are an important part of traditional Lakota Culture and can be a life changing experience for any youth but especially for those at risk.  These ceremonies were made possible by a grant Kimmie received which covered all costs including something for the elders.

SFK members are busy working on kid’s summer clothing for the shelter, youth center, Wanblee and the Marty School students.   Please continue working on your clothing projects through April.  You can view the spreadsheet here to see our progress and what is still needed.

We can’t thank you enough for sharing your time, talents and treasures with the children of Pine Ridge and Marty Indian School.  We are so grateful to each and every one of you!

March/April Summer Clothing Project

 

Spring is just around the corner and kids will soon be out shooting baskets and hitting the playground. They’re probably getting pretty restless by now as many have been shut in all winter because they lack proper clothing to brave the elements.  Kids are starting to look forward to the end of the school year and the beginning of their summer vacation.  So to help them start their vacation off on the right foot, our project for the next two months will be sewing or buying summer clothing.  Any clothing left from last year is either worn out or has been outgrown and passed down to younger siblings.  If this project doesn’t appeal to you, please choose another from our list of projects here.  Some of our members work ahead on Christmas gifts and quilts or other projects that are time consuming.  You can always send basics such as socks, underwear, shoes, diapers, toiletries, etc., these needs are ongoing.

Children’s Summer Clothing – Kids 3T to 16/18 and Babies 0 to 24 months

• Shorts, capris, lightweight pants, leggings.
• Shirts, t shirts, tank tops
• Dresses and skirts
• Bathing suits, both genders.  Wanblee has a pool kids can use at the school.  
• Sun hats, baseball caps
• Shoes – sandals, flip-flops, canvas or other summer shoes.  New or gently used.
• Sunscreen

 

 

Women’s Shelter Needs – Sizes S to XXL or 5/6 to 18/20 up

• Shorts, capris, pants/jeans
• Shirts, t shirts
• Shoes including sandals and flip-flops, all sizes up to 11
• Underwear sizes 6 to 9 mostly needed, larger ones ok too, new only.
• Bras – sports type M/XL and regular bras, most requested size 36C as can use  for 36 and 38 size woman if need be.  Gently used are welcomed and women love those with a little lace.

 

Some of our members are wonderful seamstresses and love sewing skirts and dresses for the girls.  They have been very well received in the past especially by pre-teens. Kimmie, shelter director, loves to see the girls in their dresses around town and will even wash and iron them when needed so they look nice. Theresa High Horse says she sees the girls wearing their dresses at Pow Wow’s during the summer.  Mothers are always commenting how beautiful and professional looking the dresses are and wishing they could sew that well.

Girls love to dress up for special occasions like church, parties, Sun Dance’s, Pow Wow’s and just because dresses make them feel pretty.  All kids love shorts to play in and they help keep them cool in the hot, dry summers on the Rez.  Summer pajamas can be made or purchased but most of the kids sleep in their underwear or street clothes.  If you have any to send please ship to the shelter in Martin.

Garage sales will soon be starting and they’re a wonderful place to “shop”.  Don’t be shy about sharing with others the work you’re doing with SFK, we’ve had many of our members getting a better deal and/or offers of free items at the end of the sale, some of our members have even gotten donations from big box stores.  Please share pictures of your projects with us, we just love to ooh and aah!  We learn so much from each other’s projects and sometimes they’re just the inspiration we need to get our machines going.

Summer clothing for kids is needed at all of our assistance areas – the shelter and youth center in Martin, Marty Indian School, and the community of Wanblee, shipping addresses are here.  Please remember underwear must be new but other items can be gently used as long as they meet our guidelines.  Please let us know the quantity and sizes you’re sending so we can cover as many different ages as possible.

As always Thanks from Sew For Kids.