White Buffalo Calf Women’s Society, was founded in 1977 on Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota as a non-profit organization and in 1980 became the first women’s shelter on an Indian Reservation in the US. They provide services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking. They can provide safe shelter for up to 36 women and children, they also serve teens ages 11-21 and men who’ve been abused. Men are provided safe shelter at local hotels.
WBCWS also provides counseling, daycare and transportation, advocates to assist with legal, medical, housing and other issues and they maintain a crisis hotline. Support groups are offered for domestic violence for shelter residents and those from the community as well, where there are opportunities to learn traditional crafts such as beadwork and quilt making. They offer opportunities to begin the healing process by teaching clients how to use traditional practices through connections with traditional spiritual leaders and local medicine men.
- 34.1% or 1 in 4 Native American women will be raped in their lifetime:
- 92% of Native American girls who were on a date, were forced to have sex:
- 44% (probably higher) of victims are under the age of 18:
- 47% (probably higher) of rapists are a relative, friend/or acquaintance:
- 1 in 6 males will be Sexually Assaulted in their lifetime:
- Nearly 70% of all Sexual Assaults are never reported to Law Enforcement
WBCWS has an adequate budget for basic operating expenses and programs. SFK would like to help them with other needs such as clothing, toys, blankets for kids, and other needs listed below. Please read the blogs for their latest needs.
- Pillows
- Towels
- Children’s shoes, all sizes
- Diapers, all sizes
- Baby Products – baby bath, lotion, wipes, bottles
- Blankets
- Toiletries – shampoo, conditioner, body wash, sanitary napkins, tampons
- Socks and underwear for women and children
- Bed Sheets – full and twin
- Paper Products – toilet paper, paper towels
- Craft Supplies – fabric for quilt making, beads and thread, sewing machines
- Books – for all ages and G.E.D. study materials
