The Cheyenne River Youth Project® has announced that it has received a $25,000 grant for 2016 from the Red Lodge, Montana-based O.P. and W.E. Edwards Foundation. The 27-year-old, not-for-profit, grassroots youth organization will use this much-needed funding to support daily operations at its large East Lincoln Street campus and to continue expanding its culturally sensitive, enduring and engaging youth programs throughout the year to come.
The O.P. and W.E. Edwards Foundation’s General Fund supports organizations that “help provide a bridge to a life of greater opportunity to low-income, at-risk, underserved youth and children.” In particular, the foundation focuses on assistance that is holistic and long-lasting, and that addresses the significant factors that impede success in education and life. According to Amy Hyfield, the O.P. and W.E. Edwards Foundation’s executive director, CRYP was a perfect fit.
“Ever since we were introduced, we have been impressed with the fantastic job they have done in serving the Cheyenne River community,” she said. “Their tireless dedication, innovative and coordinated use of resources, continual advocacy and obvious success in engaging and teaching their young people are what keep us involved.
“Julie Garreau’s leadership and energy are amazing,” she continued, noting that the foundation was particularly impressed with the Winyan Toka Win (Leading Lady) garden, Midnight Basketball, and the RedCan graffiti jam (pictured here).
“We have been working together for four years now, and we’re deeply grateful to the O.P. and W.E. Edwards Foundation for their friendship and support,” said Julie Garreau, CRYP’s executive director. “With their help, we’ve been able to fund critical staff and purchase necessary supplies so we can pursue our vision for comprehensive programming that addresses youth leadership, health and wellness, and arts and culture. We simply couldn’t do what we do without their support.”
Started more than 50 years ago in memory of twin brothers, the O.P. and W.E. Edwards Foundation is a small family foundation operating out of Red Lodge, Montana, with offices located at the base of the Beartooth Mountains. The board, which consists of seven family members of the original benefactors, spans four generations scattered throughout the United States and around the world. The foundation has a General Fund, Arts Fund, Sky and Earth Fund, Environmental Fund, Sound Justice Fund, and W.E.E. Fund.
For more information, visit www.opweedwards.org.
And, to stay up to date on the latest CRYP news and events, follow the youth project on Facebook (/LakotaYouth), Twitter (@LakotaYouth) and Instagram (@waniyetuwowapi).
The Cheyenne River Youth Project, founded in 1988, is a grassroots, not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing the youth of the Cheyenne River reservation with access to a vibrant and secure future through a wide variety of culturally sensitive and enduring programs, projects and facilities that ensure strong, self-sufficient families and communities.