As the new school year approaches, the Cheyenne River Youth Project is reminding local families about its upcoming School Supplies Distribution on Thursday, Aug. 13. It is also hosting a fresh produce distribution on Monday, Aug. 17 — and it is actively seeking young people who are interested in employment opportunities.
Aug. 13: School Supplies Distribution (Family Services Members)
CRYP’s annual School Supplies Distribution will take place Thursday, Aug. 13, from 1 to 7 p.m. at the Cokata Wiconi (Center of Life) Teen Center. This is a date change; the original distribution was scheduled for Aug. 11, but an important shipment was unexpectedly delayed.
Family Services members should bring their membership card, and children must be present to receive school supplies. Those who are unable to attend are encouraged to contact the CRYP office at (605) 964-8200 to arrange an alternate pickup date.
For an annual membership fee, CRYP’s Family Services program provides access to several seasonal distributions as well as monthly household supplies. To join, visit the CRYP office or fill out an application online at lakotayouth.org/programs/family-services/.
Aug. 17: Free Produce Distribution (Public)
On Monday, Aug. 17, CRYP will host a fresh produce distribution at Cokata Wiconi from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (A previous year’s produce distribution is pictured here.) Made possible with support from Partnership with Native Americans (PWNA) and Pierre, South Dakota-based Rilings Produce, the distribution is free and open to the public.
Each household may receive one produce box per car. For more information, contact CRYP at (605) 964-8200.
Now Hiring: CRYP Youth Employment Initiative
CRYP also is now accepting applications for its Youth Employment Initiative. This paid workforce development program helps local youth and young adults build workplace readiness, leadership skills and professional experience in a supportive environment grounded in traditional Lakota values.
The YEI program is open to youth ages 15 to 20 who have successfully completed one or more teen internships with CRYP. Applicants must complete an interview, pass a background check and drug test, and be available to work primarily after school with some evening and weekend hours as needed.
Participants earn $11.85 per hour, and the application period will remain open until all positions are filled. For questions about the YEI program or the application process, call (605) 964-8200 or send email to info@lakotayouth.org.
To learn more about the Cheyenne River Youth Project and its programs, and for information about making donations and volunteering, call (605) 964-8200 or visit lakotayouth.org. And, to stay up to date on the latest CRYP news and events, follow the youth project on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Vimeo and YouTube.
The Cheyenne River Youth Project, founded in 1988, is a grassroots, nonprofit organization dedicated to providing the youth of the Cheyenne River Sioux 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.