Due to the rapidly evolving situation surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, the Cheyenne River Youth Project has announced that it is postponing its annual Passion for Fashion event, originally scheduled for this Saturday, Mar. 21. In addition, the nonprofit youth organization is closing its youth centers and Family Services program through at least next weekend, and it has shifted its Keya Cafe & Coffeeshop operations to takeout only.
“We wish to respect the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal Chairman Harold Frazier’s guidance, as well as the State of South Dakota’s efforts to encourage social distancing through the closure of our public schools and cancellation of large public gatherings,” said Julie Garreau, CRYP’s executive director. “We’ll share more information in the coming days regarding a reopening date for our centers, and a new date for our 2020 Passion for Fashion.”
At CRYP’s Keya Cafe & Coffeeshop, all dine-in restaurant service has been suspended, and the staff is focusing on providing takeout meals. To help protect the community from the spread of Covid-19, staff members have heightened all hygiene protocols, which includes sanitizing surfaces every 15 to 30 minutes.
“All of us at CRYP are continuing to stay educated on the spread of Covid-19, around the world and especially in South Dakota,” Garreau said. We’re committed to caring for our community in the best way we can. We’re grateful to our partners, supporters, and friends who have encouraged us in these decisions. We are hopeful that we will be able to reopen all of our facilities to the public in the near future.”
Garreau advised that CRYP is continuing to welcome the donation of new and gently used dresses, shoes, jewelry and other accessories for Passion for Fashion, in the hopes that the beloved event can be rescheduled. If schools remain closed, however, CRYP will collect all donations for next year’s prom season. Please call the office at (605) 964-8200 if you have questions or wish to learn more about how you can help.
To stay up to date on the latest CRYP news and events, follow the youth project on Facebook (/LakotaYouth), Twitter (@LakotaYouth) and Instagram (@lakotayouth and @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.