CRYP Also Reminds Area Families that Heat Assistance Is Still Available
Easter is coming a couple of days early on the Cheyenne River reservation in north-central South Dakota. On Friday, April 6, the Cheyenne River Youth Project® in Eagle Butte will cohost an eagerly anticipated Easter Egg Hunt in conjunction with the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe’s Youth Diabetes Prevention Program, the H.V. Johnston Lakota Cultural Center and the local Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) organization.
Other important supporters include CRST Four Bands Healing Center, CRST Alcohol Beverage Commission and the Sioux YMCA.
Scheduled for 12-5 p.m. at the cultural center, the egg hunt will take place in stages. The first group will comprise children under a year through 6 years old, and the second group will incorporate children ages 7-12. Hunters will search for plastic eggs filled with candy on the cultural center grounds, weather permitting; in the event of rain or snow, the hunt will move indoors. The event also will provide real eggs for egg decorating.
When not searching for or decorating Easter eggs, participating children may run in a three-legged race, play games, compete for door prizes and enjoy music and snacks. CRYP will provide a late lunch for all guests at 2 p.m., and a children’s powwow will take place at 3-5 p.m.
“The festivities are open free to the public, and family members of all ages are welcome,” said Julie Garreau, CRYP’s executive director.
In other CRYP news, Garreau also advised that heat assistance is still available for 2012 members of the not-for-profit youth organization’s Family Services program.
“Although we’ve had record-breaking heat in recent weeks, it’s not summer yet,” she said. “We still could have some cold weather on the way, and CRYP has funds remaining to assist families with propane costs.”
Through the Heat Assistance Program, which runs until May 1, families may request up to $100 in matching grants to help cover their heating costs. Applicants must bring cash-only payments to CRYP’s East Lincoln Street offices, where staff will issue a receipt and purchase order; a minimum payment of $25 is required.
CRYP processes the requests and works with the local gas department to ensure that each family receives assistance as soon as possible. The program is possible through a grant from Running Strong for American Indian Youth®.
“We encourage families to come see us if they anticipate needing further assistance this season,” Garreau said. “And if you’re not a member of Family Services, please consider becoming one. A one-time annual payment of $30 covers all family members for the entire year, allowing everyone to participate in our Christmas, school supplies, winter clothing and shoe drives; pick up much-needed household supplies, including baby items, on a regular basis; and receive assistance with heating and with home improvements.”
CRYP created the Family Services Program in 2002 to manage the increasing amounts of donated supplies that the not-for-profit youth project provides to local families year-round. Membership fees support the program infrastructure so Family Services can remain a reliable community resource in the years to come.
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 www.lakotayouth.org. And, to stay up to date on the latest CRYP news and events, visit the youth project’s Facebook “Cause” page. All Cause members will receive regular updates through Facebook.
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.