Passion for Fashion
Beauty comes from within, and so does passion. The CRYP Passion for Fashion program is about helping girls to discover their own personal style, while working on their self-esteem and individual goals.

Each year, area schools hold their spring formals. This special evening should be a time when young people get to enjoy the brighter side of life, feeling beautiful, happy and joyful. Sadly, many girls lack the confidence to participate. For some, financial barriers stand in the way, unable to purchase the appropriate attire for the event. For others, they second guess their ability to carry off a different look, or to spend the evening socializing with their peers. Passion for Fashion attempts to overcome each of these barriers.

Each year CRYP holds a “dress drive” in March, during which friends from all over the United States send their gently used evening and formal wear, as well as accessories, out to Cheyenne River for our collection. Our lovely ladies benefit from that generosity, as well as an evening of fun, fashion tips, and engagement with positive women role-models from the community. These individuals share their own stories and experiences, in order to help our next generation of women grow up stronger and more self-assured.

Passion for Fashion has been a CRYP program for nearly 8 years, and each year, we are amazed by the wonderful reception this program receives, both on and off the reservation. Thank you to all of our wonderful sponsors who make this evening come true! Check back in April for pictures of this year’s Passion for Fashion event!

If you would like to donate your used formal wear, please contact us for more information.

Watch our 2018 Passion for Fashion video!

 

Explore Cokata Wiconi

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CRYP’s ground-breaking teen internship program, which offers tracks in sustainable agriculture, social enterprise, wellness and the arts, gives young people a chance to learn vital job and life skills—and gain significant hands-on experience—that will serve them well all their lives. Through this program, we are lifting up the next generation of Lakota creators, mentors, culture bearers and leaders. In 2013, we graduated 10 interns. By the end of 2017, that number had risen to nearly 500, and the program is still growing. Learn more about Internships at Cokata Wiconi.

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At CRYP, we believe in holistic wellness—supporting every child’s physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. We prepare them for a successful, vibrant adult life with wellness training that incorporates physical fitness activities, culturally relevant classes and workshops, health education and certifications, and opportunities to develop their skills and self-confidence through peer mentorship and community leadership. Learn more about Wellness at Cokata Wiconi.

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Founded in 1996 as the brainchild of a former long-term volunteer, Midnight Basketball is CRYP’s signature wellness program for teens. It fosters healthy and sober lifestyles, physical fitness, personal responsibility, teamwork and positive self-esteem; it also helps alleviate bullying, because it brings kids from all social circles together for hours of late-night ball, music, refreshments and fun. Learn more about Midnight Basketball.

Passion for Fashion

Not only does this long-running program give our teenage girls a chance to share in the joy and excitement of preparing for the high school prom, it provides a meaningful opportunity to learn from other Lakota women, enjoy intergenerational bonding, and find personal empowerment through positive body image, improved self-confidence, and the knowledge that one person absolutely can do her part to create a stronger community. Learn more about Passion for Fashion.