July 1, 2020, changed my life. It is the day I became the Director of the Pine Ridge Reconciliation Center. On July 8th, I arrived on the reservation. As I look back at all the changes that have occurred at the center in the four years I have been here, I am in awe of the people I work with every day. I have gotten to know some incredible people. A lot has changed at the center. When I arrived, in the middle of COVID, we were basically doing nothing. The few Job Corps members we had were cutting grass and maintaining the building. We were not even handing out coffee.

Slowly we were able to get back to the basics of our programs. Coffee and sandwiches were the first thing to return. Followed by bringing snacks and activities to the kids of the Kid’s Time program. Winter came and blankets and hygiene kits joined the flow of diapers out the door in our give away ministry. At the request of the staff, we added hot meals on a weekly basis. And our Energy Matching Program was needed more than ever.

The heart of the center is the Lutheran Lakota Job Corp. Without the Job Corp, no other ministry would happen at the center. They are part of everything. The Job Corp is more than just support staff. They are the people that most clients interact with at the center. When clients come to get assistance, they rarely need to speak with me. They start with and often can complete their request with Job Corp members.

Furthermore, working with the Lutheran Lakota Job Corp provides members with a sense of purpose and belonging. Many who join the Job Corp do so during transitional phases in their lives, whether recovering from job loss, escaping abusive situations, or seeking better opportunities. The support network and the skills they gain here empower them to rebuild their lives with confidence and resilience.

Since 2021, we have been proud partners with Iglutheca in operating the homeless shelter in Pine Ridge. This shelter is currently a vital day hub, offering services to around 70-75 guests daily. At the center, guests can access showers, laundry facilities, case management services to help them progress in their lives, and areas to watch TV and stay warm. During the night, the shelter operates with guests moving to our specially designed tents. We have three military-grade tents equipped with heating to ensure year-round comfort.

The Kid’s Time Ministry only succeeds because of the hard work of our dedicated staff. Each week, Lessanes and her team interact with up to 97 kids each week, providing food, activities, and a safe place to be a kid. Our staff works tirelessly to create an environment where children can feel secure, have fun, and engage in meaningful activities.
In addition to our regular programming, which includes arts and crafts, sports, and educational games, we try to provide a weekly snack pack of kid-friendly food for the weekend. These snack packs are designed to ensure that the children have access to nutritious and enjoyable food even when they are not with us.

Our snack packs include a variety of items such as juice pouches, Rice Krispies treats, soup cups, canned sausage, mac and cheese, granola bars, and other easy-to-prepare snacks. We carefully select these items to make sure they are not only tasty but also provide some nutritional value.

Your help is crucial in sustaining these invaluable services and making a difference in the lives of those in need. Together, we can continue to provide a sanctuary for our community, helping them find warmth, support, and a path to a brighter future.

https://www.pineridgereconciliationcenter.org/donate.html

God love you. And so, do I.