In January of 2015, I joined Sew for Kids (SFK) after researching volunteer opportunities I could do from my rural home, FYI: SFK is one of the umbrella partners under Lakota Friends Circle (LFC). I was impressed with how LFC vetted sites for SFK members to support. The LFC Board was/is active and communicates well with supporters. The Board is also diligent about channeling monetary and in-kind donations to sites with the greatest needs. I see myself continuing to send in-kind donations to SFK sites and monetarily supporting LFC in the future. I encourage people who are interested in LFC to visit their website: www.lakotafriendscircle.org.
I’ve been a supporter of Lakota Friends Circle (LFC) since its beginning ten years ago as well as being a board member and office holder (Secretary). I feel honored to be working with an organization that focuses on areas of Reservations in South Dakota that are often forgotten about and overlooked when it comes to the distribution of donations and receiving help from nonprofits and other organizations. LFC supports Native American led organizations on reservations that serve domestic abuse survivors, the homeless population, young mothers and their babies and students of two reservation schools.
Donors to LFC can be assured their precious dollars will be used as they intended. We are committed to keep our operating expenses to a bare minimum so no one at LFC receives a salary or any other compensation.
LFC has grown in the past ten years and is now able to serve more areas which means serving more people in need. I look forward to working with and supporting LFC’s programs in the future.
As the Board President of Lakota Friends Circle (LFC), I have watched the organization evolve and grow over the last 10 years.
LFC was started specifically to help the people in Wanblee, South Dakota on Pine Ridge Reservation. Because of the distance, lack of reliable transportation, and money to pay gas they received very little help. Supply trucks that came on the Rez never went to that area. We helped get resources for moms, kids, and elders in the area. As we learned of dire needs in other areas, we expanded our impact to three reservations to include:
women/men in domestic abuse situations
foster children removed from their homes for physical and emotional abuse/neglect
2 schools to get needed resources to children so they could attend school and learn
2 visiting nurse programs that support educational programs for new moms and their offsprings
Over the last 4 years, we added a very successful higher education scholarship program. High School graduates willing to improve themselves are awarded either an academic or trade school scholarship.
LFC's programs are on Pine Ridge, Rosebud, and Yankton- Sioux Reservations in SD. Along the way, organizations/groups have partnered with us and continue to do so. Donors support, both in-kind and monetary, make the programs a reality.
LFC's goal is to provide basic needs to individuals and local organizations as well as promote education and hopefully change the lives of the people for the better.
Money is used wisely and programs are reassessed constantly to make sure we are getting the most bang for our buck. I am proud to represent LFC as well as support it .