St. Joseph's Indian School

After receiving several packages from SJIS containing sox, plastic shopping bags, you know the stuff, I opened such a package today, which asked for donations to care for the children at the school. Included in the literature was the fantastical number of dollars needed to support one child per year at the SJIS: $116,195! The figure purportedly includes food, shelter, clothing, health care, counseling, and "much more." This breaks down to $397/day per child. Ludicrous. (By the way, check the math; even on its face it's wrong.) I am an affluent parent in the New york City area who has given three children education at elite schools, health care, shelter, clothing, plus fabulous vacations, ski trips, etc., and I guarantee you it did not cost $397 times three, meaning $1,191, per day to raise my children.

An earlier comment from another donor noted that SJIS has more than $100,000,000 in assets. Charity Watch in the past gave SJIS an "F" rating, the lowest possible, for its lack of transparency and huge marketing efforts. The numbers make me think that the directors, officers, and staff must be paid very considerable salaries. I will not give to SJIS again, and I hope someone investigates the real facts about this organization. As you know, SJIS does not report its revenue, expenses, and assets to any agency, including the IRS, because it is part of the Catholic church. I wonder how much of the donations are shared with the church? And are the children forced to become Catholic?

My neighbor Sam Adolfo was a donator to your school. Sadly Sam passed away from cancer. last month. He was a very nice person and will be greatly missed. God love you for what you do. Thank you

I’ve actually been there to the Indian school several times… my uncle worked there in maintenance and my cousin by marriage is a teacher also . I was there for a pow wow and it was fantastic.

Somehow, I got on the mailing list for St. Joseph's Indian School awhile ago. I have never donated and thought their "packets" seemed rather expensive and money better spent elsewhere.
After attending a conference last month and learning more about the history of Indian Schools, I decided to do more homework on St. Joseph's.
I am appalled and disgusted by what I have found. I was going to just send a request to be taken off their mailing list, but it seems as if that will be next to impossible.
Fictitious student letters? Dreamcatchers mad in China? An "F" rating in non-profit rating?
"A school run by non-Indians is raising a fortune off of racial stereotypes." (2010 Leonard Pease, Chairman of Crow Creek Sioux)

I keep getting worthless stuff I don't need and never asked for from St. Joseph School. A cheap plastic bag and a dream catcher. I don't need more unsolicited junk sent thru the mail. I've been receiving junk from them for years and have never responded. Now I'm getting mail in my name sent to my father in laws house! The more "gifts" I receive from a charity the less likely I'll be to donate. You're sending me gloves and socks then asking for money for children's clothing?? It doesn't look like much of a donation actually goes to the children so they'll get nothing from me.

My wife and I were able to go to this years Powwow and tour the campus and I can tell you that we were more than impressed. And that just makes me more app to donate to this great school. Thanks again

I called and spoke to Elizabeth to let her know my mother, a monthly donor, had passed and her automated monthly donations will not be continued on the debit card she used.
Of the many organizations I have contacted in the past few months, I have received condolences and many thank you’s and descriptions of gratitude for the many years of continued monthly gifts from my mother.

Elizabeth gave me nothing. Not a thank you or condolence. I pointed this out to Elizabeth and she giggled and said she was only taking notes.

The organizations that genuinely showed respect to our family and gratitude for my mother’s continued charity through the years, our family has picked up where my mother had left off and have given a larger monetary portion from her estate.

Not with this organization. If they did not care about a long time donor and offer not an ounce of respect to our loss, they will not be gifted to, anymore by our family.

I hope Elizabeth learns empathy when dealing with people.

I received mailing with many gifts today. I appreciate them but will request no gifts in future. SJIS is not rated by Charity Navigator - CN says it is because they are a religious organization. For me that would usually mean a no for any support. However, I have spent time researching them and although I see things I would like changed such as have some women on your Board of Directors, and spend less on mailings and more on program, I do see enough positives to support this non-profit. St. Joe's, please make sure that as much of our donations go to these children as possible!

No organizations are perfect folks. But I believe St. Joe's has their heart in the right place and we should support the students of this small school.

I am at 75 year old retired teacher and I heard about Saint Joseph’s through a friend. I started donating and it is a wonderful wonderful organization. A quite often receive beautiful things the kids have made, dream catchers, ornaments, they also send me the most beautiful cards throughout the year. I want so much to go up to South Dakota and visit them.

I only rate this charity as a "2" vs "1" because I really can't find out how highly they are rated since I can't find them on two of the most respected charity raters; Charity Navigator or Charity Watch. However, like many others, I have been bombarded several times this year with wasteful packages of "stuff". I would very much like to support children in need, but I make it a point not to donate to any group that sends gifts, enticements etc.. What a waste of funds.

I give what I can, when I can, to this worthy organization. I do this to honor the lives of all native people. I donated today especially, in recognition of the Thanksgiving holiday, because my life as an American comes at the high cost of many lives lost among these People.

This group is honest and laudable in its efforts to help Native American children. These kids deserve whatever can be done for them.

I see all these non profit junk mail in my fathers house (he’s 78) and he constantly has to change bank cards bc of fraud and scams claiming to be helping children.
My heart is full seeing St. Joseph’s is NOT one of those abhorred places.
God will bless all those who help children and more prayers for the kiddos growing up in crazy, uncertain times like these.
Thank you for all you do. ❤️

Hi I received a bunch of gift in the mail today, I wanted to donate to the Native American education. But before I send any donation, I want to confirm this is a legitimate organization. I am a retired marketing executive. I understand why organizations use small gifts to get ppl to respond to a cause. After reading lots of comments.. I find the negative comments are mostly from ppl who do not like the constant gift mailing from the SJIS marketing machine.. which is most likely run by a marketing firm contracted to help with the fund raising.. And the response to ppl's negative comments about the gift mailing is always, "if you don't like the method of communication, please let us know and we will use the way that suits you". It appears to me this is not even the SJIS talking, this is a marketing company administrator talking.. I doubt SJIS committee are even aware of the issue that people are complaining about the waste of money in gift mailing. the Charity organization might not have all the man power to do it themself.. it is usually cheaper to hire a marketing firm to do the promotion. and easily cut or increase based on the funding availability. the SJIS might not even supervise what the marketing company is doing (a lot company would reject to let ppl look over the shoulder) the marketing company might just show the result of donation/marketing expense ratio to those hired them. that said.. I would hope those who feel negative about the waste on the gift, shipping and the handling cost (myself included) should communicate with the school board directly about this concern. sometimes the employer of the marketing firm tries to be respectful and let the contracted marketing firm do what they do the best, and just review the result (which is the amount of donation). Instead of punishing the children who need the donation to get better education, I personally will contact school board about the mailing concern. we want to get result, not by cutting off the donation that is necessary to support the native american children. But by inform the school board about our concern. so the board can review the marketing arm or the contracting firm's practice, and put more supervision on their fundraising committee. PS I am using 3 stars as a neutral position and to get the attention from whoever is supervising this social rating system... who knows it is the SJIS staff or the Marketing firm who is hired to do this work??!!!!

Wičaša wižiča wauŋ šni, but I give when I'm able as I sincerely believe the youth are the future of our nation.
May Yahweh hold each of you in His hands as you move forward in life and may the generocity you've been shown always be remembered and passed along to others. I pray this for each of you, Mitakuye Oyas'in.
J. CrazyHawk miye yelo.

As others have said, I am angered by the freqeunt over-stuffed mailings. Sending a letter to be taken off their mailing list did not seem to work, so today I called them directly. It was interesting that the choices offered in the automated phone reception were all about levels of giving, and when I talked to the live receptionist, her first question was, "Are you calling to make a donation?"

I made one memorial contribution and they have harassed me for years. They keep sending me their junk in the mail despite repeated attempts to get off the mailing list. They should devote resources to the children and stop creating more trash, which is certainly not a native American value.

I feel unsure how to assign a rating to this charity, since I think there's much to appreciate about the work they're doing. I've examined their website and read other reviews by contributors, and I feel pretty confident that SJIS is doing valuable work with Native American young people. But I don't approve of their fundraising approach. As others have noted, SJIS sends out a fundraising packet that is overloaded with items that seem to me excessive and inconsistent with respect for nature and for values that go beyond materialism. I've received such a packet not just once but multiple times and finally requested to be removed from their mailing list. I don''t have the means to contribute to many worthy charities I'd like to support. But I also object to this kind of overstuffed mailing with items that are not of use or will end up in the trash before long. I gather that the school operation is successful with their fundraising efforts and must think this kind of appeal works well for them. I suspect at least some people feel obligated to contribute after receiving all these goodies, which include a "reusable" but not washable or recyclable grocery/carrying bag. So maybe that's the school's strategy beyond just making a case for the good work. As someone else noted, their revenue and expense seem out of proportion to the schooling of 200 Native American young people. I know there's need for a lot of staff, infrastructure and materials for such an effort, but I still find the operation somewhat out of proportion to the number served. If I was closer, I would arrange to go there to see the operation and speak to staff in person. I suspect they're very sincere and committed to this work, and that their work has many positive benefits. So I have mixed feelings. As for the fundraising packet they send out, I've seen responses from a SJIS representative that basically talk around this issue without really justifying it and with the same generic promotion for the school's good work. I think they could be equally successful and appear more respectful of nature and tribal values if they stopped this kind of over-the-top mailing. And to be honest, I don't think their response to others giving this kind of feedback is very direct or understanding of the issues we raise. So I hope they'll change their fundraising strategy.

I have donated to St. Joseph's Indian School for many years. I enjoy receiving letters, notes and although not necessary, small gifts like dream chatchers, pens and cards.
I love the birthday card and note they just sent to me with picture of some of the children.
I feel this is a very good and appreciative cause.
Maybe I can visit one day.
Take Care
Karen Caffrey

The Indian nations have been left out for many years in the United States of America in being treated as true Americans.

I have been a supporter of the St. Joseph's Indian School for quite a while in donating what I can and praying. The Natives are the most tortured people. They are the ancestors of the original people of these lands and we owe it to them to protect, respect and support. St. Joseph's does that for the youth, the future of the Natives. I am grateful for this organization that cares for a lost people. Beautiful people that I see when receiving news letters and thanks for the little I do. It makes me smile to see them thriving in a place that cares and develops humans who deserve this and more.

Please stop sending me stuff in the mail. I don't need it. It contributes to global warming and waste.

After it was determined that primary charity was no longer living its mission, needed another one that touched my heart.
I have made small contributions to SJIS over the years and decided to explore them a bit more. What I'm finding are people trying to make a better world for NA children - about 200 each year.
Contributions are sincerely appreciated and make a real difference to the children. The staff ensures you are treated as part of the team and they personally express their gratitude. That means a lot to me.

I don't know how they got my name on their mailing list. But the amount of "free" stuff they send in their packages through the mail must cost a lot to produce. I'm sure it is more than would be covered by the amount I could afford to give. I am in favor of supporting any charity that helps native Americans and their children, but I have my doubts about this one. I hope that by not donating for the past two years they will remove me from their mailings.

I have tried to get my mother off of their mailing list and somehow, every few months she gets back on it. (She has even moved twice since she first got these donation requests) I have even put her on the do not mail list at dmachoice.org and that does nothing even though they are not supposed to mail these things to her.

I think it is disgusting the way they try and raise funds from people that are on limited income. They raised $81,937,575 in unrestricted contributions in 2018. Enough already. Stop trying to get people on limited incomes to donate to your school.

I also have an issue that only 65 cents of every dollar raised is going to the Lakota children that attend this school. Seems very low for a charity.

I donate to help the children of St Joseph's because the white man has screwed the indians over ever since they came to North America. They were made to change language and put on reservations that won't grow weeds let alone decent crops.
My wife was from South Dakota so our heart is there. She is gone now but I do enjoy seeing the kids dance and sing in their native gowns and headdress.
Even though I am from New York state and have tribes here I still think the Indian tribes out west are the most colorful.

For many years I have contributed small sums to St. Joseph's Indian School, wishing that I could afford to give more. I am confident that every penny I've given has been used wisely and carefully to provide a loving home for Native American children whose parents cannot offer them this quality of life. In return for my donations, the School has sent me pictures of healthy, laughing children who are learning about their heritage and who are engaged in work that prepares them for higher education and meaningful futures. I am proud to help the dedicated staff in their work and will continue to support their efforts as long as I am able!

Received a marketing packet in today's mail. Like others have noted below, all this stuff costs money. I understand the concept of having to spend some money to make some money, but by their own admission on their website, St. Joseph's Indian School spends .33 to earn $1.00, or 33% goes towards overhead. WHAT!??!?! The rule of thumb is administrative costs of 10% or below are the charities that are managing their financials properly and using financial gifts on the needy cause they represent. As Catholics, we looked to the Board of Directors on their website and see at least there is Jesuit involvement on the Board, so that is a good thing, but overall, the administrative cost is way to high for this organization to receive our hard earned dollars. As someone else said below, Christmas dream catcher ornaments are made in China and how does this stimulate the economy exactly for the Lakota tribe? At least be selling something made on the reservation!

The amount of negative attention this organization receives raises flags for me. The fact that they were suddenly flooded with positive reviews on May 15th & 16th 2017 raises flags for me. But most of all, an organization with net assets exceeding $177 million, that sends me a thick packet of “items” and then ask for money raises flags for me. While I feel the cause is a noble one, the management of their fundraising program needs to rethink their efforts.

I received 2 packages in the mail one to my late husband and one to my daughter, that has been married for 4 years and has not lived at home for 10 years. The things that were included in the package were very nice-even though they were made in China and not by the children at the school. The return address labels I threw away and who can't use note pads? I will never run out as I have a drawer full from other organizations. I really think you would fair better with a 'gofundme' account and not having to invest in all this mailing material. If someone donates then send them something as a thank you that the children actually make themselves. Please double check who is making your mailing lists. Thank you.

I was sent a package that must have costed $20 filled with marketing material Charity reviews come back very negative regarding this organization. My thoughts would be if you represented the American Indian - you would not send marketing material that would cost a forest to make.

Received a thick packet in the mail yesterday for the first time. Don't know how I got on their list. Way too much unwanted merchandise, so wasteful. Made me suspicious, so I checked GuideStar...no information on the organization, but a link took me here. Lots of negative reviews going back some years, and then, suddenly a whole bunch of positive reviews, all dated in May or June of 2017. Makes me even more suspicious. I will not donate to this organization and hope I can get them to take me off their list.

This is a program that works within the community that it respects and serves. I am very confident that my support is used to actually improve the lives of the children and to provide them the opportunity to succeed, grow and become all that they can be. The smiles on the faces and the stories the children share let me know that they are doing well. My mom was a semi orphan raised in an Irish convent school in the early part of the last century. She would have been so happy to have the love and care that this program provides.

as a person with mixed blood (my mothers people are Iriquois) it is VERY IMPORTANT not to let heritage die. the priests and teachers at the school are for the children and their families. and KEEPING the way of life for all to remember through heritage. i wish we had someone to care about our heritage as eastern indians like the lakota have. keep up the good work. elizabeth

It is an honour and privilege - in a very small way - to be a part of St. Joseph's Indian School these past years. Both in my study and on my refrigerator, are some very lovely drawings that I receive and pictures, especially of graduations, which are placed alongside those of my grandchildren. God bless all at St. Joseph's, the cared-for and the caregivers. Peace and Blessings.

The monies donated to St. Joseph's Indian School give the Native American Children an Education, Food, Clothing and Shelter, in a POSITIVE Environment. These young Lakota (Sioux) young people are taught their heritage, language, respect to their Elders and the Teachers, and they graduate to be wonderful citizens within this Country and within the Reservations. What a wonderful experience to meet such wonderful young people and their teachers and the administrative staff. St. Joseph's Indian School do more for the betterment of these young people, than what the politicians and bureaucrats of Washington, D.C. do for this country.
Skennenkowa (Mohawk Language: May You Have Great Peace)
Rev. Dr. Ronald L. "Chief Grey Eagle" Sims
Ordained Minister of the Gospel of Christ Jesus and Holy Man Chief.

My wife and I carefully choose a charity "of the year " to support based on our interests and the way funds are put to use (majority going to those in need ). After careful research we felt St. Joseph's fit the bill perfectly!

Native Americans, especially children, are a largely ignored group and St. Joseph's provides a wide array of services such as food, clothing, housing, schooling,etc. and has been doing so for many years. We will continue to support their work and encourage others to do so as well.

St. Joseph's Indian School is providing much needed services for the children in their care. I have not visited the school (I live in Florida) but believe in its mission. A friend of mine who is 1/2 American Indian pointed me to this charity. I have been a monthly donor since then.

I have many, many years of expertise working with non-profit entities. Sadly, there are so many, with so little money to go round. Still, those who seek help need it, and where else can they go for it? These children are being given a chance, truly, to learn how to succeed and survive in life. Each donation helps keep them on a path of success. They need the help of teachers, counselors, volunteers, whatever it takes to give them the will, to accept the challenge, with support, every step of the way, until total success is achieved. These are children, the future leaders. If they are up for the rigorous challenges that face them, willing to do whatever it takes to achieve the benefits of all the services, how can we not help? Believe me, they will grow up with a sense of pride that they will carry on throughout their adult lives and will pass it on to others. This is a wonderful legacy to each other in life. I give what I can, for it is not the amount that matters, it is the fact that I do so, knowing the powerful outcome it will make.

Give a child a chance to have every opportunity to have a fair chance in life by contributing to this fine school.

I have supported St. Joseph's Indian School for several years. I am impressed with the way they educate and support the whole child. Although I am unable to visit St. Joseph's I feel comfortable with their philosophy and with the way the place has grown over the years.
I love seeing the photos of the children and hearing about their activities.

I contacted the charity in Sept 2016 to have my name removed from their mailing list, stating they spend way too much money on fundraising (25%) leaving only 58% for their programs. I stated I would like to see them spend less on fundraising and more on the children.

The chaplain responded stating he would remove my name. He also challenged my statistics with a lengthy explanation on how I was inaccurate. Funny thing is I pulled the data right off their annual report posted right on their website. So in effect this guy was arguing with his own statistics and statistics don't lie.

I contacted him again in March 2017 to inquire why I was still receiving mailings. I told him I'm sure the children would rather he put the money towards them rather than unwanted mailings and postage. Never heard back from him and the junk mail--dream catchers, notepads, stickers, calendars, postcards--continues to bombard my mailbox. The chaplain obviously didn't like the fact I was educated on reading financial statements. So in affect he's going to punish me with his passive aggressive nature by not honoring my request to have my name removed. In the end, the children are the ones that lose. So sad.

We received a dreamcatcher and cards in the mail from them...thought it was junk mail. Few weeks later we received a call thanking us for our donation. Called them back to ask what donation they were talking about and they said someone mailed them $35 cash with our name and number. I said I didn't know who would have done that and asked to be removed from their mailing list. Sounds like a scam!

This nonprofit sends my 85 year old father endless amounts of worthless items in their efforts to raise money for funds. All of it tacky and cheap. I have been u successful at preventing this nonprofit from its dubious direct marketing efforts. I would love to see the cars that its management and staff director drive.

Like perhaps most of you I'm a generous non-profit supporter who gets St Joseph's Indian School mailings. Check out the CNN report. It tells the complicated story of this school with happy-looking children, generic student pleas for help, and a $30 million fundraising budget. I've chosen not to donate.

http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/17/us/south-dakota-indian-school-fundraising-investigation/

I have donated many years to this organization. They keep sending me 'junk' that I don't want/need...stickers, note pads, cards, address labels, dream catchers, etc...a lot of money could be saved if they would stop this practice and instead spend it on the children, etc
Until I see a full financial statement disclosed I am stopping my contributions.

Does this Catholic "non-profit" even need donations???? St. Joseph's has over $122 million in assets! Yet it raises over $50 million per year in donations, but spends less than 60% of funds on services. If 60% ($30 million) is actually spent to support the 200 Native American children at the school, each child's annual support is $150,000!!!

St. Joseph's will not report to Give.org. (Better Business Bureau). I give to reputable charities who disclose their donations and expenses to the public at Give.org, Charity Navigator, or similar outside agencies and where over 80% of funds raised go to actual services.

St. Joseph's spends 30% on fundraising, mailing fat packets to potential donors. Do donors really want $15 million per year (30% of $50 million) to support direct mail companies?! The 2015 packet I received contains a Windcatcher (made in China), 3 Christmas cards, an Advent calendar, Christmas gift tags, Christmas stationery seals, 2016 calendar, personalized Certificate of Appreciation, personalized address labels, large notepad and small notepad. Personally, I'd rather see the money spent on books and educational supplies for the children.

Also, even though 50% of the students are NOT Catholic, the administration acknowledges that " we do make our kids go to mass on Sunday." OUTRAGE! How is this different from the indoctrination of the 1920's, forcing Native American children to learn the "white man's religion?"

Hope more people will investigate before giving.
SEE: http://www.give.org/charity-reviews/national/american-indian/st-josephs-indian-school-and-missions-in-chamberlain-sd-675
SEE: http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/17/us/south-dakota-indian-school-fundraising-investigation/
SEE: http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=content.view&cpid=1209

I looked into this charity, saw that there are no ratings from multiple charity rating organizations that I hold in high esteem, so there is no breakdown of their financials (religious organization that doesn't need to disclose this) and how they spend their donations/fund raising. Also found this :

http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/17/us/south-dakota-indian-school-fundraising-investigation/

Make your own decision. Based on all this information, I personally will not donate to them.

I would simply like to ask this question: How much did it cost this organization to send me a donation request that contained ALL of the following items: a pen, notepad, calendar, 3 cellophane-wrapped greeting cards with envelopes, a dream catcher (presumably made in China or Taiwan) with a color-printed legend enclosed, gold embossed self-adhesive personalize address labels, personalized "checks" in specific donation amounts, and a beautifully embossed gold-trimmed certificate of appreciation for my financial support - which I have not yet given???

If that's how this organization spends its public donation money, I'm appalled.

http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/17/us/south-dakota-indian-school-fundraising-investigation/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

Why is there cash on hand increasing so much? It seems the only money they are spending is on their own salaries. The children in the commercials are actors. They are another company who's primary purpose is to make more money and give themselves bigger salaries. I would not send them a dime.

According to the BBB, this organization does not meets its Standards for Charity Accountability.

http://www.bbb.org/charity-reviews/national/american-indian/st-josephs-indian-school-and-missions-in-chamberlain-sd-675/all

I've given to them in the past, and figure they probably help some kids, but according to the its consolidated audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012, the organization spent $30,278,951 or 57% of its total expenses ($53,021,662) on program service activities. So only about 30% of the income actually went to help the program/kids.

I keep checking on the validity of this organization and know that they are a 501c3
http://www.stjo.org/site/PageServer?pagename=about_501c3

.....but since they're 'religious' they don't have to report their administrative costs. http://www.guidestar.org/organizations/46-0235912/st-josephs-indian-school.aspx#recommendations WHY should they be exempt????????

It just sounds suspicious. They are completely outside of some of the best practices for 'savvy donors':
http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=content.view&cpid=419

According to 'The Non-Profit Times', "The average American believes that a charity should spend no more than 23 percent on overhead but that charities actually spend 36.9 cents on the dollar."
http://www.thenonprofittimes.com/news-articles/survey-charities-should-spend-23-on-overhead/

If they don't report anything, how do we know how they use the donations???

I want to check out any charities, before I blindly donate to them. (e.g. Better Business Bureau?)
http://interact.stltoday.com/pr/non-profits/PR111113112115009

It is VITAL to support our Native American population. I just want my donations to go where they are most effective......

This charity rocks!! They deal with poor kids and that's great