Thursday, January 20, 2011
Besides serving at risk youth through St. Joseph’s Indian School, I also serve on the board of an adolescent program in Eagle Butte, South Dakota and I traveled North for a board meeting today. When I arrived, all the child service staff were meeting with the counselors and reviewing case service plans and addressing the unique needs of each individual in the program so all the staff are on the same page. As the state faces budget cuts and closes other programs, we are called upon to serve greater numbers of Native American youngsters, and are consistently running near capacity in the 16 bed program. We reviewed the auditor’s report and crunched a lot of numbers, but the real story is the human one behind the numbers. Staff tries to provide a place safe from violence, where young people can put their lives back together and build toward the future.
Sometimes it is help with the little things that can improve quality of life in an immediate and real way.
We also got a report from the secondhand store where St. Joseph’s Indian School sends up a trailer load full of clothing and other items on a regular basis. What is needed more than anything else surprisingly, is everyday household items that I just take for granted: pots, pans, plates and bowls, ect. When those items come in they are snapped right up; people ask for them all the time. Another surprise was how fast baby items quickly disappear as well. Baby blankets and clothes are always needed by the families. While the needs of those who are poor can seem great and at times overwhelming, sometimes it is help with the little things that can improve quality of life in an immediate and real way.
St. Joseph’s Indian School has many ways you can help the Native American youngsters here at St. Joseph’s Indian School. Follow the link for more information about how you can help the Lakota (Sioux) children in need.
I was just sitting at my desk and clicked on your blog and saw the need for pots, pans, plates and bowls…God always knows when I need some donation ideas! I’ll be sending some soon! Love to all!
Marianne, we’ll keep our eye open for them!
Thank you so much; God bless!
The “Little Flower”always spoke of the little things, as did Teresea of Avilla..and I thnk it’s trued. But we always set our sights on the BIG things..big home, big cars..even bigger money..and too often forget the tiny people..and all the rest of the little things, all of which are most important.
How long, I wonder, will we continue this mockery of Truth ?
Too long, already.
Prayers..
Mia and Bob
I am always thinking of things to donate, not ever thinking about baby items. I make baby blankets to send to needy children like Haiti and I have plenty made in advance so thanks for the idea. I sure would like to know if anyone would use knitted slippers, can someone e-mail me with a yes or a no. thanks so much. GOD is so good.
Hello Gwen, you are so right! God is good!!
St. Joseph’s Indian School accepts any items that could potentially help the Native American students and/or their families.
I bet your baby blankets and knitted slippers are just beautiful!
Thank you for thinking of us. God bless!
What about school supplies – construction paper, pencils, pens? Does St. Joseph’s collect the Box Tops for Education?
Greetings:
I am a 6th grade Social Studies Teacher at Magnolia Middle School in Joppa Maryland. I have an idea for a Service Learning Project. We have been discussing and learning about Conflict and Cooperation, and I thought it would be a great idea for my students to see and hear about the Political, Economic, and Social Conflicts of your children. Therefore, I am asking all students to please be kind and donate some non-monetary iteams for our fellow Native Brothers and Sisters. We will begin this week, May and end on the 20th. Please look out for our boxes of “gifts” for your children.
PS–My mother and sister donate financially and we appreciate every kind gift and letter that is sent i gratitude.
Yours in Christ
Mr. “T”
Hello Mr. T and all his students!
What an amazing idea you have had for your Service Learning Project! We are so pleased that you thought about us! You sound like a fun and energetic teacher; we bet your students have a blast during Social Studies!
We will undoubtedly keep our eyes peeled for your “gift” to arrive, we can hardly wait! Pilamaya – thank you for everyone here at St. Joseph’s Indian School!