Friends of the Children - He Sapa

06/13/2026

🙌🏾 So thankful to be a partner of Black Hills Reads and a champion of literacy for children in our community!

Over the spring, we opened applications for our 2026 Innovation Grant Awards.

Today, we’re excited to announce the recipients! Each organization listed here is using unique and innovative ways to expand young children’s access to books and literary resources throughout the Black Hills.

Thank you for your commitment to children’s education. We can’t wait to see your programs at work!

06/04/2026

📚✨ Week One of Literacy Program is in the books! ✨📚

This week, our youth kicked off Friends of the Children's first-ever Summer Literacy Program, made possible through the generous support of a Rotary International Grant.

At Friends of the Children–He Sapa, we believe literacy is more than learning to read,it is an act of empowerment, self-determination, and decolonization. When our children see themselves reflected in stories, hear their cultures honored, and learn in environments that celebrate who they are, literacy becomes a pathway to reclaiming voice, identity, and possibility.

Throughout the week, our youth engaged in reading, writing, observation, storytelling, and hands-on discovery in a culturally responsive learning environment designed to nurture curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning. We are intentionally creating spaces where our children can strengthen academic skills while remaining deeply connected to their culture, community, and sense of belonging.

This program is part of our larger commitment to ensuring that our youth do not simply graduate high school or earn a GED—we want them to become exemplary scholars, leaders, and lifelong learners.

Pilamayaye to Rotary International for investing in our young people and helping us build a stronger future for the next generation.

As we continue this work, we invite our community to stand alongside us. Programs like this are only possible because of the generosity of people who believe in our youth and in the power of education to transform lives. If you would like to support literacy, cultural connection, and long-term outcomes for Native youth and working families in our community, please consider making a gift today through our website at www.friendshesapa.org

Together, we are not simply supporting children, we are investing in the next generation of leaders, scholars, parents, and nation builders.

Stay tuned for more updates throughout the summer as we continue this important work together!

05/29/2026

📚✨ BIG NEWS FROM FRIENDS OF THE CHILDREN–HE SAPA ✨📚

This summer, we are proud to launch our FIRST-EVER Summer Literacy Program for our youth!

Made possible through support from a Rotary Global Grant, this new initiative reflects a core belief at Friends of the Children–He Sapa: literacy is more than reading, it is opportunity, empowerment, and a pathway toward self-determination.

We often say that our goal is not simply to help our youth reach high school graduation or earn a GED. We want our youth to become exemplary scholars, lifelong learners, and leaders who can shape their own futures. This Summer Literacy Program is tangible evidence of that commitment.

Grounded in culturally responsive teaching and strong mentor relationships, the program will help youth strengthen reading skills, build confidence, and deepen their connection to their identity and community. We believe literacy is a powerful tool for decolonization, helping young people reclaim knowledge, navigate systems, advocate for themselves, and create opportunities for future generations.

This is nation-building work.

When we invest in literacy, we invest in stronger families, stronger communities, and a stronger future.

Stay tuned throughout the summer as we share updates, celebrate youth achievements, and highlight the impact of this exciting new program!

💛 If you believe in this work, we invite you to support it. Programs like this are only possible because of the generosity of our community. Every donation helps us provide transformative opportunities for youth and families across our region.

Together, we are building confident readers, strong leaders, and brighter futures.

To support our mission, visit:

Home Page

05/20/2026

Tomorrow is Native Nonprofit Day, a day to honor and uplift Native-led organizations creating meaningful change in our communities. ❤️🖤💛🤍

At Friends of the Children-He Sapa, we are committed to walking alongside Native youth and supporting rural working families through our Two-Generation (2Gen) approach, creating opportunities for both children and caregivers to thrive together.

Every day, Native nonprofits are strengthening culture, empowering youth, and helping families build brighter futures. This work is only possible because of community support and even small donations can make a powerful impact.

A gift of $5, $10, or $25 helps provide mentorship, family support, cultural connections, transportation assistance, basic needs support, and opportunities that uplift entire families across our rural communities.

Tomorrow, we invite you to stand with Native-led organizations by making a small donation, sharing our mission, or helping spread awareness.

You can support our work by donating through our official website: www.friendshesapa.org

When we invest in Native nonprofits, we invest in our children, our families, our culture, and our future. ✨

05/15/2026

📣 Native Nonprofit Day is coming up 📣

Join us next Thursday, May 21st, 2026, as we celebrate the impact of this Indigenous-led organization in the Black Hills Community!

At Friends of the Children-He Sapa, we believe everyone has the ability to partner with us in our mission to end generational poverty.

💛 Give Treasure
Every dollar makes a difference. In fact, for every $1 invested, our work helps save the community $7 in future costs. Your support today creates stronger futures tomorrow.

🕒 Give Time & Talent
We have upcoming volunteer opportunities and would love to have you involved! Whether you want to donate items, support events, or share your skills, there’s a place for you! Reach out to Tyresha Grey Horse at [email protected] to learn more.

📱 Engage & Share
Like, follow, and subscribe to help us grow our impact:
Instagram:
YouTube: -HeSapa

📬 Stay Connected
Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, stories, and ways to get involved.
Sign up at: www.friendshesapa.org

Together, we can uplift our youth, strengthen our communities, and create lasting change.

05/07/2026

💚🌿 Mental Health Awareness Month at Friends of the Children – He Sapa 🌿💚

As spring approaches, the natural world awakens and so do opportunities for connection, healing, and community. This season, we’re proud to be hosting Regalia Making Sessions with our program youth and caregivers as we prepare for Wacipi (Powwow) season here in the Black Hills.

These sessions are more than just creating regalia, they are spaces where culture, identity, and belonging come together. We are supporting youth and families who want to dance by helping provide basic regalia, so they can feel proud and confident participating in these important community gatherings.

Being a dancer is not only a physically active and meaningful practice, it also supports our focus on Health & Wellbeing. Even more importantly, these gatherings build community and social connections two essential pieces of mental health. When our youth and families feel connected, seen, and supported, their overall wellbeing grows stronger.

We’re honored that our mentors (many of whom are champion dancers and skilled regalia makers) can share their knowledge and walk alongside families in this journey.

Together, we are creating spaces of healing, pride, and connection. 💛

You can support this work by liking, subscribing, and sharing our posts to help us reach more people in our community.

05/01/2026

Time’s running out! Don’t miss your chance to support us on Circle’s list of featured nonprofits. Make your voice count before 6/30/26!

Here’s how:
Step 1: Choose ‘My Target’ in the Target app or ‘Account’ on Target.com
Step 2: Tap ‘Cast votes’
Step 3: Find us & vote

04/27/2026

🌱🌸 Spring is in the Air at Friends of the Children – He Sapa 🌸🌱

With the changing season comes new energy, new growth, and new memories being made with our youth. From outdoor adventures to hands-on learning and moments of connection, spring is a time where our youth continue to blossom right alongside the world around them.

These photos capture just a glimpse of the joy, curiosity, and resilience we see every day. We are grateful to walk alongside our youth as they grow, learn, and discover all that they are capable of.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us. 💛

04/19/2026

🍕⏰ Final 10 Days — We Knead Your Help! ⏰🍕

We’re in the last 10 days of our Little Caesars Fundraiser… and right now, we’ve only sold ONE kit 😅

No worries though, it’s not too late to rise to the occasion! 🍕💛

Every kit sold helps support the youth and families at Friends of the Children – He Sapa, providing mentorship, opportunities, and experiences that create lasting impact.

👉 Order here: https://fundraising.littlecaesars.com/products?support=747707b0-5400-492b-82d9-bf6f60777282&c=5

Let’s come together and turn this around — because when it comes to supporting our youth, every slice counts! 🍕✨

Easy, delicious, and profitable – our products are a hit with groups of all ages!

04/13/2026

Time is running out! Be sure to place your order for our Friends of the Children – He Sapa Little Caesars Fundraiser by April 31st!

Every purchase helps us continue providing long-term, life-changing mentorship and opportunities for our youth and families. It’s an easy (and delicious!) way to give back to your community.

Order here: https://fundraising.littlecaesars.com/products?support=747707b0-5400-492b-82d9-bf6f60777282&c=5

Stock up, share with friends and family, and help us reach our goal! Thank you for your continued support. 💛

Easy, delicious, and profitable – our products are a hit with groups of all ages!