May Update
We have already hosted 120 volunteers and hundreds more will be joining us in the coming months. We are grateful for every individual that joins us on the Reservation and contributes to the important work we are engaged in.
Our winter heating season has concluded, and we are now transitioning into our construction season as the weather warms and the ground thaws. We were able to deliver over 725 loads of firewood and assisted nearly 180 households with home-heating payments such as electric and propane. While these stats represent an incredible achievement by our staff, they are a sobering reminder of the reality that many are living here on Pine Ridge. Re-Member’s work goes a long way to provide safety and comfort in the harsh winter months.
So far this season we have already delivered over 75 beds to households across the Reservation. Many of these the first bed a child or individual has ever had to call their own. Every bed that Re-Member delivers comes with a mattress, a sheet-set, a pillow, and a blanket, so it is ready to be slept in as soon as we are done. We have also completed several ramp and deck-and-step sets that provide safe access in and out of homes for disabled and elderly individuals across Pine Ridge.
Seeds have been started over at Feather II and will be moved outside in the coming weeks. We are optimistic that this will be our most productive season to date as we have expanded our growing capacity with the addition of two new high-tunnel greenhouses. This year, we plan to grow 2,000 lbs of produce, which would double our total from last year.
We are happy to share that we have hired a new Construction Assistant, Emmett Kelly, and a new Garden Assistant, Stephanie Garnier, who also teaches traditional Lakota Hand Games to our volunteers on Wednesday evenings. Both have been welcome additions to our team. We are excited about the growth of our local staff and the opportunities that lie ahead. We hope to see you on the Reservation sometime in 2024!
Emmett Kelly and Stephanie Garnier (center) with Re-Member volunteers
Join Us on “Growing Tuesday” – May 7
Join us on Growing Tuesday, May 7 as we raise funds for our garden operations at Feather II. We will be sharing plans and providing updates about the property throughout the day as we work towards our goal of raising $20,000!
Visit our website to learn more about Growing Tuesday, our work at Feather II and to donate as an early supporter today!
Support Our Program: Visit our Amazon Wishlist
Visit our Amazon Wishlist and consider a donation in support of our program. Items donated from our Wishlist allow us to redirect funds where they are needed most, in the community.
There are all sorts of items on the Re-Member Wishlist. From toilet paper to chainsaws, it takes a lot to keep our program going!
On behalf of the entire Re-Member staff and the Oglala Lakota community we work alongside, thank you for your continued support.