Thank you to everyone who supported our Winter Heating Assistance Program by donating on Giving Tuesday. We surpassed our goal, unlocking all $30,000 of our matching challenge! The generosity of our donors has allowed us to begin providing utility assistance earlier in the season, and increase benefits to $300 per account this year.

In the past few months we have assisted over 200 households with direct payments towards electric bills or propane. Our team continues to field requests and provide firewood deliveries to folks across the reservation. We are so grateful to see this program grow as we are able to spread our impact and benefit more families here on Pine Ridge. We will prove utility assistance and firewood into 2026 and through the winter season.

We were able to accomplish a tremendous amount in 2025. Hundreds of volunteers, guided by our committed staff, and supported by our donors, produce meaningful outcomes that change lives. Re-Member’s community impact is a powerful reminder of what is possible when people come together in the pursuit of a common goal.

We appreciate our speakers for sharing their stories and educating our volunteers. We appreciate community members, partners and collaborators for informing our direction and guiding our work. We are excited about things to come in 2026!

WE ARE HIRING

We are now accepting 2026 Program Supervisor applications. This position, generally a 4-6 week commitment, is a great way to spend more time on the reservation, build meaningful relationships, grow as an individual and immerse yourself more fully in all things Pine Ridge and Re-Member. Working at Re-Member is an experience that is truly unlike any other.

Visit our website to learn more about working with us and to download an application.

We are also seeking applicants for our Program Manager position. This is a full-time, seasonal position that manages the Re-Member program throughout the volunteer season. If interested in learning more, please send an email with "Program Manager inquiry" in the subject line to: apply@re-member.org.

LAST CHANCE TO SHOP THE RE-MEMBER ONLINE STORE

The Re-Member online store is a great place to find any last-minute Christmas needs. Shop artwork, jewelry, Re-Member merch and more. Browse a wide selection of Native crafts created by the incredibly talented artisan community here on Pine Ridge.

SHOP NOW!

The last day to shop will be Thursday, December 18. We will provide a tracking number and ship all purchases right to your front door.

MAKE PLANS FOR YOUR NEXT VOLUNTEER TRIP

Our 2026 volunteer program begins Saturday, February 28 and continues through early October! In addition to our regular program weeks, we have a number of special programs on the calendar:

Spring Senior Week begins April 25
Wičóuŋčaġe - Way of Life Weeks begin May 2, May 9, and May 30.
Spring Mini Weeks begin May 17 and May 24
Healthcare Week begins July 25
Fall Mini Weeks begin August 23 and August 30
Fall Senior Week begins September 12

Visit to our website to learn more about these opportunities, view real-time availability, and submit your trip requests. We hope to see you on the prairie next year!

2025 was a great year at Re-Member. We are thrilled to be a part of growing positive momentum here on Pine Ridge. Playing our part to provide opportunities and promote meaningful change for the better within a community that deserves just that, better.

Thank you to everyone who continues to support our work and follow our story.

Happy holidays from the entire Re-Member team!

Sincerely,

Will Paese
Executive Director

December Update