Dear Friend,
As we ring in another year, you have been in our thoughts. Each year, during this holiday season, I am humbled by the love of God and the blessings he gives to us, especially the women at the Pathfinder Center.
As the Pathfinder Center looks to 2022, we wanted to highlight all the work you’ve helped us complete in 2021. Human trafficking victims at the Pathfinder Center need a road map to restore their identity, find their faith, and rebuild a sense of worth. With your support, the Pathfinder Center has provided a path forward. Your contribution is making an impact.
Equipping the community
I was invited to be on air with Keloland Living earlier this year. It was an excellent opportunity to have a lengthy conversation with their host and showcase our work. I want to thank the Keloland team for allowing me this opportunity. Together with their partnership, we are teaming up to end human trafficking. You can watch the full interview here.
I also had the chance to visit our State Capitol in Pierre on MMIW National day of Awareness to gather with others throughout the community. During the event, I talked to Lt. Governor Larry Rhoden about the Pathfinder Center's work. He understands how important it is to bring awareness to human trafficking and thanked us for all we do for human trafficking survivors at the Pathfinder Center.
Vanished: Amerca’s Missing Indigenous Women
We’ve been fortunate to have been asked to be in a documentary and interviewed with a reporter, Ayshah Tull. While Ayshah was shooting her documentary, she spent some time at the Pathfinder Center. We were able to show her the individual rooms and resources that each survivor receives when they commit to our long-term program. The more we learn about missing indigenous women, the more we realize the close connection to human trafficking. The trauma that Native American women have gone through over the centuries continues to be a struggle. Many of which are still being fought today. We invite you to watch the video Vanished: Amerca’s Missing Indigenous Women here.
Success Stories
I mentioned a few months ago that we were preparing one of the ladies for the next step in her healing journey. We are excited to announce that with your help, this woman has officially taken that next step and moved into her apartment! What an incredible success story that you were a part of. We also had another woman and child transition back to their reservation after completing their time at the Pathfinder Center. Without YOU and the support you have given, whether donations, volunteering, or prayers, it worked! We are so proud of these women and all they have accomplished during their time at the Pathfinder Center. They will continue to be involved with our Advocates and be a part of our Pathfinder Center family. This is the purpose of the Pathfinder Center, and it’s incredible to see God’s work.
Updates to the Center
In South Dakota, winter is in full force and temperatures have been frigid. We've been able to add some much-needed efficient changes to the center. Solar panels were installed this year along with a backup generator when the electricity goes off. Solar panels are an incredible blessing because they will help reduce our electricity bills, cut back on carbon emissions, and protect against rising electricity costs. And nothing is scarier in the winter time when the power goes off and you have nothing to protect yourself from the cold. I feel like this addition to the center has added a higher level of protection for the women.
Recent Awards
The Pathfinder Center was awarded the 2021 Avera Tradition of Giving Grant. Public service announcements via commercials on Keloland stations across South Dakota were utilized as a result. We are thrilled to have these strong leaders in our state partnering with our mission. Raising awareness about human trafficking and building these relationships will make an even more significant impact. Watch the latest commercial here.
The Pathfinder Center was again chosen to be listed in the South Dakota’s Day of Giving. The fundraising event in November is focused on raising awareness in support of the excellent work happening here in South Dakota. Each organization is vetted and approved before making the list. Over 400 nonprofits in South Dakota are chosen, and this is the fourth year that the Pathfinder Center has been selected!
Upcoming Event
January is National Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month, an important time to spread awareness and take ACTION. For the past few years, the Pathfinder Center has been leading the charge in helping women that have been affected by this horrific crime. But we need to prevent this crime before it happens. That means fighting human trafficking is not only the job of law enforcement but also the work of ALL of us. During the last week in January, we will be hosting a fundraiser where all proceeds will go to the needs of the survivors at the Pathfinder Center. Make sure to follow us on social media for more details.
Without the generous support of our donors, none of this would be possible. Please join us in these efforts by making a contribution. Your donation is tax-deductible.
You can join us and continue this good work in many ways.
Connecting with us on Facebook
Subscribing to our email list
Making a gift
Giving a donation from our needs list
Our programs are made possible by your generous support. Thank you for being part of our community and standing with the Pathfinder Center. The work ahead will be challenging. We are confident that trafficking victims can begin a life of healing and freedom with your support.
Thank you, as always. On behalf of all of us at the Pathfinder Center, I wish you a safe and healthy new year.
Sincerely,
Lisa Heth
Executive Director, Pathfinder Center
