Our June Newsletter

Health Fair, Family Unity Day, Warriors' Gathering, and Gardening.

Mitakuyapi - Friends and Relatives, 

Our June activities were a huge success!

 

Staff set up information booths at the Indian Health Service Health Fair on June 14th at Fort Thompson, SD. On June 16th we were on the Lower Brule reservation for their Annual Family Unity Day.  During both events staff asked participants to fill out surveys and once filled out they could put their name in for a $50 gift card, which was provided by our partner Native Hope.

“Calling All Warriors - Defend the Sacred Against Sex Trafficking” Gatherings Held.

Pathfinder Center is taking our cause to end sex trafficking to the men of our reservations; Crow Creek and Lower Brule, therefore we held two gatherings; “Calling All Warriors” Defend the Sacred Against Sex Trafficking.” On June 6th we gathered with some of the men from Lower Brule, and on June 7th with men from Crow Creek. In both groups, we discussed strategies and ways they can help protect women and children from sex trafficking and sexual abuse. Pathfinder Center assured the men that we are here for them and can assist and provide resources so they can get involved to make a difference.

 

Our discussions with both groups were insightful and serious. One of the discussions that I believe, and it was brought up, was that our boys are sexually abused at the same rates as Native girls of which 1 in 3 will be sexually assaulted by the time they are 18. Boys are targeted even more so by the perpetrators because boys do not disclose like girls do, which is due to not only shame but the stigmas such as people thinking "I am gay or I am weak," etc. And to be honest, some of these abusers are women who have abused underage boys, which is a crime.

 

Both groups agreed that we have to find safe places and ways for them to work to heal the men who were abused so they not only are protectors of the land and water but our most precious resource - OUR children - our future. 

 

We hope to somehow assist the men with moving forward in healing and helping them to become healthier and be the protectors the Creator has created them to be.  My belief is that we will not see crimes or drug use in our communities go down until ALL men who have been sexually abused start their healing journey and gain their sense of self-worth and their purpose the Creator has put them here for - to be Defenders!

Our Beautiful Box Garden is Flourishing!

Pathfinder Center's box garden is flourishing - growing healthy, fresh veggies for the women and children in our shelter program. This year it looks like we will have plenty of peppers, tomatoes, squash, watermelons, and more. Yummy!

 

This is what some of your donations cover. Thank You!

God bless each one of you and please keep Pathfinder Center staff and survivors in your prayers.

 

Thank you all for your support in helping survivors to heal from their traumas and find their God-given purpose.

 

Sincerely, 

Lisa Heth
Pathfinder Center, Executive Director

Donate Today

Pathfinder Center is a 501c3 non-profit and all donations are tax-deductible. Please consider donating to help a survivor in need. Donations can be made online through our website at www.pathfindercenter.org/donations or by a check mailed to Pathfinder Center, PO Box 49, Fort Thompson, SD 57339. Thank You!

Get our latest updates
Subscribe

We are a 501c3 non-profit organization. Donations are deductible as allowed by IRS law.

605.234.1540

Share on social

Share on FacebookShare on X (Twitter)Share on Pinterest

www.pathfindercenter.org  
This email was created with Wix.‌ Discover More