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Mission Statement

Our mission is to eradicate violence and oppressive practices through the empowerment of individuals, families and communities in order to support justice, social change and non-violence.

Sacred Heart Center is a multi-service nonprofit service organization originally founded by the Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart and incorporated under the laws of South Dakota. Sacred Heart Center is located on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation with a service area that covers over 4,707 square miles.  Sacred Heart Center operates four primary programs, Family Violence Services, Child Services, Community Outreach, and Bear Necessities Thrift Store.

About Us

Since August of 1982, the Sacred Heart Center has been helping to serve the needs of the people of the Cheyenne River Reservation region, a land area approximately the size of Connecticut.  The counties we serve are some of the poorest in the nation, yet some of the fastest growing in South Dakota.  Eagle Butte, located near the center of the reservation, serves as tribal headquarters and is the largest community on the Reservation.

Sacred Heart Center is a multi-service nonprofit service organization originally founded by the Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart and incorporated under the laws of South Dakota.   Sacred Heart Center is located at the heart of the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation with a service area that covers over 4,707 square miles.  Sacred Heart Center operates four primary programs: Family Violence Services, Child Services, Community Outreach, and Bear Necessities Thrift Store.  These current programs continue to carry the original and ongoing heart and mission of the Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart.

Family Violence Services is a domestic violence and sexual assault program that provides shelter, individual advocacy, counseling, support groups, emergency legal advocacy, criminal justice support/advocacy, medical advocacy, transportation, assistance with victim compensation claims, and emergency financial assistance. In addition, a 24-hour crisis line is available primarily for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.  Services are available to men, women, and children.  Additionally, we provide services to victims of child sexual abuse and adult survivors of child sexual abuse.

Child Services is a licensed and accredited residential care facility for up to 16 youth, ages 10 – 17, and provides group care, assessment services, crisis stabilization, respite care, and community reintegration services for children and youth placed by state, tribal, and Bureau of Indian Affairs child protective agencies.  Services also included counseling, independent living skills, therapeutic and educational groups, and group and community activities for the children and youth in placement.

Community Education and Outreach Services provide public awareness materials and ads, community education, workshops, and training to youth, schools, and community organizations on topics and issues impacting the community. Topics can include domestic violence, sexual assault, family violence, dating violence bullying prevention, health, healthy relationships, and child abuse and neglect.

Bear Necessities Thrift Store provides donated clothing, household items, necessities, and toys to those in need for nominal costs.  The store helps provide clothing and necessities for the men, women, and children served by the Family Violence Services as well as the community.

 

Welcome from our Executive Director

Our History

Board of Directors

Child Services

Living RoomThe Sacred Heart Center Child Services (SHCCS) program is a residential group care facility licensed by the state of South Dakota.  SHCCS is licensed to provide services for a maximum of 16 youth residents, ages 10 to 17 years, and is structured to provide services in a community-based environment.  The youth residents, both boys and girls, receive 24-hour, 7-day-a-week supervision and services from trained staff members.  Residents continue to attend their current school when possible or are enrolled at the Cheyenne-Eagle Butte School.

SHCCS includes a variety of strength-based program elements and alternative services in order to assist the youth in developing the skills necessary to successfully return to their home, kinship home, foster home, or alternative living facility.  One key element to the success of the youth is active involvement and encouragement from staff, family members, and placing agencies.  It is the policy of the program for staff to work individually with the youth, in order to assist them in meeting treatment goals and discharge plans.


Services

Group Care Services
Short-Term Assessment Services
Community Reintegration Services
Crisis Stabilization Services
Respite Care Services 

Child Services Referral Application

Additional Services:

All residents receive treatment procedures which include:

    • Educational Groups – Depending upon the specific needs of the youth clients currently in the program, various educational groups are held which may include topics such as Self Esteem, Anger Management, Health and Wellness, Sexuality, and Independent Living Skills.  Other groups may be provided by specialists employed by other organizations within the community as needed.
    • “Resolve a Problem” – Informal “Resolve a Problem” groups referred to as “RAP”s may be called at any point in time by a client or a staff member, in order to address an issue, concern, conflict, or disagreement within the facility setting or involving the clients.  If a client would like to call the group together for a RAP, they must advise the staff of the nature of the problem in order to receive prior approval to call the RAP.  The staff determines if the issue is appropriate for the entire group to be involved in and address.  RAPs take precedence over the existing schedule and are meant to be brief in duration.  Staff facilitates the RAP with the clients, in order to help ensure that the RAP is focused and solves the problem.
    • Independent Living Skills – Youth within the facility are also provided the opportunity to learn basic living skills.  Examples include maintaining a clean living space, completing their own laundry, and following a routine schedule.  The youth also assist with the preparation of meals, in order to learn basic cooking skills as well as the importance of balanced meals.  Child Services staff will assist youth residents who are 14 years of age or older and have reached the appropriate level of the Child Services program, to seek employment and/or volunteer opportunities within the community.  Prior approval from the child’s placing agency is required for the youth to seek a place of employment.
    • Cultural Resources – All clients participate in a Cultural Resource Group and/or cultural activity when there is an opportunity in the community.  Youth learn traditional Native American games as well as other cultural traditions.  In addition, a supervised sweat lodge is available on the premises for those clients who choose to participate.
    • On-Site CounselingResidents participate in weekly Individual and Group Counseling at the SHCCS program.  Family counseling is available and offered when approved by the placing agency and deemed appropriate by the treatment team.  SHCCS also utilizes other local mental health agencies for counseling, if requested or if residents were receiving previous mental health services from an outside agency.
    • Individualized Case ManagementSHCCS has a full-time Case Manager on staff to work with residents and their treatment teams, to establish treatment and discharge plans.  The Case Manager works closely with all resources to coordinate services to best meet each resident’s needs.
    • Opportunities for Family InvolvementThe SHCCS program works to actively involve residents’ family members in their treatment plans, meetings, counseling, visits, etc, as possible and approved by placing agencies.
Community Involvement:

Sacred Heart Center Child Services program provides services in a community-based environment. All residents attend public school and utilize a variety of services from organizations within the community. All of the youth residents have the chance to participate in volunteer opportunities within the community, and residents who meet age and level requirements are encouraged to seek employment.

Family Violence Services

If your safety is in question, there are places you can call for immediate assistance.

Sacred Heart Family Services Women’s Shelter: 605-964-7233
Available 24 hrs a day.

Toll Free Crisis Line: 1-800-390-9298

Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal Police Department
(24 hrs a day) 911  or  605-964-2155

City of Eagle Butte Police Department-24 hrs a day
911  or  605-964-3777

Resource Links

Family Violence Shelter

Autonomous Services are provided to victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault,  where they can choose which services best suit their needs. Advocates are available to help with information, access to the courts, personal advocacy, information/referral services, criminal justice advocacy, medical advocacy, and an explanation of potential options. Advocates also help clients feel welcome and assistance in dealing with social services, medical issues, and housing concerns. Clients make their own decisions regarding their present and future situation and that of their children.

The Women’s and Family Shelter is a member of the South Dakota Network Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault, and other organizations that support domestic violence education and prevention initiatives and lobby for social change.

Additional Resourced

Women’s Shelter
Domestic Violence
Sexual Assault
Stalking
Sex Trafficking
Safety Tips

Bear Necessities Thrift Store

The Bear Necessities Thrift Store provides clothing and household items for those in need in the area and surrounding communities at a nominal cost. Items include adult and children’s clothing/shoes, household goods, bedding, books, and other miscellaneous items.

The store is open from Wednesday through Friday from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.  It is closed Monday and Tuesday for re-stocking.  If you have any questions regarding the Bear Necessities Thrift Store, please call 605-964-6062.

Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation Residents may request clothing drop-offs in their community if needed. Preferred drop-off days are Monday & Tuesday. Call 605-964-6062 if you have any questions.   Please do not leave donations after hours.

Watch our Sacred Heart Center Facebook Page for future $0.25 days where everything is $0.25 and $1 Bag Days, where you get to fill up a bag for $1.

NOW ACCEPTING ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS & DEBIT CARDS!