South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF)recently awarded a $10,348 South Dakota Fund grant to the Center for the Prevention of Child Maltreatment (CPM). Funding will assist the group with ceremonial dress for children at Red Shirt School, a member of the Oglala Lakota County School District.

“CPCM is honored to partner with the community and Red Shirt School to highlight the important role of connection to culture as a protective factor for children and families,” said Darla Biel, CPCM Assistant Director. “We are grateful to SDCF for seeing the value in our proposal and for their support.”

CPM was founded in 2017 through a legislative taskforce with a powerful message – to stop all maltreatment against South Dakota children, fostering resilient families. CPCM is housed within USD’s School of Health Sciences as a statewide serving center. The group is making an impact through data-driven initiatives, professional education, and training, fostering professional partnerships, and public awareness campaigns. This grant will not only provide ceremonial dress for children, but it also helps CPCM build stronger relationships with the Pine Ridge community.

“We are happy to partner with CPCM. Together, we are committed to supporting their impactful initiatives, including the project at Red Shirt School, which aims to empower students and foster a sense of belonging within the community.” says Ginger Niemann, SDCF Senior Program Officer.

Chrissie Young, Director CPM; Ginger Niemann, Senior Program Officer, SDCF; and Darla Biel, Assistant Director, CPCM.