Providing Hope: South Dakota Mission Trip 2024

A team of five from the Glacial Community YMCA recently joined the National Service Project of the YMCA Alumni Association in Dupree, South Dakota. This initiative, now in its fifth year of construction, aims to create a livable community for single mothers on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation. The program, facilitated by the YMCA of the Seven Council Fires in Dupree, will provide three to six months of transitional housing and resources to help these young families create a sustainable lifestyle after their time at the Y.

Our Y team was part of a larger group of 24 volunteers from across the country that assisted in constructing the fourth home on the site. All week they carried lumber, measured, measured again, sawed, drilled, hammered, and caulked. In the process, they learned a lot and built lasting relationships with like-minded leaders. “From learning to use a table saw to meeting people from all over the country, including our honorary Y teammate from Italy, this trip was filled with memorable experiences,” said Pam Buss. “I’d love to do this again, or maybe even venture onto another mission trip.”

Todd Stamper observed, “It was eye-opening to see how the Lakota tribe lives, which made it very clear these homes are necessary. With anywhere from 10 to 15 people living in a single house, you can see the importance of providing a mother and child their own space, along with the opportunity to find a job and a permanent home.” 

Together the volunteers were able to move the project ahead quite substantially. Director of Spiritual Development, Bruce Osborn noted that once the project is completed, “the Glacial Community YMCA will be able to say we had a hand in providing hope for families in one of the most impoverished communities and counties in the nation.” The Y hopes to send a second team to help finish the project in the fall of 2025.