A child can’t dream in survival mode.
When she was a little girl, Danisha’s life was a never-ending challenge …
… like the night she woke up to her mother screaming, “RUN” …
… fleeing barefoot into the snow …
… watching her mother beg for her life.
Every Child Deserves to Dream Big
Too many Lakota (Sioux) children face daily poverty and trauma — just like Danisha did.
These precious children can’t dream for tomorrow when they’re focused on survival today.
Become a DreamMaker
Join the Circle of DreamMakers, a community of advocates who believe every Lakota child deserves to learn and grow in safety.
Your first gift will make TWICE the impact!
Thanks to a generous friend of St. Joseph’s Indian School, your first month’s gift will combine with a $100,000 matching gift to make an even greater impact.
When you’re living in survival mode today,
you can’t dream for tomorrow.
Lakota children experience far more poverty, alcohol and drug abuse, domestic violence and suicide than any other group of children in the U.S. There are many reasons for this, some going back to the 1800s.
When a child’s world is uncertain and unsafe, they can’t dream for tomorrow.
But when you say YES to making their dreams come true, a child can beat the odds, soar high and reach their potential.
Wrap a Child in a Circle of Care
Through your kinship and compassion, you provide an unbroken circle of care so parents feel confident entrusting their child into the safe, supportive haven of St. Joseph’s Indian School.
- “Academically, [my daughter] has a lot more opportunities and experiences here. That’s a big part of St. Joe’s and what they have to offer. There’s more stability and resources … Having all these resources here right on campus helps her grow. I’m thankful and blessed that she’s got this opportunity because of the donors that donate to St. Joe’s.”
- Sheree
- St. Joseph’s Indian School alumna and parent
- “Had it not been for St. Joseph’s, I’d still be homeless, being shuffled between family members.”
- Daniel*
- St. Joseph’s Indian School student
- *Name and photo changed to protect the privacy of those we serve.
- “I didn’t know who God was until I met Him here at St. Joe’s.”
- Anthony
- St. Joseph’s Indian School student
- “A lot of people think that when you send your kids away to school, that you don’t get all the family interaction. I can come here, I can show up and stay with my kids for a weekend in a guest house. And where they were going to school at [before], they really had slim-to-zero chance.”
- Heather
- St. Joseph’s Indian School parent
- “St. Joseph’s gives you a stable, loving environment to learn … The guidance, love and support I received while attending St. Joseph’s Indian School made me want to better myself. Without St. Joseph’s, I wouldn’t have applied to college.”
- Kay
- St. Joseph’s Indian School alumna
- “Everybody welcomed us with open arms, from the president on down to all the staff. They’re all awesome people. This place gives you a good feeling to be here and to have your children here and to know that they’re safe and being well taken care of.”
- Robert
- St. Joseph’s Indian School parent
- “I was truly blessed to have St. Joseph’s as my second home because there are so many people there who want me to succeed. It is something that I know will be very difficult to find anywhere else.”
- JR
- St. Joseph’s Indian School alumnus
Wrap a Child in a Circle of Care
Through your kinship and compassion, you provide an unbroken circle of care so parents feel confident entrusting their child into the safe, supportive haven of St. Joseph’s Indian School.
Join more than 25,000 DreamMakers
Link arms with other compassionate DreamMakers who believe every Lakota child is a precious gift worth nurturing— mind, body, heart and spirit.
- “Children at the school are cared for as individuals, and their culture is taught as a point of pride. Every year, I love reading about their graduates, and hearing about their success. There is no doubt in my mind that St. Joseph’s is an incredible gift, not only to their students, but to their donors who are allowed a chance to help make their good work continue.”
- Carolyn
- St. Joseph’s Indian School donor
- “I have supported St Joseph's financially for years. I really believe in the work that they do. Not only in educating these bright young people in the subjects every student takes but in helping them to keep their culture alive.”
- Michell
- St. Joseph’s Indian School donor
- “I have been donating to St. Joe's for a couple of decades … The education of our children will determine the future of our country and planet. I chose St. Joe's because they are fully transparent. The children at St. Joe's deserve to participate in all the opportunities a solid education provides. For this reason, I will continue to support this amazing charity.”
- Barbara
- St. Joseph’s Indian School donor
- “Good heavens, there’s something for everybody here, but again, the emphasis has to be on the children, what we’re doing for the children, so they can go back to their reservation and stimulate the interest in all these kind of things. I can do that too. And St. Joe’s gave me the way to do it. What more could you ask to be able to give a little bit of money, however small.”
- Herbert
- St. Joseph’s Indian School donor
- “I am happy and honored to be a part of supporting the St. Joseph's Indian School. The work you do with and for the Lakota children is amazing. These kids now should have a spark of hope for a better future! A bonus has been learning more about their culture and beliefs. I admire the fact that the school is helping to keep their culture alive for them and that the school teaches many of the basics to do so.”
- Jeri
- St. Joseph’s Indian School donor
- “This program, simply put, touches the deepest parts of my heart. It’s abundantly clear St. Joseph's Indian School is a special place for a lot of very special children. I make donations periodically, when I can, and it's truly an honor to be even a small part of such a great thing. To know that I can help these children, in any capacity brings me so much joy.”
- Diana
- St. Joseph’s Indian School donor
- “I have been happy to support St Joseph's financially for years. The work that they do to support and educate Native American youth — who would otherwise have nowhere else to turn — is so important in making a difference to their well-being and growth.”
- Sherri
- long-time St. Joseph’s Indian School donor
- “I love what this organization does for these children they really care. And so do I.”
- Eileen
- St. Joseph’s Indian School donor
You help create an unbroken circle of care!
Month after month, 100% of your giving goes toward providing everything a child needs to dream of a brighter future!
Quality Education
Unlock a child’s dreams! Help provide a high-quality, personalized and culturally informed education that opens the door to a brighter, possibility-filled future for a Lakota child — all at no cost to them or their families.
A Safe Haven
Open the door for a child to find a stable, nurturing home-away-from-home. Children live in family-style homes with two houseparents — so every student’s parents can feel confident their child is safe, loved and cared for.
Cultural Development
Help celebrate and preserve Native American heritage for a Lakota child. Students discover what it means to be Lakota, learn from elders and experts, study the language and take part in ongoing cultural activities that help them flourish.
Complete Healthcare
At St. Joseph’s Indian School’s dedicated on-campus health center, every child has access to holistic care. Our dedicated healthcare team arranges specialized support to provide the full range of medical care for every student.
Mental Health Support
Help a student grow strong and resilient! Your generosity ensures each student can work with a master’s-level Family Service Counselor and can participate in group counseling, play and art therapy, drug and alcohol counseling and equine therapy.
Spiritual Guidance
Through your partnership, you help each child discover Tȟuŋkášila — Creator — in all things. By providing them with a rich base of Catholic faith and Native American tradition to draw upon for a lifetime, students discover their God-given dignity.
Exclusive access!
See Firsthand the Dreams You Bring to Life
As a monthly partner in the Circle of DreamMakers, you’ll be the first to bear witness to students soaring as high as their dreams can take them.
First-Look Stories
Get first access to stories from students and see their dreams come true.
Regular Mailings
Discover updates and a student letter and drawing, delivered right to your mailbox every month.
Exclusive Impact Reports
Explore the life-changing moments you help create for Lakota youth and alumni.
Welcome Keepsake
Get a free insulated tote bag when you start your monthly support as a DreamMaker.
Discounts & Perks
Receive a 10% discount on every purchase from the Aktá Lakota Museum & Cultural Center Gift Store, plus free entry to donor events around the country.