There was a need to have a safe place for women to go on the Lower Brule reservation, when facing domestic or sexual violence. Restoring Hope was developed by Wiconi Wawokiya, Inc. of Crow Creek under a rural grant. When the grant ended in 2016 the Lower Brule’s Sioux Tribe resolved to make Native Women’s Society of the Great Plains, the grantee for the Office of Violence Against Women tribal grant program, with the plan to develop a non-profit to be locally controlled. Due to COVID hitting the nation, the plan was longer than anticipated.
The funding sources allowed resources to secure advocacy staff and a temporary shelter for those women and children needing safety, support and shelter. NWSGP provided a financial umbrella for Restoring Hope to provide advocacy services and eventually acquired a women’s shelter.This year, Restoring Hope staff and community members formed the non-profit Onaphe, Inc. to continue the advocacy work of Restoring Hope in the Lower Brule area. With the help of a $1 million Office of Violence Against Women grant, they will be able to hire three advocates, an officer manager and be able to provide support for the women’s shelter. Onaphe is a Lakota word meaning refuge or a safe place to go. Currently there are five board members for Onaphe, Inc. along with the director Stephanie Langdeau. They can be reached at (605) 473-2471.
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