November Update

Our construction season ended last week after several months of hard work. We, along with nearly 640 volunteers, were once again able to make an incredible impact in the community. This season alone, we built and delivered over 250 beds for families across Pine Ridge. Every bed we deliver comes with a pillow, sheet set, blanket, and mattress, so it is ready to sleep in when we walk out the door.

We also completed well over 100 ramp, skirt-job, outhouse and deck-and-step set construction projects. At the Feather II gardens, we grew over 1,750 pounds of produce, all of which was distributed locally. Truly remarkable accomplishments, but also a stark reminder of the difficult realities that exist for many on Pine Ridge.

The work Re-Member does changes lives, and we are thankful to everyone who makes that work possible.

On October 12, we held our Year-End Celebration in the suburbs of Minneapolis. It was a wonderful occasion. Re-Member staff, volunteers and supporters celebrated the 2024 season, shared laughs, stories and made lasting memories. We were thrilled to present our annual Founders’ Honoring to Veterans United for their meaningful and continued support of Re-Member in various capacities.

We also announced the recent acquisition of our new Veggie Wagon, which will be rolling into action in 2025. Long a dream, the Veggie Wagon - our mobile food distribution hub, will bring access to fresh, nutritious, local produce to folks across Pine Ridge. Equipped with hot and cold storage, a three-basin sink and more, we can now distribute produce, host events, and serve hot meals on the go. More to come on the Veggie Wagon in the coming months!

We acknowledged and thanked Re-Member Program Manager, Michelle Roberts, as she will be leaving the organization after many years of dedicated service. Almost all of our volunteers have gotten to know Michelle over the past several years. She has been a near constant presence running the Re-Member program. Supporting volunteers, managing staff, occasionally digging a hole and installing an outhouse. Michelle did it all. She was an awesome person to have on our team. We appreciate all she has meant to and done for this organization and the Oglala Lakota people.

Michelle along with her dog, Oatmeal, will be dearly missed. We wish them all the best as they take on new adventures together!

The Winter Heating season has officially begun. Our operations staff are hard at work cutting, splitting and delivering firewood as nighttime temperatures are consistently dropping below freezing here on the high plains.

We offer winter heating assistance in various ways throughout the season. Kim in our office sorts, organizes and distributes donated jackets, gloves, hats and other winter clothing. Devorah will transform our Feather II office into “Santa’s Workshop” where she will organize and wrap hundreds of gifts for families across the reservation. The guys down at the woodpile will respond to requests and deliver firewood as long as the weather demands we continue to do so.

Winter is challenging in southwest South Dakota and especially so here on Pine Ridge. We are grateful for the opportunity to support the community in the ways we are able.

Join us in 2025: Book Your Re-Member Volunteer Trip

Trip booking is open for the 2025 Volunteer Season. Join us on the Pine Ridge Reservation for an immersive week of meaningful service and educational opportunities. Listen to and learn from the Oglala Lakota people while engaging in meaningful work that makes a difference in the community.

Our 31-week season runs from March through September and there is still plenty of availability. Visit our website to learn more about trips and book your 2025 week at Re-Member.

We’d love to see you on the prairie!

The Holidays are Here - Support Local Artists - Shop the Re-Member Online Store

We have recently updated our inventory with various items from local artists and crafters. Artwork, paintings, jewelry and more. Visit the Re-Member Online Store to find the perfect gift for friends and family this holiday season.

We’ll ship it right to your front door!

We’ve Been Featured in Target Circle™ - Support Re-Member - Here’s How:

Until the end of the year, you can vote for us in the Target app to direct Target funds that support our work.

Here's how:

Step 1: Choose 'My Target' in the Target app or 'Account' on Target.com

Step 2: Tap 'Cast votes'

Step 3: Find us and vote

If you’re not seeing Re-Member as an option in your app, briefly change your ‘My store’ location to Rapid City, SD. Don’t forget, as you earn more votes, you can keep voting multiple times during the campaign!

Thank you for taking the time to catch up with all things Re-Member. Sending you all the best from everyone here on the Rez as we enter the holiday season. We appreciate your continued support.

Will Paese
Executive Director