Tokata Youth Center Takes First Step Toward Lasting Legacy with $100,000 Endowment

For the young people of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe, Tokata Youth Center is more than a place to go after school. It’s a place where futures, and future leaders, are shaped. Now, thanks to a significant fundraising achievement, the center’s work will continue to support the community’s youth well into the future.  

As part of a challenge grant offered by South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF), the center recently reached its goal of raising $80,000. With that milestone, the center received an additional $20,000 from SDCF, resulting in a $100,000 endowment to benefit Tokata’s mission. 

“Young lives are being transformed and given new hope at Tokata Youth Center,” said Rod Vaughn, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Diamond Willow Ministries, which operates the center. “There is a powerful vision for the future of the Crow Creek youth, and this challenge grant match is a great step and blessing toward this vision.” 

“Creating an endowment is one of the best investments a nonprofit can make,” said Ginger Niemann, SDCF’s Senior Program Officer. “It sets up a consistent, reliable funding source – supporting the organization’s activities for years to come.”  

In the case of Tokata Youth Center, those activities center around daily programming for youth of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe. The center offers a safe, supportive environment where young people learn life skills, get homework help and physical activity, engage in service opportunities, and benefit from the guidance of mentors. 

Foundational to the programming is a focus on character building through the teaching of Christian principles and Dakota Oyate values, culture and language. 

“We understand the value Tokata Youth Center brings to its community every day. This is our way of recognizing those efforts and supporting this impactful work,” Niemann said. “We are proud to partner with them.” 

Tokata Youth Center’s legacy has begun to take root, and those who believe in its mission are invited to help it grow. To learn more, visit https://www.d-w-m.org/tyc.html.

SDCF’s nonprofit savings account challenge grant provides eligible nonprofits $1 for every $4 raised, up to $20,000. To learn more about SDCF’s nonprofit savings accounts, visit https://www.sdcommunityfoundation.org/grants/nonprofit-savings-accounts.