Connecting With Our Youth (CWOY) Program
CWOY is a values-guided, locally led program in Pennington County. It follows the Lakota teachings of Prayer, Respect, Generosity, Truth, Fortitude, Compassion, and Humility. The program weaves together mentorship, land-based healing, connection, and work with existing support systems to strengthen early help and guidance for Tribal Citizen Relatives of all ages in the He Sapa area.
Our program’s foundation is in the 7 sacred universal laws of the Lakota.
- Waunsila (Compassion)
- Wawahwala(Humility)
- Woksape(Wisdom)
- Wacantognaka (Generosity)
- Wowacin Tanka (Fortitude)
- Wo’ohitika (Bravery)
- Wa’ohola (Respect and Honor)
Services Offered
Support & Mentorship
- One-on-one mentoring and guidance
- Personalized healing and care planning
- Support with school success
- Engagement with family
- Skill-building and goal-setting
Value-Guided Practices
- Visits to meaningful sites and sharing of traditional knowledge
- Star knowledge and land-based renewal practices
- Ceremonies, activities, and local outings
- Connection to peer and local programs supporting healing goals
Family Strengthening
- Positive Indian Parenting workshops
- Family-focused activities supporting wellness
Care & Therapy
- Licensed counseling and group sessions
- Art-based healing and coping skill development
- DBT skill development
- Support after hospital stays or behavioral health events
- Coordination with wellness resources and care providers
Connection Activities
- HERO Youth Conference and leadership opportunities
- Partnerships with schools, wellness providers, and law enforcement
- Travel support to appointments
- Ongoing coordination with existing supports
Criteria For Program
Relatives experiencing:
- Thoughts of self-harm
- Ongoing substance use challenges
- Serious hardship, grief, or personal loss
- Feelings of disconnection
- Parenting a young Relative already enrolled
