Since August of 1982, the Sacred Heart Center has been helping to serve the needs of the people of the Cheyenne River Reservation region, a land area approximately the size of Connecticut. The counties we serve are some of the poorest in the nation, yet some of the fastest growing in South Dakota. Eagle Butte, located near the center of the reservation, serves as tribal headquarters and is the largest community on the Reservation.
Sacred Heart Center is a multi-service nonprofit service organization originally founded by the Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart and incorporated under the laws of South Dakota. Sacred Heart Center is located at the heart of the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation with a service area that covers over 4,707 square miles. Sacred Heart Center operates four primary programs: Family Violence Services, Child Services, Community Outreach, and Bear Necessities Thrift Store. These current programs continue to carry the original and ongoing heart and mission of the Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart.
Family Violence Services is a domestic violence and sexual assault program that provides shelter, individual advocacy, counseling, support groups, emergency legal advocacy, criminal justice support/advocacy, medical advocacy, transportation, assistance with victim compensation claims, and emergency financial assistance. In addition, a 24-hour crisis line is available primarily for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Services are available to men, women, and children. Additionally, we provide services to victims of child sexual abuse and adult survivors of child sexual abuse.
Child Services is a licensed and accredited residential care facility for up to 16 youth, ages 10 – 17, and provides group care, assessment services, crisis stabilization, respite care, and community reintegration services for children and youth placed by state, tribal, and Bureau of Indian Affairs child protective agencies. Services also included counseling, independent living skills, therapeutic and educational groups, and group and community activities for the children and youth in placement.
Community Education and Outreach Services provide public awareness materials and ads, community education, workshops, and training to youth, schools, and community organizations on topics and issues impacting the community. Topics can include domestic violence, sexual assault, family violence, dating violence bullying prevention, health, healthy relationships, and child abuse and neglect.
Bear Necessities Thrift Store provides donated clothing, household items, necessities, and toys to those in need for nominal costs. The store helps provide clothing and necessities for the men, women, and children served by the Family Violence Services as well as the community.