Allen Youth Center
Heart Bridge partners with Allen Youth Center, sponsored by One Spirit, working to improve the lives of our Native Youth.
The Allen Youth Center has been providing a safe and welcoming environment for children and families on Pine Ridge since 2015. There is always something going on at the Allen Youth Center!
Some offerings include:
- Classes and workshops on things like art, technology, and Lakota culture
- Homework help
- Special holiday events
- Recreational activities
- Healthy meals and snacks provided by the One Spirit Food Program
The Allen Youth Center has been providing a safe and welcoming environment for children and families on Pine Ridge since 2015. There is always something going on at the Allen Youth Center!
Some offerings include:
- Classes and workshops on things like art, technology, and Lakota culture
- Homework help
- Special holiday events
- Recreational activities
- Healthy meals and snacks provided by the One Spirit Food Program
THE UNITY NATIONAL CONFERENCE
The National UNITY Conference is an impactful five-day youth-led annual event held every July in a pre-selected region of the U.S. About 2,500 Native youth and advisors are expected to attend the 2024 in Portland, Oregon (June 29th - July 3rd). The National UNITY Conference complete with general sessions, regional caucuses, workshops, career/education fair, and fun evening activities provides hands-on leadership development activities and where the National UNITY Council conducts elections and its annual business meeting. The national conference is a place where Native youth voice is encouraged and valued. All activities are planned with safety in mind. In addition, UNITY offers unique youth programming through its UNITY Fire and UNITY Drum. The UNITY Fire, which burns 24-7 during the annual conference and led by alumni fire keepers, is used for social and prayer purposes and has provided conference attendees an opportunity for support, healing and spiritual nourishment. The fire is meant for all beliefs and religions to share their “Good Medicine” with other participants. The UNITY Drum, also led by alumni, is an open drum with roots in the southern style of powwow singing. All youth singers are encouraged to bring their drumsticks to join in. While youth leaders meet, advisors and adults who work with youth are also involved in intense training and networking activities. Adult training may include building rapport, peer-to-peer sharing, conflict resolution, approaches to youth work, and more.