Rural America Initiatives (RAI) is a 501(c)3 non-profit social services agency targeting low-income Native American families.

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We address the needs of our community through educational programs that include resources for the whole family. 

 

Started in 1986, we are the largest, non-profit, continuously operating Native American organization in Rapid City.

 

We serve our families through Head Start and Early Head Start programs for children from pre-natal through age 5, and through mentoring programs in Rapid City's elementary, middle and high schools.

 

We employ over 100 full time staff; ninety  percent are Native American.

 

All of our Activities:

 

...are alcohol and chemical dependence free (all activities/all staff)

 

...provide role models demonstrating success for Native families

 

...strive to support the Seven Lakota Values:

 

• Respect (Wauonihan)

• Generosity (Wacante Ognake)

• Wisdom (Woksape)

• Humility (Wahwala)

• Compassion (Waunshila)

• Service "helps the last one"(Wawoihakikte)

• Honesty (Wowicake)