Rural America Initiatives (RAI) is a non-profit organization based in Rapid City, South Dakota, dedicated to empowering Native American families and youth through education and support. Since its establishment in 1986, RAI has been committed to breaking the cycle of poverty by providing life skills and cultural values to at-risk and low-income families. Through programs such as Early Head Start, Head Start, Ateyapi mentorship, and Lakota language education, RAI aims to create a new generation of Lakota men and women who contribute to their community and thrive in the contemporary environment.
As the longest operating Native non-profit organization in Rapid City, RAI serves as a vital resource for the local Indian population. With a diverse team of over 100 employees, including a majority of Native Americans, RAI is one of the largest employers of Native people in the area. The organization's recent capital campaign successfully raised funds to construct a new building, providing an inspirational and nurturing space for children and families. With plans for expansion to meet the growing demand, RAI continues to make a significant impact in the lives of vulnerable Lakota youth and their families.
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