RAPID CITY, S.D.–Black Hills FCU here said it will provide $50,000 over a five-year period to support a non-profit organization serving Native American families.
The funds will go to Rural America Initiatives and its capital campaign to replace its 20-year-old, worn out and fully depreciated Head Start and Early Head Start buildings. This donation will be used to meet a $500,000 challenge grant from an anonymous donor, according to the Credit Union Association of the Dakotas, which first reported the donation.
According to the CUAD, Rural America Initiatives has successfully provided critical services for the most at-risk Native American children and their families since 1986. RAI’s early childhood education programs are currently held in modular and trailer buildings that were designed to last 10-12 years.
“RAI’s Head Start and Ateyapi programs have made great strides in improving the lives of our youth and impacting the strength of our community. We are proud to support their vision and ongoing commitment to youth education,” Roger Heacock, president and CEO of Black Hills FCU, was quoted as saying by the CUAD.