In 2001, Fort Thompson community members formed and incorporated Diamond Willow Ministries as a Christian 501c3 non-profit organization with a vision of empowering and strengthening the youth and families of the Hunkpati Oyate - the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe. In 2014, community leaders asked Diamond Willow to consider providing daily youth programming. In response, Diamond Willow formed the Tokata Youth Center.
Through the Tokata Youth Center, lives of youth are now transforming - families being strengthened! Youth are finding connection with their rich history, acquiring life skills that enable them to cope with the challenges they face, and learning positive ways to resolve conflict. They are being empowered to imagine their future, reach for it, and possess it. The Tokata Youth Center staff has become an extension of their family; a safe place to learn, grow, and dream.
The purpose of the Tokata Youth Center will be achieved by providing a safe environment where youth can learn culturally relevant Christ-like character qualities, and receive assistance in pursing excellence scholastically. With this foundation the youth of today will have the ability to become the influential leaders of tomorrow.