Weblog «Pathways To Spirit»

Pathways to Spirit wishes to thank all who have supported us over the years since our small beginnings in October of 1996. Since that time we have made incredible relationships with many families and tribal leaders on the reservation. These relationships have allowed us to discover what is needed by the people and what is actually possible to do.

We started out taking neighborhood donations and now have implemented many programs that assisted in several different areas. We thank you for watching our web site and donating to the programs we have that spark your interest.

We still need many more of you to knit hats and booties for the newborns. These gifts are so appreciated by the young mothers who receive them. Pass the word to your knitting groups and see they can assist.

Propane is urgently needed this time of year. We are receiving 15 calls a day for help. Maybe you could even adopt a particular family and support propane needs for them for the next 4 months.

Our Native American Sewing Program is very successfully providing new and reconditioned sewing machines to many sewing groups on the Rosebud and Pine Ridge Reservations in South Dakota. These machines allow a woman to make quilts and other items to sell that will help their family with basic needs.

This year we completed a straw bale/stick home in American Horse Creek on Pine Ridge under the building expertise of Dave Hanson and Eric Iverson. They traveled all the way from Washington state 3 times during the summer to complete this home. Dave has prepared a report on the viability of building another home that will soon be on the Earth Shelter blog.

Caroly and Eli Tail have started a school in Porcupine to focus on Lakota language and way of life. It looks like our library will be placed in their school. We are very excited about this possiblity. A children's library in Erie, Colorad is closing and has offered their entire collection and computers, shelving, etc. to be taken to the school. We'll keep you informed as this progresses.

We took less mobile homes this year as we seemed to have wiped out the Denver area of homes that meet the hight standards that we have. We know this will pick up in the spring when more homes become available.

All in all we have had a good year thanks to our generous supports.

Winter has come to the reservations of South Dakota and the need for propane has increased dramatically. Your donation can help a family from experiencing the loss of heat and the ability to cook or have hot water. There is only one propane company on the reservation and they require at least a minimum order of $120. That amount lasts a couple of weeks.

Last year, several people actually froze to death in their beds due to lack of heat. Of course the cold affects the elderly and the little ones the most.

Please share your compassion by donating funds today for Propane Assistance.

Remember: you can donate easily on Pay Pal or send your check to Pathways to Spirit.