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 community 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 expansion, made possible through a successful capital campaign, has allowed RAI to provide an inspiring and nurturing learning environment for children and families. However, the growing demand for their services has led to the launch of a $4 million capital campaign to further expand their facilities and accommodate the increasing number of families seeking assistance.
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