Where We Are and Where We’re Going!
From the President of the Board of Directors
The Needs – Social and Academic
It is an exciting time for the Lillian Vallely Youth Foundation and here’s why.
First, pandemic restrictions have been eased enough to allow school to open. It has been a difficult year academically and socially for kids. Many of the children we are committed to don’t have internet. They haven’t been able to keep up through online education. Especially on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation, social activities were totally shut down. The Tribes tried very hard to protect the Elders for whom they have deep respect. The cultural activities that celebrate belonging to their heritage and teach them their place in that heritage are just restarting again.
How LVYF Is Helping
An important partner for us to help Native American children are the public schools. For example, the Blackfoot School District includes half of the Native children both on and off the Sho-Ban Indian Reservation. We are developing a partnership with this district and reaching out to others that have significant Native enrollment. Other recognized organizations have applied to the Foundation for support for academic programs as well. The Foundation is becoming known on an organizational and personal level among Tribal members and professional educators. Each grant application received is carefully vetted by the Board of Directors for its potential measurable impact and its practical cost efficiency. We are earnestly looking for opportunities to encourage vocational skills, apprenticeships, and skill-based education. When the Foundation was a school, we were able to affect the lives and education of 25+ children. As a Foundation we are reaching many more. We have furnished materials necessary for a princess/queen election and ceremony that included elementary through high school applicants. This Native tradition includes Native Regalia, drumming, dancing, individual speaking, etc., and involves three generations. And there is so much more to come!
Increasing The Scope
The question, “Where do we go from here?” is asked. Now that the Lillian Vallely Youth Foundation is gaining altitude, it must add capacity. To be effective it must be able to sustain longer term efforts. These will follow children through more than one event or school year. It is imperative that the resources of the Foundation grow. There is more to educating a boy or girl than reading, writing and arithmetic. We can help develop the social confidence and self-reliance of these children.
We invite you to come and see what we’re doing and come and help.
All my best to you. Thank you for what you have done.