Native teens lead at "City of Refuge"

In Fort Thompson, South Dakota, the Tokata Youth Center serves as a vital refuge for over 480 enrolled youth. Established in 2015 by Diamond Willow Ministries at the request of community leaders, the center operates year-round, providing mentorship, meals, and cultural programming.

Tokata's unique mission lies in its staffing model: it intentionally hires local Native teens who once attended the center themselves. These young mentors gain leadership skills through daily responsibilities, learning conflict resolution, accountability, and healthy relationship dynamics.

The center moved into a new 7,500-square-foot facility in 2022, featuring a teaching kitchen, gymnasium, and classrooms. It has been recognized statewide for its impact, earning second place in Central Electric Cooperative's "Who Powers You" contest.

With consistent schedules and boundaries enforced with care, Tokata offers a stable environment where children can feel safe and supported. For many, the 6 p.m. dinner at Tokata is the most substantial meal of the day, with the center serving 12,000 meals in 2024 alone.

Director Aaron Vaughn envisions the center's success measured by local tribal members filling all leadership positions. He aims to build a $20 million endowment to sustain operations, allowing future directors to focus solely on the youth and continue breaking generational cycles of hardship.

The center's impact is evident in former youth staff pursuing careers in social services and juvenile diversion programs, and in current mentors providing stability and encouragement to younger children.