Diamond Willow Ministries — Organization Profile
Diamond Willow Ministries is a Christian nonprofit serving the Hunkpati Oyate, the people of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe. The ministry’s mission is sharing the love of Jesus Christ by strengthening families, investing in youth, and working together to build a healthier community that thrives spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically. Its work combines Christian discipleship, family support, youth development, community care, and practical assistance.
Diamond Willow Ministries is based in Fort Thompson, South Dakota, on the Crow Creek Sioux Reservation. Its ministry serves the Hunkpati Oyate, the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe, Fort Thompson, Big Bend District, Crow Creek District, and the surrounding region. Community members on the reservation formed Diamond Willow Ministries in 2001, and the organization has grown as a trusted local ministry rooted in long-term relationships.
The ministry operates through the Ikce Oyate Christian Center, a Christ-centered extended family within the tribe and beyond. The Christian Center focuses on spiritual growth, strengthening families, shared meals, support groups, worship, discipleship, Bible studies, community gatherings, food distribution, seasonal household assistance, and local partnerships. Its programs include Sunday worship and breakfast, men’s group, adult Bible study, sick visitation, wakes, funerals, memorials, baby dedications, family events, community cookouts, and seasonal activities.
Diamond Willow Ministries also operates Tokata Youth Center, founded in 2015 after community leaders asked the ministry to provide daily youth programming. Tokata Youth Center exists to help youth of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe overcome daily obstacles so they can become future leaders in their community. The center provides year-round after-school programming, homework help, reading time, crafts, life-skills and character training, physical activity, meals, Bible study, mentoring, service opportunities, gardening, food sovereignty learning, and cultural learning connected to Dakota Oyate values, culture, and language.
The ministry’s approach is holistic and relational. Its core values are integrity, compassion, connection, and growth. Diamond Willow Ministries emphasizes both Christian principles and local community identity, helping children, youth, adults, and families build healthy relationships, pursue stability, and experience hope in Christ. Tokata Youth Center also provides programming in outer districts, including Big Bend District and Crow Creek District.
People can engage with Diamond Willow Ministries by praying, giving financially, supporting Tokata Youth Center, donating through wish lists, receiving newsletters, volunteering, partnering with the ministry, or contacting the Fort Thompson team. Donations may be made online, and mail may be sent to the ministry’s post office box in Fort Thompson.
Key Links
- Website: https://www.d-w-m.org/
- Who We Are: https://www.d-w-m.org/dwm-who-we-are.html
- Team: https://www.d-w-m.org/dwm-team.html
- Ikce Oyate Christian Center: https://www.d-w-m.org/iocc.html
- Christian Center Programming: https://www.d-w-m.org/iocc-programming.html
- Tokata Youth Center: https://www.d-w-m.org/tyc.html
- Tokata Youth Center Programming: https://www.d-w-m.org/tyc-programming.html
- Wish Lists: https://www.d-w-m.org/wish-lists.html
- Donate: https://crm.bloomerang.co/HostedDonation?ApiKey=pub_447b93a8-c30d-11e4-b251-02a718d10d3d&WidgetId=214528
Contact Information
- Email: in**@***-m.org
- Email: ty******@***-m.org
- Phone: 605-245-2685
- Phone: 605-730-1417
- Mailing address: Diamond Willow Ministries, Ikce Oyate Christian Center, PO Box 438, Fort Thompson, SD 57339
- Physical address: Diamond Willow Ministries, Ikce Oyate Christian Center, 22850 North Shore Road, Fort Thompson, SD 57339
- Tokata Youth Center physical address: 113 E Old Lodge St., Fort Thompson, SD 57339
Socials
Leadership
- Rod Vaughn — Executive Director
- Gail Griner — Finance Director
- Valerie Vaughn — Development Director
- Tim Vaughn — Finance Coordinator
- Trent Schake — President, Board of Directors
- Tom Sollars — Vice-President, Board of Directors
- Ann Longobardi — Secretary, Board of Directors
- Tim Gerber — Treasurer, Board of Directors
- Drew Fausett — Board Member
- Chris Fowler — Board Member
- Tim Smith — Board Member
- Debra Siergey — Board Member
- Keith Wood — Board Member
- Gae Veit — Emeritus Board Member
- Larry Suazo — Emeritus Board Member
