Tree of Life Ministries in Mission, South Dakota, is slowly working Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) back into summer programming.  Tree of Life has revised visitation policies to meet the demands of COVID-19 protocols assuring safe and healthy interaction with local residents.  Although participant numbers are down, some volunteer teams have made their way back to support housing repair projects.  Unfortunately, it will be quite some time before visitations get back to the normal numbers seen prior to the pandemic.

“It’s been a bit of a challenge assisting with much needed housing repairs,” said Linda Garriot, Tree of Life Executive Director.  “Volunteer teams generally provide a fair amount of funding to operate Tree of Life so during this time we have had to adjust our programming considerably.  I have tremendous faith in God, though… He will get us through this season.”

The new Warm Welcome building is across the street from the old location, with expanded capabilities, and even a drive-up window, which is especially handy for individuals with limited mobility, and for protecting clients during a pandemic. Photos courtesy Tree of Life facebook page.

Tree of Life has used the last 18 months to work on internal facility projects and to take a new look at how to approach ministry on the Rosebud Reservation.  After a fire partially destroyed one of the on-site storage buildings, Tree of Life chose to utilize insurance proceeds to construct a new soup kitchen across the road from the original site.  In addition, an existing building near the soup kitchen is being converted to a new thrift store and storage unit.  The fire damaged building will be cleaned up and renovated into extra housing for UMVIM guests.

“It is our goal to provide a one-stop shop opportunity for the community, where they can pick up food distribution items, enjoy a hot meal at the Warm Welcome, and purchase items at the thrift store,” added Garriot. Thrift store items are available at a substantially discounted price.

The frequest food deliveries from the Native American Heritage Association are a welcome sight at the Tree of Life, where the distribution for many families is a critical necessity.

Tree of Life has continued to operate its food distribution program throughout the pandemic. Meals have been offered on a drive-through basis and weekly food truck deliveries continue to be dropped off at the ministry for further distribution to the locals.  Many thanks go out to NAHA, the Native American Heritage Association, for continued feeding program assistance during this challenging time.

In addition to reconstruction and faithful food distribution, Tree of Life has also started strategic planning efforts led by the Dakotas Conference of The United Methodist Church.  The purpose of the plan is to set Tree of Life up for long-term success in a changing world.  So much good has been accomplished in the last 20 years at Tree of Life; this plan seeks to take Tree of Life through the next several years by growing the ministry and expanding the services to the people on the Rosebud Reservation.

The thrift store, where folks can shop for a variety of clothing and household goods, has moved next door, and the old building, pictured here, will hold the new offices for Tree of Life Ministries.

Perhaps the most adventurous idea being considered is one called Mobile Hope.  This idea incorporates all the activity now being administered at the site in Mission into a mobile effort that moves around the reservation on a regularly scheduled distribution cycle.  This would allow Tree of Life an opportunity to get out into the local communities, thus widening the service area and aiding those who cannot travel to the main site in Mission.

“I would just love to be able to take our Tree of Life on the road where it is so vitally needed,” said Garriot, “but that will take some resources we just don’t have right now.  We will need a van or two and funds to provide the vehicles with gas and maintenance.”  Should anyone feel called to support this initiative, please contact Linda Garriot at the Tree of Life Office at (605) 856-4266.