Eagle Butte, SD — This month, the Cheyenne River Youth Project is celebrating a special addition to its operation, an all new website at www.lakotayouth.org.

Features include the latest news and photos, a full press room with access to articles dating back to 2008, a multimedia library with Christmas Toy Drive and Passion for Fashion videos as well as Cheyenne River Youth Project's acclaimed youth diabetes prevention campaign, and detailed information about staff and board members, the organization's finances, youth programs and Family Services.

In addition, the site includes job and internship listings, details regarding monetary and in-kind donations, and critical information for potential volunteers, including individual and group volunteer applications. Perhaps most exciting, however, is the new community calendar, which features up to date events at The Main youth center and Cokata Wiconi teen center, through Family Services, and in the 2 acre Winyan Toka Win garden.

“Community members have been asking us to provide a detailed schedule so they'll always know what's happening at our youth project, whether it involves children's programming or special events that are open to the public,”

explained Julie Garreau, CRYP's executive director.

“We determined that an online calendar would be the best way to provide that information in a timely fashion, and our staff is working hard to make sure that it's updated daily.”

Jonathan Stuart-Moore, CRYP's technology coordinator, designed and developed the new site, which went live in mid-July.

"Visitors will discover that the site is easy to navigate,"

Stuart-Moore noted.

"It's also easy for our staff to update, which means visitors will find new and updated information on a regular basis. That was important to us to make lakotayouth.org a dynamic, engaging place that will attract repeat visitors and become an important portal for all things CRYP."

This means community members will find the program details they seek, donors can easily learn about programs, activities and needs and choose the method of contribution that best suits them, potential and returning volunteers can obtain the necessary application forms for their CRYP service, and media partners can gather news items and valuable background information.

"As a not for profit organization that specializes in youth work, we recognize that we must meet the needs of multiple audiences,"

Garreau observed.

"We're thrilled to see www.lakotayouth.org » go live, and we're eager to receive comments and suggestions from our site visitors so we can continue to improve our online experience."