Sacred Heart University has partnered with Simply Smiles, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing "bright futures for impoverished children, their families, and their communities". Simply Smiles was invited by the Lakota people living in La Plant to have a year-round presence in their town.  To be with them in the depth of the winter and in the height of the summer. To be true partners on a mission to make sure every child is able to have the bright futures they deserve. The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe (CRST) Reservation in South Dakota is an autonomous nation within the borders of the United States. It is home to four bands of Lakota Indians. During your time spent on the Reservation, you will have the privilege of being welcomed into this beautiful but tragically impoverished setting on the Northern Great Plains - and you'll have the opportunity to engage in a partnership experience, contributing to the community of LaPlant, while learning about the social determinants of health, global health, and Native American culture. 

Program The Lakota Tribe Program is open to SLP graduate students in the College of Health Professions. There may be opportunities for this experience to include other health profession students.  Students will be working with the children of LaPlant, and their families, with the newly established Head Start program close to the community.  Students will also be engaged at the Simply Smiles Children’s Village, “a first-of-its kind intentional community of native foster families for the children most at-risk on the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Reservation in South Dakota.”  Students will also work on community projects which may include community meals, gardening, and various other development work. Students will be afforded an experience of cultural immersion, gain first-hand experience of social determinants of health, develop global health competencies, and develop assessment and intervention competencies with individuals, groups, and community. The Cheyenne River Reservation is a place you will have the unique opportunity to learn about and experience the beautiful Lakota culture. The community of LaPlant is where poverty is extreme and entrenched, however, being Lakota is what binds the people of this community together. You may have the opportunity to attend a drumming ceremony, meet artisans who craft stunning jewelry and dream catchers, or witness a powwow with traditional dancing.  You will have an opportunity to listen to members of the community, begin to the understand the meaning of being Lakota, and hear stories that have been passed down for generations. The stories of the Lakota people's past and present struggles will challenge your preconceptions, raise your consciousness about power and privilege, and force you to rethink our nation's history. You'll feel honored to be invited into this special culture that for too long has been forced into oblivion.  And you'll be thankful to know the people who are fighting to keep it alive.  Faculty Ellen Massucci  M.A. CCC-SLP, MPH Assistant Clinical Professor/Coordinator of Educational Placements Graduate Speech-Language Pathology Program Communication Disorders Department massuccie@sacredheart.edu 203-365-4505   Accommodations Lodging is included in the program fee and will be provided at the La Plant Community Center supervised by the staff of Simply Smiles.   All meals are provided and included as part of the program fee.  You are responsible for your own snacks, if desired.   Costs Fall Semester 2021 Program Costs The total program cost due to Sacred Heart University is $1,955. Payment Due Dates: Upon acceptance- $840 confirmation fee (pay by credit card or bring check, payable to SHU, to Molly Higbie, Assistant Director of Global Health Programs Center for Healthcare Education N258, $35 emergency fund fee + $45 application fee (application fee may be paid online via credit card) TBD- $860 (pay by credit card or bring check, payable to SHU, to Molly Higbie, Assistant Director of Global Health Programs, Center for Healthcare Education N258) PROGRAM FEE INCLUDES: Program orientation, airfare, local ground transportation, ground transportation in S. Dakota, housing in the community center, all meals, and mandatory basic travel insurance.  PROGRAM FEE DOES NOT INCLUDE:  Snacks, excursions, major medical insurance, trip cancellation insurance, and all personal expenses.      Scholarships The Global Health Programs fundraising guide offers suggestions for possible scholarships and fundraising tips and ideas.  Download the guide here: CHP/CON Fundraising Guide Sept 2017.     Contact Meggie Adorno Assistant Director of Global Health Programs Phone: 203-365-4509 Email: adornom2@mail.sacredheart.edu Location: College of Health Professions - CHE N257   Location The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe (CRST) Reservation in South Dakota is an autonomous nation within the borders of the United States. It is home to four bands of Lakota Indians. In an area of 1.45 million acres (roughly the size of Connecticut), the CRST Reservation is home to just 8,090 residents. The rolling hills, wide open skies, and sunsets are breathtaking. This landscape can offer insights into the richness and sacredness of the Lakota culture. But, often, the natural beauty stands in stark contrast to the systemic ills of poverty, unemployment, food insecurity and lack of basic shelter that plague the region.   Duration Dates: TBD Day One: Depart New York Metropolitan Area  Day One: Arrive in Rapid City, SD; drive to La Plant (approx 5 hours) Day Two: Orientation, introductions, and project work Days Three - Six: HeadStart program – developmental screenings; Children’s Village – parent workshops; Health Education/Community Workshops; community meals; project work Day Seven: Depart La Plant