{"id":39745,"date":"2026-01-29T18:44:41","date_gmt":"2026-01-29T23:44:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/unitedresourceconnection.org\/cannon-ball-nd-58528\/cryp-launches-annual-dress-drive-for-passion-for-fashion-and-prom-season\/"},"modified":"2026-01-29T18:44:56","modified_gmt":"2026-01-29T23:44:56","slug":"cryp-launches-annual-dress-drive-for-passion-for-fashion-and-prom-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/unitedresourceconnection.org\/cannon-ball-nd-58528\/cryp-launches-annual-dress-drive-for-passion-for-fashion-and-prom-season\/","title":{"rendered":"CRYP launches annual dress drive for Passion for Fashion and Prom Season"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Passion<\/a><\/p>\n

Passion for Fashion 2025, \u201cIdentity by Design\u201d (Courtesy of CRYP)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

EAGLE BUTTE \u2014 Spring is on the horizon, and with it comes one of the Cheyenne River Youth Project\u2019s most anticipated traditions: Wach\u00edp\u00ed kta Igl\u00fawi.yeyapi (Youth Get Ready for the Dance), also known as Passion for Fashion. Now in its 26th year, the celebration will take place from 1 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Mar. 14 at CRYP\u2019s Cokata Wiconi (Center of Life) Teen Center.<\/p>\n

To prepare for the event, the nonprofit youth project is launching its annual Dress Drive, inviting supporters to help ensure that every young person can attend the high school prom feeling confident, supported and fully themselves.<\/p>\n

Passion for Fashion provides teens with formalwear, accessories and self-care services, but it\u2019s so much more than a pre-prom event. It\u2019s a joyful, affirming celebration of Lakota culture and values, family relationships, intergenerational connection and healthy self-expression.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re dedicated to helping our young people strengthen their connection to Lakota culture so they can live w\u00f3lakhota, in keeping with our people\u2019s sacred way of life,\u201d said Jerica Jones, CRYP\u2019s programs director. \u201cWhen our kids come to Passion for Fashion, they absolutely will find what they need for prom\u2014 but they also learn how our heritage, ancestors, stories and values can guide them throughout their lives.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Passion<\/a><\/p>\n

Passion for Fashion 2024, \u201cShine Bright Like Your Ancestors\u201d (Courtesy of CRYP)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Julie Garreau, CRYP\u2019s founder and chief executive officer, added that creating safe, welcoming spaces has been central to the youth project\u2019s work for nearly four decades. She noted that Passion for Fashion is yet another example of cultural connection and healing through youth programming.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are in our 38th year as an organization and our 26th year of Passion for Fashion,\u201d she said. \u201cThrough many years of experience and working with two generations of children, we know that programs rooted in cultural reclamation, belonging and mentorship are essential for our young people\u2019s healthy development. Everything we do here is deeply rooted in our traditional Lakota culture and values, even a special event geared toward a contemporary American rite of passage like the prom.\u201d<\/p>\n

On the day of the event, the CRYP team will welcome teens to campus with a luncheon catered by the organization\u2019s own Keya (Turtle) Caf\u00e9, followed by icebreaking activities and a keynote address. Partners will then head to the Morgan Yellowhead Gymnasium to select formalwear, shoes, jewelry and other accessories, and to enjoy self-care services including hair styling, makeovers and manicures.<\/p>\n

Community ambassadors, volunteers, and family members of all ages are encouraged to attend and participate. Passion for Fashion 2026 will conclude with a fashion show and swag bags filled with special gifts to take home.<\/p>\n

Dress Drive Needs<\/strong><\/p>\n

CRYP is seeking new and gently used formalwear and accessories, including:<\/p>\n

\u2022 Dresses (especially sizes 16-26)
\n\u2022 Tuxedos, suits, dress shirts, dress pants, and ties
\n\u2022 Shoes (especially sizes 9-12)
\n\u2022 Jewelry and hair accessories
\n\u2022 Makeup sets, bath sets, and other self-care items
\n\u2022 Gift cards and monetary donations, which allow CRYP staff to purchase items based on specific needs<\/p>\n

The team is requesting that all donations arrive in-house by Friday, Mar. 13, but the youth project will continue to accept items after that date for young people who are unable to attend the Mar. 14 event.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur private dress appointments usually run through the end of April or even early May, depending on when the last local prom is scheduled,\u201d Jones advised.<\/p>\n

To learn more about CRYP\u2019s Wach\u00edp\u00ed kta Igl\u00fawi.yeyapi program, and to make a contribution, visit lakotayouth.org\/passion for-fashion.<\/p>\n

To learn more about the Cheyenne River Youth Project and its programs, and for information about making donations and volunteering, call (605) 964-8200 or visit www.lakotayouth.org. And, to stay up to date on the latest CRYP news and events, follow the youth project on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Vimeo and YouTube.<\/p>\n

The Cheyenne River Youth Project, founded in 1988, is a grassroots, nonprofit organization dedicated to providing the youth of the Cheyenne River reservation with access to a vibrant and secure future through a wide variety of culturally sensitive and enduring programs, projects and facilities that ensure strong, self-sufficient families and communities.<\/p>\n

(Contact Heather Steinberger at heather@writeonllc.com)
\n<\/span>Cheyenne River Youth Project<\/span>
\n702 4th St. \/ P.O. Box 410<\/span>
\nEagle Butte, SD 57625<\/span>
\n(720) 383-5239<\/span><\/p>\n

The post CRYP launches annual dress drive for Passion for Fashion and Prom Season<\/a> first appeared on Native Sun News Today<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Visit Original Source<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

<\/span><\/div>

Passion for Fashion 2025, \u201cIdentity by Design\u201d (Courtesy of CRYP) EAGLE BUTTE \u2014 Spring is on the horizon, and with it comes one of the Cheyenne River Youth Project\u2019s most anticipated traditions: Wach\u00edp\u00ed kta Igl\u00fawi.yeyapi (Youth Get Ready for the Dance), also known as Passion for Fashion. Now in its <\/p>\n

Read More<\/a>
Shared by Native Sun News Today<\/a> January 29, 2026<\/p>\n

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