Cedar Face Foundation - 123 Hi Baby Inc

Over 80% of the clients served through Cedar Face Foundation, screen positive for PTSD and Toxic Stress.  Through our V-DOVE (Victims of Domestic and Other Violent Experiences) Advocacy Program, we work with individuals and families who need legal representation in Tribal Courts and struggle with PTSD.  

Our goal: $30,000 to sponsor 100 people with PTSD

Meet Patty,

... a young mother of 17, (name changed to protect identities) was caught up in a bad relationship.  She and her three-month old son, lived with her boyfriend in his family’s home.  She is a devoted mother, and cared for her son exclusively. Her boyfriend was controlling, and she wasn't allowed to leave their room, except to eat or go to the bathroom.  If he thought she talked to anyone, he would beat her, even when the baby was in her arms, and he would lock the door from the outside, imprisoning her.  

Saturday evening, a police trooper responded to a neighbor’s complaint. Pine Ridge Indian Reservation is dry by law, and no one within the exterior boundaries of the reservation may drink or possess alcoholic beverages.  After calling for backup, the officer broke up a fight between two adult males. A search of the home, found Patty with her baby, locked in the room she shared with her boyfriend.  Several cases of beer were found stacked against the wall, and Patty was arrested, charged with possession with intent to sell.  Her baby was taken by the local Child Protection Services, and she waited over the holiday weekend for five days before she was arraigned.  By that time, she was no longer producing any milk for her baby, and she was devastated that no one in the system would listen.

Patty called Cedar Face Foundation, Advocacy.  We secured witnesses for Patty, and the arresting officer testified he’d found her in a room locked from the outside, and described the marks, fresh and aging, consistent with the abuse Patty had described.

The charges against Patty were dropped.  She and her baby were reunited with her family, and protection orders secured.  With the assistance and continued support of Cedar Face Foundation V-DOVE (Victims of Domestic and Other Violent Experiences), she's also received counselling  for her PTSD. Today she is working in a community store, and taking college classes.  She thinks she might want to be a nurse. 

Cedar Face Foundation, Inc. V-DOVE Advocacy

Over the past year, Cedar Face Foundation, legal advocacy has worked with more than 250 clients, of which 208 screened positive for PTSD/Toxic Stress. We helped our clients pursue restraining/protection orders after violence, assisted with custody issues and safe environments for children in need, as well as represented some of them through criminal court proceedings, ensuring that their civil rights were upheld, and the best defense afforded them. Further, whenever possible, we have prevailed on the courts to recognize and order treatment for clients’ addictions and other symptoms stemming from PTSD. We've worked diligently to ensure that every clients' civil rights and personal dignity are upheld regardless of whether they find themselves on the right or the wrong side of the law.  

Civil rights issues are fairly common, including, searches without the benefit of signed search warrants, prosecutors attempting to get admissions of guilt during civil hearings, to name a few, adding still more trauma to an already beleaguered society, who struggles with joblessness, invisible homelessness, addictions they can’t afford, and tomorrows that promise little hope. Our advocacy and representation drives hope and promise for a stronger future.

Court Costs - Litigation Expenses

The average cost of a Civil Case or a Criminal Case is approximately $300 per client.  The costs include hours of investigation, transportation over the vast Pine Ridge Indian Reservation that encompasses three counties in south western South Dakota, hours spent litigating, and developing a case plan for each client to facilitate their success going forward.  Often, Clients need assistance with transportation to and from PTSD counselling, and other important health appointments for conditions relating to PTSD.  That's why we need your help.

Over this year end holiday season, we are raising $30,000 to sponsor the court costs/litigation expenses for 100 people struggling with PTSD on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.

We believe... safeguarding civil rights, ensuring truth and dignity, provides everyone opportunities for success, and builds healthy, safe, successful futures for each of us, our families and our communities. Your donation is essential!

Join arms with us, and donate $30 or $300 today.  Together we’ll honor the dignity and inspire the health and success of 100 people struggling under the effects of PTSD, and ask your friends and family to join with you in this worthy cause.