Allen Youth Center

Discover a sanctuary of learning, growth, and recreation for Lakota youth at Allen Youth Center.

Our non-profit organization is dedicated to providing a safe environment where children can flourish, complete their schoolwork, enjoy nutritious meals, and immerse themselves in the rich traditions and values of the Lakota community.

AYC is more than just a youth center

—it's a beacon of hope in the heart of Allen, the poorest town in the entire country. Before One Spirit stepped in to help, this community faced immense challenges, with limited facilities, widespread poverty, and a lack of opportunities for the youth.

In 2015, One Spirit answered the call by constructing and opening the Allen Youth Center.

Thanks to generous donors such as The Lefty Jones Band, we have been able to offer not only meals and safety, but also engaging games, entertainment, and cultural education for almost a decade. Our comprehensive programs incorporate Lakota culture, computer literacy, essential life skills, clothing assistance, and more, empowering at-risk children and teenagers to thrive.

The impact of the Allen Youth Center has been nothing short of remarkable.

It has transformed into a vibrant hub for the entire community, hosting events and communal meals that bring people together. This inclusive approach benefits everyone, fostering improved nutrition and a stronger sense of shared values, boosting the spirits of citizens young and old.

Nestled within the Pine Ridge Reservation, the Center stands as a true oasis in a desert of need.

In fact, thanks to the remarkable efforts of students in New Jersey, we recently added a much-needed laundromat to our facility. This marks a milestone for Allen, as it now has its first community laundry facilities, providing a vital service to the community.

The laundromat provides free washing machines and dryers for the public to use as much as they need. People drive from other districts, some up to 100 miles roundtrip, just to wash their clothes. There is a great need for more of these facilities across Pine Ridge Reservation to One Spirit's Allen Youth Center.

The Allen Youth Center is a staple in the Allen community. Most recently, we celebrated the Grand Opening of the Wita Najiin Basketball Court - a brand new full-size basketball court that has already hosted countless games and hours of fun.

Join us in our mission to nurture and uplift Lakota youth.

With your support, we can continue to create a safe haven where children can escape the challenges they face at home and on the streets. Together, let's build a brighter future for the next generation of Lakota leaders.

Visit Allen Youth Center website Construction and development of the Allen Youth Center was made possible thanks to the generous support of the Lefty Jones Band.