Natural Helpers Program
The Natural Helpers Program is a peer-support initiative that builds on the natural support networks already present in schools. Students often turn to trusted friends and adults when facing challenges. This program equips those peer leaders with the tools to recognize signs of distress, offer meaningful support, and connect others with appropriate resources.
Through training, students develop leadership, empathy, and resilience, while helping to create a more supportive school environment that actively addresses mental health needs through school based activities and events.
We successfully piloted the program during the 2024–2025 school year with sixth-grade students at Cheyenne-Eagle Butte School, and the results were highly encouraging. Based on the positive response, we will continue and expand the program into the upcoming school years. The Natural Helpers Program is supported by The Keya Foundation, and Cheyenne-Eagle Butte Schools.
What Youth Say
Being in Natural Helpers helped me mature and taught me things about bullying and how to stop it.
Being a natural helper made me feel confident and important because I got to help in the school and with kids, and learn new things.
Students stay rooted in Lakota values by supporting the C-EB Powwow, decorating trees for community events, learning traditional food prep, and harvesting cansasa. These activities foster cultural pride, community care, and a strong sense of identity.
Youth build confidence and connection through activities like Natural Helpers trainings, morning announcements, hosting events, and the Youth Leadership Conference. Projects such as locker notes, Valentine’s “Love Yourself” bags, and organizing activities for their peers promote peer support and wellness.
Natural Helper helped me with my social anxiety.
Being a Natural Helper, made me better at being a better person to others and I made new friends.
I learned alot of teamwork being apart of natural helpers.