Left in the wake of a terrible absence of resources are an entire nation of people, many of whom are left feeling broken, hopeless, unimportant and forgotten. Even those with the bravest of souls are tested by depression, repair, and hopelessness, and can have trouble finding their way through the darkness of the world around them.

The Facts:

• Pine Ridge Indian Reservation population is 29,000.
• The Reservation covers 11,000-square miles, which is roughly the size of Connecticut.
• Pine Ridge is located in the southwest corner of South Dakota.
• Pine Ridge is the second largest Native American Reservation in the United States.
• Although the ban on the sale of alcohol on the Reservation was just lifted in August 2013, alcoholism affects 8 out of 10 families, contributing to a death rate that is 300% higher than the remaining U.S. population.
• Pine Ridge Reservation has no industry, technology or commercial infrastructure to provide employment for its residents.
• There are no motels, discount stores or movie theaters.
• The one grocery store of moderate size is tasked with providing for the entire community.
• Lack of available products and services of every kind force residents to spend what little governmental financial assistance they receive at businesses located miles outside the reservation.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 Demographic Profile Data