The WAY - Women And Youth Learning Together

11/12/2025

In less than 36 hours, thanks to our incredible community, neighbors, and donors, we’ve provided over 300 items to help families right here in our neighborhood (kitty corner from Wilson Elementary).
�We’ve distributed everything from toothbrushes and soap, to baby food and formula, canned veggies & fruit, pasta, rice, flour, meal kits, canned tuna/chicken, shelf-stable milk, cereal, women’s tampons & pads, toothpaste, birthday candles, cake mix & frosting, candy, cookies, peanut butter, jelly, sauces, pet food, beans, chips, soups, water mix, protein bars, bread, oatmeal — and so much more.

What’s even better: we’ve seen excited faces, read kind notes left in the pantry, and been reminded that this small effort really matters.

But we also know this: Pennington County isn’t immune to food insecurity. Recent studies show that residents here still face challenges accessing consistent, nutritious food. One recent report (KOTA and Black Hills Area Community Foundation) estimated that nearly 14,250 people in Pennington County are food insecure, meaning they dont know where their next meal will come from.
�And statewide, in Feeding South Dakota’s data, about 113,750 people in South Dakota are food insecure, and 1 in 5 are children.

So what’s next?�We’re gearing up for Thanksgiving meal kits, and planning small stockings/holiday bundles closer to Christmas.�
Want to help? Whether you donate food/items, funds, your time, or even start your own little pantry in your corner of the community…I’d love to help you begin.

Because when we all pull together, we can move from “just getting by” to “everyone belongs”. Let me know if you want to join in or start a similar effort. Let’s keep the momentum going. ❤️

08/27/2025

Big news! 🎉

Rapid City Journal recently featured our founder, Dr. Whitnee Coy, and her new children’s book Elsie’s Adventures to Harmony Hills: The Move!

We are so proud to see Whitnee’s work lifting up important conversations about emotions, resiliency, and family connections through storytelling.

You can catch Dr. Coy at several upcoming events where she’ll be reading, signing books, and connecting with families. We hope you’ll join us at one of these gatherings:

📚 Upcoming Events
Aug. 30 | 2–3 PM – Rapid City Library
Sept. 6 | 12–2 PM – Monarch Books
Sept. 13 | 12–2 PM – Henry’s Books, Spearfish
Oct. 1 | 11 AM – Sturgis Public Library (Pre-K Storytime)
Oct. 12 | Time TBA – Poetry Event at Spearfish Brewing

Moving to a different city, state and home ranks as one of life’s most stressful events. Rapid City author Dr. Whitnee Coy’s new book helps children cope.

06/04/2025

📣 Happening TODAY at 11 AM (MST)!

Join us virtually for a special Author Meet & Greet with Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle, award-winning writer and enrolled citizen of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians!

📚 She’ll be reading from her incredible novel Even As We Breathe and sharing stories about her writing journey in an interactive, casual conversation.

🗓 Wednesday, June 4th
🕚 11:00 AM (MST)
💻 Zoom ID: 942 0407 9055
Link: https://olc-edu.zoom.us/j/94204079055

This event is hosted by the Oglala Lakota College Book Club and the Humanities & Social Science Department, with support from the South Dakota Humanities Council. It's also our final event supported by this grant—and we’d love to show strong support from OLC students, staff, and community members.

🌟 All attendees will be entered into a raffle to win a copy of the book and other fun prizes!

Let’s celebrate Indigenous storytelling and come together for this powerful literary event. Please consider logging in for the hour. Your presence matters.

📣 Happening TODAY at 11 AM (MST)!

Join us virtually for a special Author Meet & Greet with Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle, award-winning writer and enrolled citizen of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians!

📚 She’ll be reading from her incredible novel Even As We Breathe and sharing stories about her writing journey in an interactive, casual conversation.

🗓 Wednesday, June 4th
🕚 11:00 AM (MST)
💻 Zoom ID: 942 0407 9055
Link: https://olc-edu.zoom.us/j/94204079055

This event is hosted by the Oglala Lakota College Book Club and the Humanities & Social Science Department, with support from the South Dakota Humanities Council. It's also our final event supported by this grant—and we’d love to show strong support from OLC students, staff, and community members.

🌟 All attendees will be entered into a raffle to win a copy of the book and other fun prizes!

Let’s celebrate Indigenous storytelling and come together for this powerful literary event. Please consider logging in for the hour. Your presence matters.

05/23/2025

🌞📚 Exciting News for Educators! 📚🌞

This summer, I’m thrilled to offer online, self-paced professional development classes through the University of Sioux Falls — perfect for anyone wanting to grow, learn, or earn 1 credit for teacher recertification at a discounted tuition! 🎓✨

👉 Summer Series Part I runs June 16 – July 7 and includes 4 powerful, reflective, and relevant courses — all asynchronous, so you can work at your own pace from anywhere!

🗓️ Registration opens May 30 — here’s what’s in store:

📖 Book Study: Personal & Authentic By Thomas C. Murray
Design learner-centered classrooms built on authenticity and relationships. This book study focuses on crafting meaningful learning that leaves a lasting impact.

📚 Rooted & Relevant in English & Reading Classrooms
Explore identity, voice, and belonging in ELA. We’ll dive into representation in texts, home languages, and culturally sustaining lesson design.

🎤 Storytelling for Literacy Learners
Tap into the power of personal narrative, oral tradition, and poetry. This class centers student voice and shows how storytelling builds connection and literacy skills.

💖 Heart & Identity: SEL for Everyone
Discover how identity and SEL intersect with culturally sustaining practices. Learn strategies to create classroom communities where every student feels seen and supported.

Whether you’re looking to fulfill recertification requirements or just want to recharge your teaching practice, these classes are a meaningful way to invest in YOU this summer. 💪💫

Drop a comment or message me if you have questions — I’d love to have you join us! 🧡

10/08/2024

My He Sapa College Center-Oglala Lakota College Speech Communications class and the college center’s Student Organization is partnering together to put on this free event happening from 2-5 PM on Friday, Oct. 25th. My speech students will be helping guests, telling spooky stories, leading activities for kids, and will emcee the costume parade! Share and come on out with your family and community! ❤️ 👻

08/24/2024

Stop by the Rapid City Public Library today at 2 PM in the Community Room for Story Time with award-winning author, Whitnee Coy

This free event will also have a time to make sensory bottles, a great technique to use for grounding when emotions feel too big or overwhelming. ✨

For more details check out: Storytime & SEL Adventure with Whitnee Coy

Today’s the day!

💫 Come by the Rapid City Public Library at 2 PM in the Community Room for Story Time with me! Additionally, I’ll have some books for sale and can sign them. Plus we will be making sensory bottles, a great grounding technique for kids and adults alike when they are feeling overwhelmed with emotion. ❤️

For more details check out: Storytime & SEL Adventure with Whitnee Coy

08/16/2024

🌟 I’m incredibly grateful for the Black Hills Pioneer’s article by the writing whiz, Sierra Ferguson for highlighting my work in social-emotional learning for kids and my books, “Elsie’s Adventures to Brainy Cove” and “this deep, wide, dark world” (AlienBuddha Press). The outpouring support means the world to me and inspires me to continue creating content that helps children navigate their emotions and experiences while seeing characters that are reflective of themselves in appearance and behaviors. Thank you for shining a light on this heartwork! 📚💫

And…thank you for including the crazy talented illustrator Maham Ali who has poured herself and talent into this book! Without her, it would just be another story!

Don’t forget to come to Henry's Books tomorrow, August 17th from 10 AM - 12 PM for a book reading, signing, raffle of FREE prizes, and FREE snack bags from Breadroot Natural Foods Co-op. 🌟 Book Reading & Signing - “Elsie’s Adventure to Brainy Cove”

Looking for something closer to Rapid City? Next Saturday, August 24th I will be doing a reading and signing at the Rapid City Public Library and we will be making sensory bottles from 2 PM - 3 PM. ❤️

SPEARFISH — One month after the release of her book, Whitnee Coy will be signing copies of Elsie’s Adventures to Brainy Cove in Spearfish this weekend. The 29-page picture book

08/10/2024

Don’t miss this event if you are in or near Spearfish!

You can now officially find award-winning children’s book “Elsie’s Adventures to Brainy Cove”, and two of my collections of poetry, “this deep, wide, dark world” and “Kintsukuroi” at Henry's Books in Spearfish, SD! 📚❤️

Don’t miss on Aug. 17th the Story Time Event with me reading and signing “Elsie’s Adventures to Brainy Cove” from 10 AM - 12 PM at Henry’s Books Store. There will be 🌟Raffle🌟 items available for FREE including social-emotional learning toys and treats for adults! Also, don’t miss the treat bags from our friends at Breadroot Natural Foods Co-op - this is an event you won’t want to miss!


Book Reading & Signing - “Elsie’s Adventure to Brainy Cove”