Life Initiatives, Inc.
Board of Directors
In keeping with the Purpose and Priorities of Life Initiatives, the organization is directed by a partnership of Native/Non-Native Co-Presidents.
LARRY SALWAY, Co-President Larry is a professor at Oglala Lakota College. He is a licensed social worker and served five years as tribal judge on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Larry also directs He Sapa New Life and has been a minister for over 30 years.
RON JENSEN, Co-President Ron is employed by National Electronics Warranty. He has been a pastor for 25 years, serving churches in California and South Dakota.
SUE JENSEN, Secretary Sue has been Ron's wife and ministry partner for 28 years. Her service on the LI Board flows from a life-long love for the Lakota people. She is employed as Administrative Assistant for Bethany Christian Services.
LANNETTE ADAMS, Treasurer Lannette brings 30 years of bookkeeping experience to her role with Life Initiatives. She is employed by GenPro Power Systems, Inc.
ALAN SMOOT, Board Member and Legal Counsel Alan has practiced law for 24 years. He is a partner in Smoot and Utzman, PC., and is co-chairman of the Pennington County Mental Health Board.
Life Initiatives * 1601 Mt. Rushmore Rd #3-286, Rapid City, SD 57701 * (605) 430-0794
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OUR PURPOSE is to develop partnerships between people – especially people of different cultures - that help all of us take the initiative for a better life.
• When we hurt, partnerships give the strength and encouragement to move ahead.
• When we lack the basic needs of life, partnerships equip us for productivity.
• When we are ignorant of another culture, inter-cultural partnerships help us grow in our understanding, appreciation, and respect for others.
• When we lack hope, partnerships provide a friend in spiritual discovery and strength.
OUR PRIORITIES - all we do is shaped by these values:
• Every culture is valuable and has much to contribute to the world. We will seek out and celebrate those assets. (Appreciation)
• We will develop partnerships that are mutually beneficial. We deprive ourselves of great blessings if we assume a dominant culture is necessarily a superior one. (Humility)
• Our desire is to find the joy of Native people and Non-Native people growing in their mutual understanding, appreciation and respect. (Racial reconciliation)
• The driving passion of our service is our deliverance, freedom and joy in Jesus Christ, but we serve out of a love and respect that is unconditional and free of spiritual manipulation. (Openness and Congeniality in spiritual matters)
