Journey On Safe Passage

Journey On Youth Outreach’s Safe Passage program provides consistent, visible safety support for elementary and middle school youth traveling through high-risk neighborhoods. Our staff work alongside families to identify and reduce barriers that prevent children from safely getting to and from school, after-school programs, community events, and partner services.

Safe Passage also promotes positive relationships between youth and their caregivers, helps mediate potential conflicts, and connects families to supportive resources when needed.

Due to ongoing safety concerns that have contributed to high truancy rates and reduced participation in after-school activities—particularly at North Middle School—the program focuses on the Knollwood community, serving North Middle School, General Beadle Elementary, and Knollwood Elementary School.

The regular presence of Journey On Safe Passage Specialists during school arrival, dismissal, and other key transition times helps create a sense of safety for students and peace of mind for parents and guardians.

Journey On STEPS Program

The Journey On STEPS program (Support Team Encouraging Perseverance and Strength) supports houseless and housing-insecure youth and young adults ages 16–24. STEPS serves youth experiencing a range of housing instability, including frequent runaways, those couch surfing with friends or family, staying in hotels or shelters, living unaccompanied, or experiencing literal homelessness.

STEPS partners with Rapid City youth drop-in centers, Wambli Ska, and The Circle, to provide transportation and connect youth to essential community resources through referrals. The program works to remove barriers to housing, education, and self-care.

Through consistent mentorship, resource referrals, and supportive relationships, the Journey On STEPS Team builds trust with vulnerable youth and young adults, helping foster community connections, stability, and an improved quality of life.

Journey On High Risk Intervention (HRI)

Journey On High Risk Intervention (HRI) focuses on intensive, one-on-one mentorship for youth with a history of violent behavior or who are at risk of gang involvement. Through trusted, credible messengers, Journey On connects with youth who are contemplating or already engaged in gang or drug activity and works to redirect them toward positive, pro-social opportunities.

HRI mentors help remove barriers to services by coordinating with community partners and connecting youth to appropriate resources. The Journey On HRI team participates in weekly case management meetings alongside the Rapid City Police Department Community Outreach Team and other key youth-serving stakeholders to ensure coordinated, effective support.