Woape’ vision of the future came through a spiritual community known as RedWind which follows an earth based way of life focused on health of individuals, communities, and the earth. Founded in 1997 from the teachings of Frank Fools Crow, the RedWind Community listened to his words, “Survival of the world depends on our sharing what we have, and working together.”

Although the RedWind Community humbly and quietly practiced a spiritual tradition, they chose to become involved in the many issues facing the people of the earth. In 1999 the community took a nonprofit organization status to build stronger alliances with others and develop greater ways of helping. This decision continued to focus the RedWind Community in providing teachings for healthy ecology, social service and criminal justice system improvements, environmental awareness and protection, individual psychosocial development, conscious decision making, and spiritual awareness. A youth focus was particularly important as the Teachings encourage helping the next generation to become good people.

In 2001, RedWind began partnering with other non-profit organizations serving high risk youth to ask about programming for their clients. The Council of RedWind, in conjunction with key community members, began to develop teachings, ceremonies, and programs for youth. Testimony of the community spirit in supporting RedWind comes in the countless volunteer hours offered these ventures. As a volunteer lead and operated organization with no paid employees, RedWind logged thousands of hours of service to youth.

In 2008 The RedWind Community and Board of Directors chose to support expanding RedWind into Woape. This expansion supported the RedWind Community to remain as a community of service living in the Teachings of Grandfather Fools Crow while developing a professional Board of Directors, hiring an Executive Director, and expanding services to youth and our local communities.