Sonny Prue is the new Director at Tree of Life.

After a challenging season, Tree of Life Ministries is entering an exciting new chapter of ministry and leadership. The Dakotas Conference is pleased to welcome Sonny Prue as the new director of Tree of Life. Located on the Rosebud Reservation in Mission, South Dakota, Tree of Life is one of the Dakotas Conference's long-standing mission partners.

Sonny has been serving as interim director since October and has now formally accepted the role, bringing with her deep roots in the community, long-time experience with Tree of Life, and a clear vision for the future.

“I’m honored to formally accept the offer for the executive director position,” Sonny shared. “I am deeply committed to the organization’s mission, and I’m eager to collaborate with organizations and people to do the work that we do here.”

Tree of Life has long been a place of welcome, dignity, and practical support for people on the Rosebud Reservation. The ministry provides essential services such as a soup kitchen, thrift shop, and assistance with basic needs—services that are relied upon daily by individuals and families facing significant hardship. Sonny understands that reality not only through her work, but through her lived experience.

“One of the biggest things for me is that I am from here,” she said. “I am an enrolled member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. Being able to have an opportunity to do the work on the reservation for my own people is something my heart has always wanted to do.”

This connection to the community is a major asset for Tree of Life as it looks ahead. Sonny previously served on staff at Tree of Life under directors Russell and Donna Masartis, as well as Linda Garriott, giving her a deep understanding of both the organization and the evolving needs of the community it serves. Stepping into leadership now feels like a natural continuation of a long-standing calling.

“The work that Tree of Life does and the services we provide to the community have always been one of my biggest passions,” Sonny said. “This was an opportunity for me to lead and do the work that I am passionate about doing.”

When asked about the impact Tree of Life has on the community and the tribe, Sonny was clear and direct. “We bring food security and important basic needs to people daily,” she explained. “Without these services, we’d have a lot more hardship than what people already experience. Tree of Life is a place where people can come and be treated with respect. Every day we see a variety of needs, and every day it’s something different.”

Tree of Life addresses food insecurity on the reservaiton.

Since stepping into the interim director role, Sonny has already begun expanding services in response to those needs. One such effort is a new firewood ministry, providing wood free of charge to community members who would otherwise struggle to stay warm through South Dakota winters.

“I told a donor about the need—that we had people burning clothes to stay warm—and that’s the reality of where we’re at,” Sonny shared. What started with a few pickup truck loads of wood has grown into a larger vision. This summer, plans are underway not only to deliver firewood, but also to educate younger community members on how to properly cut and store wood for winter. “Even if we can assist one person, that matters,” she said, noting that the cost of firewood can be as high as $300 a truckload—far out of reach for many families.

Sonny is also working to restart the food pantry, recognizing the growing hunger-related challenges as economic pressures increase. “That’s going to create some major food security for the people here,” she said. Looking ahead, she hopes to expand home repair services as well, responding to needs she sees every day. “We have elders with porches falling in, and houses with broken windows where kids are living with plastic taped up windows. It just takes a lot of hands working together to get that work done.”

Another part of Sonny’s vision is to reach beyond Mission and into more of the reservation’s 17 communities. “We have the thrift shop and the soup kitchen localized here, but we know there are people who just can’t make it to us,” she explained. One idea she hopes to explore is a mobile thrift shop that could bring services directly into communities, working alongside local community representatives to meet people where they are.

Longer term, Sonny hopes to pursue larger grants and potentially expand Tree of Life’s facilities, particularly to better host Volunteers in Mission (VIMs). “If we have more room for VIMs, we have more ability to do the work we need to get done with the help of others,” she said.

For churches and individuals across the Dakotas Conference wondering how they can support Tree of Life, Sonny is clear that prayer comes first. “Always with prayer—that’s first,” she emphasized. “Prayers are powerful.” Donations such as socks, hygiene items, other essentials, and monetary gifts are always needed, as is help spreading the word about Tree of Life’s ministry.

Tree of Life partners with many organizations to address the needs of the community.

Volunteer groups are also encouraged to come and serve. From painting and home repairs to working in the thrift shop and soup kitchen, there are opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. “If someone can’t be on their feet for long, we have work in the sorting room or projects like creating gift bags for our homeless relatives,” Sonny shared. “We want to be welcoming, and safety is always our first priority.”

As she steps fully into leadership, Sonny is also focused on nurturing a healthy staff culture. “I want to create a good work environment,” she said. “I want people to want to race to that door to punch in. We have a wonderful staff here, and I’m honored to lead such a dedicated team into this next phase of growth.”

Reflecting on this moment, Sonny summed it up simply: “I’m excited, and I’m ready to dive in and do the work.”

The Tree of Life Board members also echo the excitement about Sonny taking on this role. Jerry Bottger, chair of the Board, described her understanding of the unique challenges on the reservation and her heart for helping people who don’t have enough are two characteristics–foundational gifts–needed for this leadership role.

“She's also not afraid to think out-of-the-box and not necessarily use the same approaches that have been done before,” said Bottger. He described the way she uses her connections on the reservation, as well as with other reservations and communities, to meet the needs and share what Tree of Life has to offer. 

“Plus, she’s wonderful to work with," he added enthusiastically. “Sonny shines!”

The Dakotas Conference gives thanks for Sonny Prue’s leadership and invites churches across the conference to pray for Tree of Life, support its ministry, and celebrate this hopeful new chapter of service on the Rosebud Reservation.