Children’s Home Society Announces New Black Hills Campus

Posted on December 05, 2023

Rapid City, SD…On Tuesday, December 5, Children’s Home Society of South Dakota (CHS) announced it will locate a new campus in Rapid City at 5301 S. Highway 16, which is the former National American University (NAU) campus. “We are proud to begin a new era in caring for children and families in the Black Hills,” said CEO Michelle Lavallee. “CHS has ‘lived’ in the Hills for many years and with this campus, we can have a more positive impact in the community.”

“Having our team of experts in one place allows for the most impactful and efficient care,” Lavallee added. “The new location is also more convenient for families, our visiting care providers and staff.”

CHS Board President, Deb Soholt, said, “Today’s announcement is far more than detailing a brick-and-mortar project, it is about the next step in our journey of providing services and bringing hope and opportunities to the people we are blessed to serve.”

Purchasing the NAU location was a prudently sound financial decision by our Board of Directors. This commitment will serve the organization and the community for many years to come.

The new campus will bring all Black Hills programs, along with the Children’s Home Foundation, to one location, to better help the vulnerable children and families that CHS serves. Programs at the site will include Residential Treatment and Education, currently located in Rockerville; Children’s Home Child Advocacy Center; Child Abuse Prevention,

Training and Education; and Community Based Services, which is comprised of Adoption, Therapeutic Foster Care and Family Engagement Services.

In the coming months, the community will learn more about the project and how they can contribute to this vital initiative according to Jon Mammenga, Chief Philanthropy Officer.

“This campus will impact and empower people and serve as a guiding light of hope and healing for kids and families,” said Mammenga. “The project carries with it the collective hopes of children and families who need our help. And this community is generous, compassionate and strong.”

CHS expects construction to begin in late 2024 with a move-in date in mid-2026.

For more information, contact: Tammy Roberts | 605.965.3183 | Email: tammy.roberts@chssd.org