Thanks everyone for a high-energy All Hands meeting the other day. Wow! What a remarkable year we are having as an organization.

While it is impossible to capture every achievement, I wanted to send along a larger snapshot of the successes which represent the many ways we support our kids, families and the greater community.

I encourage you all to recognize achievement through the lens of “WE did it!”

• WE transitioned all staff and services to the new Children’s Home Shelter for Family Safety without disruption to our clients! The families we serve have already experienced upheaval in their lives; getting both ourselves and them settled in the new building was a true highlight of the past year.
• WE expanded our Bright Start footprint through securing an important state contract. We now serve first-time moms and their families in a dozen South Dakota counties.
• WE achieved a critically important victory in the Legislature and will, for the first time, receive Medicaid reimbursement to fully cover services.
• WE connected children with loving families to change lives. Consistent Therapeutic Foster Care recruitment led to four new families licensed. We had another successful adoption conference hosted by the Community Based Services team. Wendy’s Wonderful Kids met goals for finalized adoption and matches, and Family Engagement Services increased referrals.
• WE told our story—and more people than ever listened. By the third quarter, Marketing surpassed our FY22-23 goal of increasing social media followers by 10%. Nearly 4,400 people now follow our achievements. Facebook continues to be an important tool; our team created more than 550 posts last year.
• WE continued to increase website traffic, with 1,000+ more users over January 2022. We will use this benchmark in FY23-24 as we prepare to launch a new version of chssd.org with improved navigation and content. Our website is an important tool to draw all stakeholders to our doors.
• WE improved recruitment, filling positions at a faster rate than previously. Onboarding of new staff succeeds in helping them hit the ground running.
• WE saw employee engagement scores continue rising. When you take the time to participate in employee surveys, you help us become even better.
• WE worked in classrooms to help our kids flourish. CHS Schools staff and students met NWEA MAP Growth Goals in Math and Reading. Way to go!
• WE all play a direct role in supporting kids and families. Whenever we are blessed to positively impact lives, we are given a gift. Each day I see all of you embracing the challenges and opportunities.

Thanks for everything you do for CHS and one another. ❤️

Michelle