Families celebrate together, laugh and cry together, and care for one another. For many of us, the CHS Family is an extension of our own. Here are a few pages from our own CHS Scrapbook.

April 28, 2025

We’re thrilled to share that Shelter Assistant Kim Brahmer has welcomed a new baby girl into the world! Miss Aurora was born on Tuesday, April 15, at 8:21 am, weighing 7 lbs and 4 oz. Both mom and baby girl are doing great. Congratulations on your new addition, Brahmer family!

April 21, 2025

SDBVAA

Shelter for Family Safety Crisis Advocates Britney Kennedy, Sami Rasmussen and Linn Nelson attended the 2025 South Dakota Basic Victim Assistance Academy in Pierre, SD. The academy was sponsored by the South Dakota Network Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault of Sioux Falls. Britney, Sami and Linn learned how to better assist clients with resources when they are dealing with domestic violence, sexual assault, or court proceedings. Our Crisis Advocates also spent time networking with other professionals in the criminal justice system.

Coach Lord

Controller by day, coach by night! After years of coaching volleyball, Controller Rachel Lord had the opportunity to coach the top regional team at Kairos this season. Earlier this month, Rachel’s 15-Delta team took home first place at the AAU Grand Prix.

“I’m coaching almost every weekend from January to July, and I absolutely love it!” Rachel said. “Being a mentor for these young girls and teaching them not only the mechanics to perfect their physical skills but also to help them grow emotionally and focus on mental strength, has been super rewarding. I couldn’t be more proud of my team!”

April 13, 2025

For the past eight years, Assistant Director of Development Andrew Hewitt has volunteered at Sonia Sotomayor Spanish Immersion Elementary School, where he teaches Junior Achievement classes. Over five sessions, Andrew helps students build skills in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. The curriculum is tailored to each grade level, using a building-block approach that expands on key concepts year after year.

This year was extra special for Andrew, as he got to teach his son’s kindergarten class. The kindergarteners learned what a bank is and were educated on the difference between a need versus a want.

“The Junior Achievement classes are so important,” said Andrew. “Kids often don’t hear about these things at home. The classes show them how to manage money and encourage them to think about their future and careers.”

April 7, 2025

Happy Birthday, Scott!

Last week, the crew at Madsen Down held a surprise 60^th birthday party for Unit Coordinator Scott Egan. Staff enjoyed a delicious taco bar and a Cake Lady cake depicting Scott’s passion for hunting and fishing. From everyone at CHS, Happy 60^th Scott!

Multi-Disciplinary Response to Victim Services Conference

The 2025 Multi-Disciplinary Victim Services Conference was held on March 27. CHS helped host the event with 15 other organizations around the state. The conference was designed to help educate professionals from a variety of multi-disciplinary teams about addressing and servings victims of abuse and maltreatment. Professionals included law enforcement, mental health, attorneys, child protection, domestic violence shelters and other non-profit agencies. We are happy to share that more than 200 people attended the conference!

Family Engagement Specialist Loree Crawford, Case Manager Desiree Pedroza and Therapist Melanie Coleman talk about resources with Journey On representatives at their booth.

Family Advocate Coordinator Jennifer Arnold and Therapist Michelle Soberalski took some time to connect and reflect at the conference.

Education and Public Awareness Specialist Jessica Broullire and Forensic Interviewer Monica Eaton-Harris also had some time to connect and reflect during the conference.

Jessica had the opportunity to introduce the next panel of presenters during one of the sessions.

March 31, 2025

Shelter for Family Safety welcomed some adorable fluffy visitors earlier this month. Staff and clients snuggled with week-old ducklings and watched them waddle around the multi-purpose room. Assistant Program Supervisor Gwen Betz said, “This was great self-care! It’s amazing how many smiles and laughter these four little ducklings brought to Shelter!”

These week-old fluffy cuties stopped by Shelter to spread joy!

Cook Reanna Mennis, Housekeeper Chaley Lindner and Housekeeping Coordinator Keanna Hubner enjoyed some quality time with their surprise visitors.

Assistant Program Supervisor Julie Blain spent some quality time snuggling this little fella.

These little fluffballs delighted Shelter staff and clients with their cuteness. Therapist Jeanne Weyen, Business Manager Janice Lee, Housekeeper Michaela Ishmael, and Keanna enjoyed their company.

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Our favorite fluffy friends, Tyka, returned to the show ring with her owner, SFCH Preschool/Kindergarten Teacher Cheryl Lundin. Tyka recently competed at the Heart of America Samoyed Specialties. On the first day, she won four categories—Winners, Best of Winners, Best of Opposite and Best Bred by Exhibitor. The following day, she won Best Owner Handled and Owner Handled Working Group 1.

“We are so proud of our girl!” Cheryl exclaimed.

Congratulations, Lundin family—we are proud of our champion too!