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.

October 27, 2025

CHS Scrapbook: Spooky Smiles

Jack-o’-lanterns came to life at Rockerville earlier this month! Volunteers from the Black Hills Church of Christ brought wooden pumpkins for the kiddos, and the dining hall was transformed into a Halloween art zone! The kids spent the afternoon getting creative—decorating each pumpkin with silly faces and spooky stickers.

“The kids had a blast and were very grateful for the volunteers who made this fun afternoon possible,” said Events and Volunteer Specialist Abby Sharp. “Anytime the kids can be creative—and a little messy—is always a win!”

CHS Scrapbook: Ghoulishly Good Times

We had some unexpected guests on the Rapid City campus last Friday—and they weren't your average tour group. A mysterious group of ghosts drifted in, claiming they wanted to see the latest construction updates. They were so impressed with our building that they decided to hold a meeting right in our conference room. We overheard something about "not falling for tricks while haunting humans," but it was hard to tell over all the bone-chilling shrieks and eerie echoes.

It seems the ghosts have made themselves at home and getting rid of them has been...tricky. We'd really like our staff back! If anyone knows how to get in touch with the Ghostbusters, please send help—before the spirits schedule their next staff meeting!

October 20, 2025

CHS Scrapbook: Native American Day Parade

South Dakota has celebrated Native American Day since 1990. Last Monday, members of our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee walked in the 8^th annual Native American Day Parade in Sioux Falls.

Committee members including Assistant Program Supervisor Emily Hall, Assistant Program Supervisor Kathryn Klein, Crisis Advocate Paola Rodriguez, Crisis Advocate Katie Underberg, Crisis Advocate Carissa Bonnema and WWK Adoption Specialist Tina Graber proudly carried the CHS banner and were excited to take part in the parade.

CHS Scrapbook: Fangtastic Fits

Forget the candy—Halloween is all about dressing up in a fun, wacky costume that you love! This year, kiddos at SFCH got to search for their perfect spooky—or silly—outfit in our very first Halloween Costume Exchange.

Earlier this month, a few therapists teamed up to sort and organize dozens of costumes by size and style. When the children visited the Admin building last week, they searched through the colorful collection to find their perfect fit.

“Each unit used to do this individually, but this year we decided to come together—which gave the kids more costumes to choose from,” said Therapist Brittny Mueller. “Picking out a Halloween costume is all part of the childhood experience. Some of these kids haven’t had the chance to just be kids. It’s cool to see them find a costume they love!”

CHS Scrapbook: Fuel Up Smoothie Kits

Fueling healthy bodies and minds in schools across the country is what Fuel Up, an initiative from America’s Dairy Farmers, is all about.

Earlier this year, CHS received a Fuel Up grant for new equipment for a Healthy Start Smoothie Cart. A few weeks ago, both BHCH and SFCH received their new kits.

“My evening cook has used it at least twice a week since we received it—including the day we got it,” said BHCH Food Service Coordinator Koty Carbone. “Both the kids and staff love the smoothies! We’ve been saving leftover fruit and freezing it to use in the smoothies. Not only are we saving money, but the kiddos are eating more fruit!”

The kit includes:

• A 16” immersion blender
• Two buckets with lids
• A branded Fuel Up utility cart
• Three branded cooler bags with dividers
• A retractable Fuel Up banner

SFCH Food Service Coordinator Lisa Wylie shared her excitement about the new equipment.

“These smoothie kits are awesome,” she said. “I’m not sure who is going to love this more—the kids when they get their smoothies, or me when I get to use the immersion blender!”

October 13, 2025

CHS Scrapbook: Jon Crane

The 19^th Annual Jon Crane Auction benefiting CHS was held last Friday, October 3, in Rapid City. This year’s net proceeds exceeded $263,000, which will support our new Rapid City Campus.

Guests had a wonderful evening bidding on beautiful silent auction packages, enjoyed a delicious meal and participated in an exciting live auction. Throughout the evening, people had the chance to purchase keys. The guest with the key that fit the special lock took home Breathless Evening Light—an original painting by Jon Crane.

Enjoy a few pictures from the evening below.

CHS Scrapbook: Pumpkin Fun

Is it even spooky season if you don't pick out a pumpkin?

Thanks to our fa-boo-lous donors, Rick and Colleen Hewitt, who brought some Halloween magic to the Sioux Falls Children's Home campus. Rick and Colleen—parents of our Director of Development, Andrew Hewitt—grew and donated these pumpkins for the children to enjoy decorating. The kids are sure to have a spook-tacular time!

CHS Scrapbook: Chasing Goals

Occupational Therapist Jennifer Crisp-Griebel’s son, Brogan, isn’t just making big moves on the field—he’s making them off the field, too.

In January, Brogan attended a soccer camp at Florida’s prestigious IMG Academy. He impressed the coaches with his skills and was recruited to join the team. Today, he is the starting goalie for the IMG U16 MLS Next Homegrown team.

“We made the difficult decision to send him to IMG because we knew they could provide him with opportunities he wouldn’t have in South Dakota,” said Jennifer. “He is now the starting goalie for their top team, and we are so proud!”

While the family is still adjusting to Brogan being away, they’ve enjoyed visiting and cheering him on!

October 6, 2025

CHS Scrapbook: CPCM Conference

The 2025 Community Response to Child Abuse Conference took place last week in Sioux Falls. Jessica Broullire, Child Advocacy Center Assistant Director, partnered with Tifanie Petro, Victim Service Director at Pennington County State’s Attorney Office to present Safeguarding Your Youth-Serving Organizations at the conference.

Family Advocate Coordinator Jennifer Arnold and Forensic Interviewer Monica Eaton-Harris also attended the conference and helped run our CHS booth.