Kathy Brennan with Wellmark BCBS of SD, Michelle Lauer, Bella Oliver with Helpline Center and Faron Lais.

CHS volunteer Michelle Lauer was named the Helpline Center’s 2025 Volunteer of the Month. Volunteer and Development Coordinator Faron Lais nominated Michelle for the incredible contributions over the past 10 years in the Loving School library.

“Michelle earned this award for the amazing work that she has done at CHS,” said Faron. “She began her volunteer work in April of 2014 and continues to keep our library stocked, clean and ready for kids to use.”

Michelle usually volunteers twice a week on the SFCH campus. She stays busy setting up book displays, organizing, and processing book requests from the kiddos. She also assists a class at Loving School with science projects and regularly works one-on-one with the students doing enrichment activities like reading.

“I have a master’s degree in psychology and used to do counseling,” said Michelle. “I also volunteered in my kids’ classrooms. After I stopped, I realized how much I missed working with kids. Being able to help them at the library is truly rewarding.”

“Volunteering helps me appreciate so much,” she added. “These kids are dealing with some pretty serious issues, and yet they show up every day and do the work. It’s inspiring.”

Last Thursday, representatives from the Helpline Center and Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Dakota visited CHS to honor Michelle for her inspiring years of service and dedication to the kids. They presented her with a framed certificate, yard sign and a letter of recognition from Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken.

Michelle gratefully accepted the award, even though she prefers to stay out of the spotlight. She hopes her story will inspire others to make an impact on their community.

“Volunteering pushes you outside of your bubble,” Michelle said. “I feel like people get stuck in their own space and forget what’s happening in the bigger world. We need to change that.”

If you’re ready to step outside your bubble and making a difference in your community, visit the Helpline Center to explore volunteer opportunities across the state.

Remember, CHS gives employees eight hours of Volunteer Paid Time Off (VPTO). You cannot accrue VPTO, so be sure to use them before June 30. VPTO hours will reset on July 1.