Amy Carter and Children’s Home Shelter
For Family Safety Win National Awards!

On the heels of receiving our Champion award from the Children’s Bureau, we were notified that Children’s Home Shelter for Family Safety and Program Director Amy Carter won prestigious Purple Ribbon Awards from DomesticShelters.org.

The Purple Ribbon Awards are the first comprehensive awards program honoring the countless heroes of the domestic violence movement, including advocates, programs, shelters, survivors and members of the community support system. $30,000 worth of grants will be awarded to exemplary Purple Ribbon Award winners during a virtual celebration of all winners on May 18, 2023. Read more here.

What Is That Blue Parking Line For?

If you are an employee who works during the day, please park south of the blue line in the parking lot. For safety reasons, the closest spots are reserved for staff who arrive and leave during the nighttime hours.

We also have a CHS policy of backing vehicles into our parking spaces. All research indicates fewer accidents occur when we back into our parking spots. Thanks for your help in looking out for our kiddos and each other.

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ASK THE CEO:

You Asked. We Answer.

Two new questions were submitted to Ask The CEO on the GOOD WORKS portal:

The Easter party in the CHS gym looked like so much fun!! I am wondering if there is anyway our group home children could join in future CHS celebrations? I am sure our 6 kids and staff would have loved to be a part of the party!

Thank you for the question about kids in Shelter for Family Safety joining the other kids for fun activities or parties such as we saw over Easter.

All kids need those fun times. Because confidentiality must be maintained, it’s not always possible to include children in shelter to participate. We will keep an eye out for including them when possible.

According to the CDC, the pandemic is officially over the beginning of May. Will the mask mandate for unvaccinated employees end?

This past week President Biden signed documents formally ending the COVID emergency. We are all thankful to have this pandemic behind us.

CHS (a recipient of Medicaid funding) has worked very closely with legal counsel to ensure its compliance with the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services so that associated funding (funding drives policy/process and procedure) would not be jeopardized.

CHS has been able to adapt as the pandemic has evolved and is anxiously awaiting further guidance from the government to ensure compliance with CMS.

As the situation changes our intent is to continue to keep everyone informed as to next steps.

Thanks for the question!

–Michelle Lavallee, CEO

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New Kids on the Block

CHS welcomed several new staff members in April. Read “Fun Facts” about your newest coworkers and view their photos here.

Black Hills Children’s Home
Haven Deitz, PT RYC
Sean Evans, PT RYC
Dorea Grace, PT RYC
Grace Ligtenberg, PT RYC
Christopher Neill, RYC
Gillian Spiva, Art Teacher

Sioux Falls Children’s Home
Darian Blue, Residential Youth Counselor
Holly Christofferson, Housekeeping
Miles Davis, Residential Youth Counselor
Nathan Fox, Residential Youth Counselor
Shaylynn Catchthebear Hoefs, Housekeeping
Jessica Simpson, Residential Youth Counselor

Children’s Home Shelter For Family Safety
Chaley Lindner, Housekeeping

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What’s New in CHS Scrapbook?

Shout Out To Our Volunteers! There is an amazing group of volunteers who give of their most precious resource—their time—to support the work at Children’s Home Shelter for Family Safety. See who’s celebrating 20 years!

Congrats, Grandpa Rick! Foundation Director of Development Rick Weber and his wife Mary welcomed their first grandson (and third grandchild), Judah Adam Weber. Click here to read more and see an adorable photo of Judah!

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Slow Down! Speed Bumps Coming Soon.

Speed bumps will be reinstalled on the SFCH campus drives on May 1. Watch for the the warning signs and be
prepared to drive just a bit slower for the safety of our staff and children!