Holiday spirit has arrived at CHS, with parties, festivities and fun at all locations.

The Bright Start Christmas party was held December 7 at Central Baptist Church in Sioux Falls. Fifty-five Bright Start families attended the party, many of them dressed in festive Christmas attire. The families first enjoyed a hot sit-down meal from Tony’s Catering.

Bright Start staff wore green and red shirts adorned with “the most likely to…” sayings. Clients had the opportunity to write their names on a gingerbread cutout and place them on the saying they resonated with the most. The most popular was “Most Likely to Steal Santa’s Sleigh,” worn by Bright Start Therapist, Jeanne Weyen. See more photos by clicking this link.

Infants and toddlers made a painting on a canvas using their little feet. Pregnant clients decorated ornaments with thumbprints. These crafts will be completed by Bright Start staff and given to clients at upcoming home visits, plus photos taken with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. All clients and children received Christmas gifts, and there was much laughter and fun all around.

Sunday, December 10 was a very special day at Black Hills Children’s Home in Rockerville. Despite the lack of snow, the Rockerville Fire Department and Pennington County Sheriff Deputies made sure Santa arrived in style to deliver slippers, treats and stuffed animals to the children.

The same week, the Ellsworth Air Force Base Monthly Volunteer Group brought joy and delight to BHCH, too. Each child enjoyed decorating Christmas cookies and personalizing their own stockings.

The Shelter for Family Safety enjoyed a visit from the Grinch, who played games, shared treats and brought smiles to guests and staff. From left to right: Grace Eager, Nicole Sanderson, Mr. Grinch and Breckin Steilen.

At Sioux Falls Children’s Home, Georgetown was held on December 7. This annual event gives our residential and day school kids a chance to experience the joy of giving. Children choose gifts for their loved ones while volunteers wrap gifts.

After the Christmas Program at SFCH, children were able to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, who were especially adorable this year.

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NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK

We welcomed 14 new employees to the CHS family during New Employee Orientation on Monday, December 11. Learn Fun Facts about each of them and view their photos here. 

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SEASONED STAFF 

Steve Feild is featured in this issue of Seasoned Staff. Steve shares some of his special memories over the past 20 years as a Unit Coordinator at BHCH. He says the best advice he has ever been given is to “Only fall forward. If you have to fall back, only fall back onto your faith.”

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CHS SCRAPBOOK NEWS 

We celebrated with Kent Tornow, Residential Youth Counselor, and Jordan Hofer, Middle School Teacher, on the new additions to their families. Click here for baby photos of Laneya Matilda Barbara Tornow and William Wakinyan Hofer. 

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ASK US 

The answers to your recent questions will be coming soon in the New Year!

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