CHS Shines at CHW Conference

CHS was well represented at the 2024 Third Annual SD Community Health Worker (CHW) Conference in Sioux Falls on May 21 and 22.

Child and Family Service Director Tifanie Petro delivered the opening keynote address on the importance of trauma-informed organizations to more than 200 CHWs from across South Dakota. She and Prevention Education Specialist Teri Beeson were able to connect with CHWs from a wide variety of organizations.

Also in attendance were Children’s Home Shelter for Family Safety Outreach Advocate Kate Feilmeier and Family Engagement specialist Loree Crawford, shown here with their poster highlighting the achievements of CHWs at CHS. Our other two CHWs, Family Engagement Specialists Sarah Crawford and Angella Kegler, were not preset but their achievements were represented on the poster.

Kate was also a presenter, along with Kathy Rutten from The Network Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault, at a breakout session on domestic violence.

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Apply Now! CHSU Applications Due June 7

CHSU is a customized CHS leadership program for developing skills such as understanding oneself and
others, coaching, listening, engagement and development. Through this program CHS strives to create a culture of leadership where all people develop into effective staff and leaders. 

CHS will be starting its third cohort in September 2024. If you are in a supervisor role and/or want to grow professionally at CHS, we encourage you to apply. Applications are due Friday, June 7, and can be emailed to Allison Sanderson. To download the CHSU application, click here.

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ASK US: You Asked. We Answer.

This question was submitted to ASK US:

Q: At a recent staff meeting, a supervisor told us that they are being picky in their hiring process. It was also stated that “it doesn’t matter which one of you leave. I will be picky and patient to try to find an even better candidate.”

How does that create an environment where each employee is valued and appreciated for their work if our own supervisors essentially say we are replaceable?

A: Click here to read the answer

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FEATURED PET: Zöe

Kate Feilmeier, Outreach Advocate at Children’s Home Shelter for Family Safety, shares how this cat from the Brookings Humane Society “reached out” through the kennel bars to grab the string on her husband’s hoodie. Shaun and Kate spent hours playing with Zöe, a Russian Blue breed cat, and  decided she was meant to be theirs.

Click this link to read more about Kate’s feline friends.

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