Annual Meeting Highlights

Earlier this month, Children’s Home Society and Foundation Board Members from across the state gathered in Sioux Falls for the two-day annual meeting.

Board Members learned about the Science of Hope, made decisions regarding our strategic plan, watched a “Year in Review” video, welcomed new Board Members and bid a few members farewell. The day was full of big decisions and possibilities for the future of CHS.

The following day, CHS celebrated the opening of the new Daugaard Dining Hall with a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony. Staff and Board Members also gathered for a unveiling of the Todd Miller Memorial Bench. Click here to read more...

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Spread Holiday Cheer While You Volunteer

Start looking for your favorite Christmas sweater and find your trusty pair of scissors because we need you to join Santa’s workshop crew! Come get into the holiday spirit by bringing joy to others by wrapping their holiday gifts. The annual Gift Wrap Booth at the Empire Mall, benefiting Shelter, will be open from Friday, November 29 through Tuesday, December 24.

This is a great opportunity to spread Christmas cheer and use your Volunteer Paid Time Off (VPTO). Please check with your supervisor for pre-approval and to ensure that your shift will be covered if you are planning to volunteer during regular work hours.

Volunteer shifts are anywhere from two to eight hours long. You can sign up with co-workers, friends or family! Click here for more information.

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DSS Review Results for 2024

The DSS Licensing Review is complete and Children’s Home Society passed with excellent results! Congratulations to Jody Carpenter, Compliance Director at CHS, and her team for achieving another successful review.

“DSS reviewed children’s records, personnel records, safety related documentation and interviewed children and staff,” says Jody. “They were able to complete their review sooner than expected due to everything being readily available and so well organized.”

Thank you to everyone who was involved in making this review outstanding! Keep up the good work!

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FEATURED PET: Tamari

Three years ago, Melanie Coleman, an Outpatient Therapist at Community Based Services, was handed an eight-week-old puppy that she was going to train for Guide Dogs for the Blind. The little lab/golden cross named Tamari was the eighth puppy Melanie trained for Guide Dogs for the Blind.

After 15 months of training, Guide Dogs for the Blind decided that Tamari would need a “career change” due to allergies. Melanie couldn’t see Tamari leave and decided to adopt her. Read more...

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United Way Week Fast Approaching

BHCH and SFCH, get ready for a week of fun and games because United Way Week is fast approaching! United Way is an organization that strives to bring people together to build strong communities where everyone can grow and thrive. Nearly 90 cents of every dollar raised goes directly back to local community programs and services, including our Shelter for Family Safety.

Don’t forget to turn in your pledge cards! Staff can choose to either have money deducted from their paychecks or do a one-time cash or check gift. The earlier you turn your pledge card in, the more raffle tickets you can get. Click here for information on dress-up days
and United Way.