Happy Retirement to Donna and Cathy

We send fond farewell wishes to two of our dedicated employees at Children’s Home Shelter For Family Safety who are retiring this week.

Donna Jean Traut

Assistant Program Supervisor
32 Years 7 Months

Donna started working at the shelter on Grange Avenue in Sioux Falls when her children were 8 (Jesse) and 4 (Elizabeth) years old, and husband Dan was still playing in a band on weekends. She reflects that Elizabeth just turned 39 and Jesse will be 44 in October and, sadly, Dan is no longer with us.

Donna says, “To say that my family and I grew up and evolved at the “Inn” is a great understatement. I am who I am in a very large part because of my involvement at shelter and my involvement with all of you who work here, and those who worked here in the past.

“To say that I learned an enormous amount about life, people, relationships and everything in general is again a great understatement. During my time working at the shelter I have experienced my kids growing up and moving out, parents passing away, Dan passing away and now my retiring.

“All of my experiences during this time were greatly impacted by the people I work with! And to say that I will miss all of you and miss just being a part of shelter is another great understatement. This place has attracted some of the most kind, caring and thoughtful people I have ever met.

“You are a tough group to leave, but leave I must. Thank you all for being you and being so wonderful to work with.”

Thank you, Donna, for being a role model and a great employee! You will be missed.

Cathy Rogers

Food Service Coordinator
5 Years 8 Months

Cathy Rogers, Food Service Coordinator, is retiring almost 6 years of service to CHS.

Cathy says, “My only regret I have is that I only found this place 6 years ago and not 36 years ago when I started cooking.”

She continued, “This place has been such a blessing to me. The people I have met have made a lasting impression on my life. A returning client reminded me that when she was at Children’s Inn five years ago that I helped her make her two-year-old her very first birthday cake! She loved our chicken cordon bleu and is hoping that we still make it! There is no one else that would remember me from 5 years ago but she did. THAT is amazing!”

We think you are pretty amazing, too, Cathy! Thank you for your commitment to our mission.

Happy trails to both of you!