Jennifer Arnold
Family Advocate Coordinator, Child Advocacy Center
20+ years

Tell us about your family, including pets.
My immediate family includes my husband of 24 years, Mike, and our two children, Isaac David (21) and Leah Joy (19). God willing, Isaac will graduate from SDSU in May 2024 and Leah from Augustana in 2026. Our four-legged kids include: an 11-year-old Australian Shepherd (Scout) and a 2-year-old Vizsla (Cruz).

Where did you grow up?
I was born in St. Paul, MN. Most of my childhood was spent in Rapid City. We had a family farm in Spencer, SD, where I also spent a considerable amount of my child/teen years. I am most certainly a country girl at heart.

What are some of your favorites:
-TV shows?
I don’t watch much television, but recently saw the series Daisy Jones and the Six, which was great!

-Books?
I love to read. A couple recent books I recommend: Demon Copperhead, The Art of Hearing Heartbeats, Lessons In Chemistry, The Alice Network

-Musicians?
My music playlist genres are all over the place- depends on my mood. Favorite band is The Avett Brothers (15+ concerts). Also love- Caamp, Lumineers, Mumford and Sons, The Head and the Heart, Noah Kahan, instrumental music, 80s, 90s, Tom Petty, U2, The Cure, INXS, Pearl Jam, Indie Folk, Fleetwood Mac, Bluegrass, Reggae, ………….just to name a few……….

What are your hobbies?
Outdoor activities, nature walks with my dogs, snow skiing, hiking, paddle boarding, boating, morel hunting, gardening, yoga, meditation, coffee shops with friends, cooking delicious food, reading.

What’s something that people would be surprised to know about you?
I have a deep Norwegian heritage. My great-grandparents homesteaded in MN. The native language was spoken in the home all the way through my father’s generation.
The food and traditions were a big part of my childhood.

What are the best pieces of advice you’ve ever been given?
It’s none of my business what others think of me.
Pay attention to what you’re paying attention to.
Spirituality is the journey of unlearning.

Please provide two truths and a lie about yourself.
I skied back country weekly with an avalanche transceiver while living in MT.
I have a deep fear of drowning.
The only food I really dislike is goat cheese.

What are some of the changes you have seen over your years with CHS?
The changes at the Messengers building in the Black Hills have evolved considerably. When I started over 20 years ago, it was a small building that housed only five or so Community Based staff but was also the location of the Emergency Foster home for kids taken into DSS custody. The former Emergency Home ultimately closed and is now home to the Children’s Home Child Advocacy Center. An entire addition was put on the building and CHS Community Based programs have expanded greatly. It’s hard to believe we have already outgrown the additional space and are bursting at the seams once again. Exciting times are ahead as we continue to evolve and think about the future of CHS expansion under one roof here in the Black Hills. 😊

Can you share a special memory or two from your time with CHS?
I have so many memories I’m not sure how to even choose. A couple random things that come to mind:

Years ago, we had an employee with a magical singing voice. Periodically, she would start singing in her office and everyone down the halls would begin to join in. I get chills thinking about those days.

Each year, the CAC staff “adopts” a few families we have worked with over the course of the year (ones that we know could use a boost during the holidays). The memories of being able to bless them with gifts and make their Christmastime a bit brighter I will always cherish.

Do you have any advice for newly-hired employees?
I wish I would have started a journal 20 years ago. The lessons I have learned from kids and caregivers over the years are immeasurable. I would advise keeping a personal inventory for anyone just starting out with CHS—I promise, you will never be the same after doing this work. Your heart and soul will expand and change forever.

Is there anything else you’d like to say about your time at CHS?
This work is a lifestyle I have chosen. It’s not for everyone. I cannot unsee, unhear, or unknow all that I have been exposed to over the years. My perspective on life and the world has shifted because of my time with CHS. I am deeply grateful for this journey and the person I have become because of my time with CHS.