Sheetrock, Paper, Scissors

It takes a village to raise a child, but did you know it also takes a village to break down walls?

As the construction dust settles on the Sioux Falls campus, it’s just beginning for Rapid City. Last Thursday, CHS hosted “Sheetrock, Paper, Scissors – Ribbon Cutting/Demo Day” to celebrate the demolition and renovation process on the new Children’s Home Society of South Dakota Rapid City campus.

A multitude of people attended the event, including city officials, community members, CHS board members, donors, and staff.

Lakota Elder Robert Rattling Chase opened our celebration by talking about the Lakota word “wablenica,” which translates to "orphan" or “one who is lost.” Robert spoke about the importance of CHS's role in the community and how we help children and families find their way when they are lost. He ended his speech with a Lakota blessing, asking for protection and safety for all that come to our campus.

Remarks were delivered by CHS leaders, a board member, the Rapid City mayor, and our architect and builder.

Child/ Adolescent/ Adult Psychiatrist, Dr. Brian Wilson also addressed the crowd. He shared that he is already seeing patients on the new campus and noticing the impact it has on the families and children we serve.

Following the speeches, members of the CHS leadership team suited up in purple hard hats and vests and took turns smashing the sheetrock wall. Once everyone had a chance to break the wall, Elevate Rapid City brought out a pair of gigantic scissors to cut the ceremonial ribbon.

Per Lundquist from News Center 1 and Ryan Hills from KOTA, were also in attendance. Click their names to see the videos they prepared. SDPB also shared this coverage of the event.