Author Archives: evergreen-dev

CASA 7th Circuit One of our volunteers was able to support a child in opening their first bank account and receiving financial education before aging out of foster care. Most children in foster care cannot get bank accounts because they do not have an adult to sign on their account opening. We arranged an understandingContinue reading “Impact in Rapid City”

Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota – Behavioral Health Services Despite the significant decision to end our outpatient mental health services, LSS was still able to serve 218 people in the Black Hills area. These clients were able to receive mental health services regardless of their ability to pay. Funding from UWBH made it possibleContinue reading “Impact in Rapid City”

Rural America Initiatives – Access to Mental Health Counseling One employee was in a very violent relationship with a person who had a strong addiction. He is in jail currently awaiting sentencing. Even while recovering from severe physical abuse, she came to work seeking support and direction. Her supervisor contacted the counselor who took herContinue reading “Impact in Rapid City”

YMCA of the Black Hills – YMCA Mental Health Initiative The success of this position has been a measured increase in staff retention, an improved cross utilization of community resources and collaboration and the identified need for a Behavioral Specialist to support staff in meeting the increased behavioral and emotional issues children and youth areContinue reading “Impact in Rapid City”

Youth and Family Services, Inc – Counseling Center In January, an adult female client was referred to YFS’ Counseling Center through WAVI, a community partner. Through a cooperative agreement, the Counseling Center provides counseling and support services to WAVI clients while they are staying in the shelter. During her initial counseling session, the client sharedContinue reading “Impact in Rapid City”

C.O.R.E.-Community Organized Resources for Educating Youth – Freshman Impact Since 2020 Rapid City Area Schools has not sent their whole freshman class, usually only sending 50 to 60 students. They increased the number 100 on a trial basis. The results were awesome, the kids loved it. The staff had nothing but good to say, nowContinue reading “Impact in Rapid City”

Lifeways – Elementary School Prevention Two years ago, three 2nd grade students were referred to me to receive prevention education related to vaping. They each completed 4 sessions of prevention education with me. Recently, the following situation occurred: upon entering a 4th grade classroom a student approached me and asked, “Aren’t you the one whoContinue reading “Impact in Rapid City”

Black Hills Area Habitat for Humanity Megan is an electrical student at WDT, which is how she came to know about the Habitat Homeownership program. As she and her classmates partnered with Habitat to wire a home on Lemmon Ave, she talked with construction staff and other volunteers. Megan and her two boys resided atContinue reading “Impact in Rapid City”

Black Hills Works Inc – BHW Affordable Housing In 1977, JJ’s parents made a life-changing decision to adopt his little sister, Emily, while they were living in another state. “Back then, doctors said it was very likely Emily would never talk, walk, or live any kind of meaningful life, given her disabilities.” “Hearing those wordsContinue reading “Impact in Rapid City”

Consumer Credit Counseling Service of the BH – CCCS Housing & Financial Counseling and Education I have recently been working with Julie, who experienced significant hardships and was determined to rebuild her life while improving her financial health. During a difficult period, she became involved in the prison system, which made it impossible for herContinue reading “Impact in Rapid City”