Category Archives: Impact Stories

Feeding South Dakota – BackPack Program One student who was served through the BackPack Program stated “I really like when I get the beef ramen noodles. They are my favorite.” This shows how the program provides both comfort and consistent support for students.

Black Hills Special Services Cooperative – BHSSC's Home Visiting Programming Most clients have very few books and are so thankful to receive a book to read to their child. One mom was very happy with the sensory book and began using it during tummy time to reinforce developmental milestones that the Nurse Home Visitor explained.

Black Hills Special Services Cooperative – Developmental Disabilities Mental Health Initiative Janie, an individual supported by BHSSC, has greatly benefited from the Women’s Group counseling. She often became frustrated and withdrawn when her needs were not fully understood. Through enhanced awareness of mental health and coping strategies, she began to better recognize her preferences andContinue reading “Impact in Sturgis”

Meals on Wheels – Western SD From a Northern Hills participant, "I'm 93, nearly blind, and can't cook by myself. After my husband passed away, I lost weight quickly. I was worried I'd have to leave our home for a nursing home. My neighbor told me about Meals on Wheels, and the next day theyContinue reading “Impact in Northern Hills”

Kids Club Kids One child with severe autism, who previously struggled in daycare and did not it or group programs, has shown significant growth and engagement within the KCK program. Since joining, he has begun to thrive in the structured, supportive environment and now independently asks to attend KCK. He has developed meaningful connections withContinue reading “Impact in Northern Hills”

EmBe – Girls on the Run “The relationships gained in my volunteering for GOTR have been unmeasurable with the girls and the other coaches!! The growth I’ve been able to witness in the girls has been incredible too!!” -GOTR Coach

Big Brothers Big Sisters-Community – Based Program (One-to-One Mentoring) A Brother match is about to celebrate their one-year Matchiversay! A year ago, this pair was matched with the goal of helping the Little, a gifted math and science student, with his self-esteem. His Big is also very talented in these subjects as a student atContinue reading “Impact in Northern Hills”

Literacy Council of the Black Hills replacement story coming My relationship with Eric was excellent. We were very compatible and even went to dinner one night for class. His goal was to minimize his accent and learn to pronounce words much better. When he was reassigned, his supervisor commented that his pronunciation had improved noticeablyContinue reading “Impact in Northern Hills”

Lost and Found Assoc – Campus Connections Lost & Found partnered with 53 businesses across the Black Hills including Rapid City, Sturgis, Spearfish, Custer, Hot Springs, and Hermosa to promote “Chalk the Walk” in September. What began as a collaborative awareness event with South Dakota Mines has since grown into a statewide campaign, significantly expandingContinue reading “Impact in Sturgis”

Catholic Social Services – Access to affordable Counseling Services A young man who endured severe sexual, physical, and emotional abuse beginning in early childhood was later placed with his father, where ongoing verbal abuse continued. As a teenager, he survived two sexual assaults; the adult offender was criminally convicted and incarcerated. Despite this trauma, heContinue reading “Impact in Northern Hills”