Category Archives: Impact Stories

EmpowerEd – EmpowerEd Scholarships When Tyson joined our program in 2024, his family was thoroughly frustrated with his educational journey and did not know where to turn. He had been struggling for nearly a decade in the public school system, a target of frequent harassment which led to a steady decline in his mental health.Continue reading “Impact in Rapid City”

Black Hills Area Habitat for Humanity Habitat was able to partner with the City of Hot Springs in a unique way, which we intend to replicate in other communities in our service area. We collaborated with the City Inspector to set up a day at the library where residents could come to complete an applicationContinue reading “Impact in Southern Hills”

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”

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”

Friends of the Children-He Sapa – Guiding Paths: Mentoring Indigenous Youth and Families for a Brighter Future One example of impact comes from our focus on literacy and academic engagement. Through partnerships with local schools and community partners, youth are engaged in culturally grounded literacy activities designed to strengthen reading skills and confidence. Friends-He SapaContinue reading “Impact in Rapid City”

Consumer Credit Counseling Service of the BH – CCCS Housing & Financial Counseling and Education We often travel to Hot Springs to work with Veterans through the VA Hospital Vocational Rehabilitation Center. Many of the veterans we meet have found themselves facing difficult financial situations after service and are unsure where to begin in rebuildingContinue reading “Impact in Southern Hills”

Working Against Violence Inc – Project THRIVE When Erin arrived at WAVI’s shelter in Rapid City, she carried little more than a backpack and was holding the hands of her two young children. After years of emotional abuse and escalating violence, she made the difficult decision to leave when she realized her family’s safety couldContinue 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”

Rapid City Club for Boys – Summer Learning at the Club for Boys Tony arrived at the Club as a quiet nine-year-old carrying more frustration than confidence. It was his first year as a member, and everything felt unfamiliar. New routines, new expectations, new adults, and a new language. At home, Spanish is spoken, andContinue reading “Impact in Rapid City”

NeighborWorks Dakota Home Resources – HUD Approved Housing Counseling Andrew came to NeighborWorks on a recommendation from his lender. Andrew and his wife wanted to purchase the home they were renting in Custer but fell a bit short financially. Not having to move was a big item for them with their two small children. WithContinue reading “Impact in Southern Hills”