IMPACT
in Rapid City
Your Generosity in Action
Thanks to your support, United Way of the Black Hills is proud to share real stories — told in the words of our partners — that show how your generosity is making a difference every day.
SHIFT Garage
In May 2024, a client was referred to SHIFT Garage by a volunteer who had recently begun attending church with her. During their conversations, she shared that she was without transportation, which was making it difficult to provide for her son.
SHIFT Garage was able to step in and provide her with a highly reliable, low-mileage sedan, giving her the means to regain her independence. During these interactions, we learned about her struggles, including her attempts to support her household through an OnlyFans account. Unfortunately, this had not only failed to cover her expenses but had also led to the well-documented negative impacts associated with such work.
It became clear that she wanted to make changes, not just for herself but to ensure her son could be proud of how she provided for their family. In October 2024, the client reached out to SHIFT again when her car began running very rough, and a check engine light came on. We diagnosed the issue and completed the repair at a fraction of what she would have paid elsewhere. Beyond the repair, this interaction offered another chance to support her journey.
She shared that she had left OnlyFans and taken on two part-time jobs. Just five months after receiving her vehicle, she was financially stable and providing for her family through respected employment. Our volunteers also worked with her to explain how her vehicle operates, the basics of maintenance, and the functions of its major components.
This knowledge empowered her to care for her car and approach future challenges with confidence. At SHIFT, stories like hers inspire us to continue our work. By offering reliable transportation and meaningful support, we help individuals rebuild their lives and create brighter futures for themselves and their families.
Thanks to generous donors like you, United Way of the Black Hills is able to make stories like this possible!