Youth and Family Services, Inc.- YFS/Girls Incorporated of Rapid City
*Hanna joined Girls Inc. in the fall of 2023 as a 4th grader, but due to a difficult family situation, she just started attending school for the first time that year. This left her significantly behind her peers academically and socially. Compounding these challenges was Hanna’s autism, which had been exacerbated by years of isolation. She started her journey reading at an early Kindergarten level and a math-competency level of 1st grade. Hanna began working diligently at school and with Girls Inc. staff to catch up to her peers. Homework help/tutoring staff started with books that sparked her interest and were simple enough to avoid frustration. She practiced decoding words, growing more confident with each success. The camaraderie at Girls Inc. played a vital role in Hanna’s progress. Younger members often stepped in to help her with math practice books, patiently teaching her addition and subtraction while remaining kind and nonjudgmental. These small but impactful interactions gave Hanna the academic support and the encouragement she needed to believe in herself. Hanna’s social growth has been equally remarkable. Initially, she became easily exasperated, leading to challenging interactions with staff and peers. But over time, she learned to channel frustrations, build connections, develop friendships, and manage her emotions more effectively. Dangerous outbursts and disruptive behaviors are rare as she becomes more socially and emotionally cognizant and improves self-regulation. Despite the obstacles, by the fall of 2024—one year after starting school and attending Girls Inc.—Hanna has risen two grades in her reading level, steadily progressing toward grade-level proficiency. She is tackling 3rd-grade math concepts, although multiplication remains a challenge, for now. Hanna’s growth is a testament to her resilience, dedication, and the influence of a supportive community. While she still has ground to cover, her progress has been extraordinary. With her determination and the support of her teachers and mentors, Hanna will continue to succeed as she enters middle school and beyond. *Name has been changed for privacy purposes.