Annual Meeting Recap

Children’s Home Society and Foundation Board Members from across the state gathered in Sioux Falls for the annual meeting last month. The day was full of big decisions and possibilities for the future of CHS. Members learned more about the Science of Hope, made decisions regarding the strategic plan, welcomed new members and said farewell to a few others. Continue on to read a few highlights!

Science of Hope

Board Members were treated to a special guest appearance from the Director of The Hope Research Center Chan Hellman, PhD. Dr. Hellman spoke about how hope is a cognitive process and it’s more of a mindset than a feeling.

In his book Hope Rising, Dr. Hellman uses research and stories of people who went through traumatic situations and became hopeless. By sharing their stories, Dr. Hellman gives readers strategies on how to become hopeful if they are going through a similar situation. He challenges every reader to be honest about their struggles so that together, we may end the cycle of shame related to trauma, illness, and abuse.

The Science of Hope is part of CHS’s strategic plan to implement a consistent care model. The goal is to have all CHS employees trained in the Science of Hope. As of September 2024, approximately 250 CHS employees have had some Hope training.

Strategic Plan Initiatives

Implementing a consistent care model is just one part of the strategic plan. This plan has four initiatives.

1.) Implement a Consistent Care Model

• Establish and provide a continuum of care model for families receiving services at CHS including outpatient psychiatric and therapy services.
• Incorporate The Science of Hope model and standardized evidence-based assessments to provide an understanding and direction for therapeutic services.
• Provide adequate support for the family to live successfully in the community.

2.) Increase Revenue Diversity for Sustainability

• Ensure the long-term sustainability of the organization through billable services, investing, philanthropy, and grants.

3.) Buildout New Black Hills Campus to Launch Model Programs

• Successfully remodel the newly acquired campus to launch residential treatment, school, outpatient clinic, community-based services, child advocacy, and future programs to ensure the project is completed on time and within budget.

4.) Improve the Employee Experience

• Understand and enhance the employee experience to foster a positive work culture, increase job satisfaction and improve overall organizational performance.

Rapid City Campus Update

Board Members were made aware that CHS has entered an agreement with former Board Member Phil Lampert, of Lampert Properties, to list and sell the Rockerville campus.

CHS also entered an agreement with Keller Williams to list and sell our Messengers building on Jolly Lane. Commercial Broker Chris Long is no stranger to CHS, as he was the realtor that helped CHS find and purchase the new Rapid City Campus (formerly NAU campus).

A design overview for the new Rapid City Campus was also shown to Board Members. Click here to see the building plans and renderings.

Any questions regarding the Rapid City campus can be directed to CAO Mark Niemeyer at mark.niemeyer@chssd.org.

Rapid City Campus Campaign: Promise Children’s Home Appeal

The Promise Children’s Home Appeal was announced during the annual meeting. CHS is working with the Abbey Group on this $15 million campaign over the next five years. Currently, CHS has raised $1,038,000, which is almost 7% of our goal.

Right now, CHS is in the quite phase of this campaign. There is no date on when we will move to the next phase; the timeline will be based on monetary benchmarks.

Any questions regarding the Promise Children’s Home Appeal can be directed to CPO Jon Mammenga at jon.mammenga@chssd.org or members of the steering committee.