ADetourtoaDream - Children's Home Society

DevelopmentDirectorRick WeberOur daughter,Hannah, graduatedfrom high school this Spring. I know manyof you will relate to the effort involved ingetting ready for graduation, and forhosting family and friends for a celebration.Graduations seem to accelerate things onto-do lists like nothing else can—cleaningout the garage, painting a room or two,some deeper cleaning than is usuallydone…and the list goes on. This frenzy ofactivity is, in a way, part of the graduationritual that we do because we love our kids.Family events like graduation remind me ofwhat we try to do for the children we serveat Children’s Home. We want CHS kids toknow and experience the kinds of thingsthat we want for our own kids. We want togive them the best chance possible tohave a good life.We are currently working on our longrangestrategic plan. As part of thisprocess, we’re reviewing our “BeliefStatements” that we adopted 20 yearsago. They continue to guide our worktoday.We believe:Every child has a right to a permanent,functional family.That in the absence of a family, everychild has the right to live in a permanent,safe and loving environment.Every child has a right to develop theirfull potential.We must care for CHS children as wecare for our own.The success of our program depends onthe quality and stability of our staff andboard.We need to be leaders in child andfamily advocacy.We should continuously improve andshare our professional skills to betterserve children, families and community.If you are a partner in our work, whetherthrough charitable support or volunteeringyour time, please know you are making adifference. If you have not been involved,we invite you to become part of theChildren’s Home Society family. We needmany friends to help make our beliefstatements be more than just some wordson a document.And in the meantime, my hope is thatbeing part of this work will enrich your ownlife. It certainly has done that for me.Creative Arts Endowment UpdateProviding music & art for CHS Kids!Thanks to start-up grants, a part-time music teacher and a part-time artteacher are now part of the teaching staff at both BHCH and SFCHschools. In the meantime, Children’s Home Foundation is working to builda Creative Arts Endowment Fund that will sustain these teaching positionsonce the grant funds have been used. Earnings from a $2 million fundwould forever secure the art and music programs at both schools.Makingan EstateGift maybe easierthan youthink!We mark steady progress toward theoverall goal of $2 million. Thanks tothe recent gift of $500,000 from theestate of Marjorie Rawlins, fundsraised toward this goal now total$1,527,000.We would welcome your help to secure art & music programs for CHS kids!A simple provision in a will, or anamendment (codicil) to an existing will canbe brief, easy, and inexpensive to complete.The most common wording in a will orbequest is for a gift “to Children’s HomeFoundation to be used to support theoperations of Children’s Home Society ofSouth Dakota. (There are Children’s HomeSocieties in other states, so indicating “ofSouth Dakota” is very important.)More specific designations can be made.For example, a gift could be designated “toChildren’s Home Foundation to be used tosupport Black Hills Children’s Home, aprogram of Children’s Home Society ofSouth Dakota.”Beneficiary designations of IRAs andretirement plans can be made by completing some very basicpaperwork. This does not even need to involve your will. A charitableorganization can receive all or just a portion of those funds.For 119 years, Children’s Home Society has provided safety & carefor thousands of children who have been victims of unfortunatecircumstances. Estate gifts help to secure “being here” for children andfamilies, for years to come.If you have questions, or would like to visit about an estate gift,please contact:In Sioux Falls:In Rapid City:RICK WEBERELLA SHAFER605-965-3127 605-343-2811rick.weber@chssd.org ella.shafer@chssd.org4

Our most-asked question: “WhBy far, most of the children that are referred to Children’s Home Society have been victims ofunfortunate circumstance. The reasons are as varied as the stories. But the common thread of CHSprograms is “a second chance”—to help children work through the trauma that hasadversely affected their lives; facilitate the healing of mind, body and sprit; andwork toward their successful transition into a healthy family setting. Here is aglimpse into the lives of some of the 2,000+ children we care for each year…A bill collector knocked on the door of a home that looked uninhabited, but wasanswered by two children, ages 4 and 5. The children asked if she could helpthem turn on the lights in the house. The home was cold and filthy, and shecould find no food to feed the crying, hungry children. The 5-year-old had askin infection, and the 4-year-old had burns on her face. The adult took thetwo children with her to get help. While they were driving, one of thechildren said, “What about baby?” They drove back to the house, andfound the baby in a back bedroom that was even colder than the rest ofthe house. The baby was severely bruised on the face and head, andappeared to have infected sores. Authorities learned the mother was injail and had asked her boyfriend to look after the children. Followingmedical treatment, these children were taken to CHS for emergencyshelter.A sibling group of three children was removed from their mother's careon Christmas Eve, after their mother had stabbed her boyfriend. Thechildren arrived at the CHS emergency foster home around 8 PM onChristmas Eve and were fed, bathed, and tucked into bed. When thechildren woke up Christmas Morning, each of them had gifts andstockings under the tree, thanks to thoughtful planning and quickaction by the foster mom on duty, and the generosity of some CHSfriends. These children remained with CHS for approximately onemonth while a safe plan was made for the children’s care.Kaylee was removed from the home of her birth parents at the age oftwo because of extreme neglect. There was no food, no running wateror sewer system in the home. The parents were low functioning, andboth had histories of alcohol abuse. Kayla was placed in foster care.Her foster parents reported that Kayla was up most nights, findinginappropriate things to eat, such as toothpaste. She has anxiety aboutwhat will happen to her each day. A court date is pending for terminationof parental rights. Kaylee is on the waiting list to come to CHS forresidential treatment.Police responded to a call from a concerned neighbor, and found two youngchildren locked out of their home, trying to get in. The authorities found asibling group of four children, age 5 and under, including a 2-month-old foundin the home. There were feces and maggots throughout the house. All fourchildren had pink eye, skin infections, and respiratory ailments. They had opencuts and sores on their feet that had become infected. The 2-month-old baby wasseriously underweight. There was no food in the home. The children came to CHSfor emergency shelter and stayed for a week before going into foster care.6

BHCH = Black Hills Children’s HomeSFCH = Sioux Falls Children’s Home“Give us this daySince 1893, grassroots support for Children’s Home Society has been the constantsupply for “our daily bread”. We are so grateful for friends—all across the state andbeyond—who find special ways to support the CHS mission. We would like to share thestory of some of the “loaves” that have been given…For many years, XANTERRA PARKS & RESORTS, and the EMPLOYEES of theNATIONAL PARK SERVICE at Mount Rushmore have joined together to provide thegourmet meal, refreshments, and dinner service for the MOUNT RUSHMOREWINTER GALA, a fundraiser for CHS coordinated by THE RUSHMORE ROTARYCLUB. This year’s event was held on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17th.Guests at this sold-out event enjoyed an evening of gourmet cuisine, Irish music,a live auction of sculptures, a “Heads & Tails” game (photo left), and a slide show ofThe Kids’ Gala (keep reading!).This event raised $21,128 for the Child Advocacy Center of the Black Hills!What was“The Kids’ Gala”?This year, onemonth before theMount RushmoreWinter Gala, Xanterra and the Park Service employees went “above and beyond”and hosted a “Kids Gala”—a similar special event for Black Hills Children’s Homekids. As the kids & staff marched up the Avenue of Flags that frames a first look atMount Rushmore, they were welcomed by a double line of greeters formed by theirhosts. They enjoyed several unique experiences, created just for them—meeting theK-9 drug dog, theHarley patrolmotorbikes, andmuch more!As the kids & stafffeasted on chicken strips, gourmet mac & cheese, JELL-O jigglers, a veggiemedley, and cheesecake, they witnessed a surprise performance by THE BIGWIGS—a five-man rock ‘n roll band that—in spite of some gravity-defying wigsand a wardrobe on loan from Rod Stewart’s bottom drawer—looked remarkablylike some of the leadership staff at Black Hills Children’s Home! (Can you pickthem out?!?) THE BIG WIGS brought the house down as they sang their one andonly song—“Put the Lime in the Coconut”—which they had been secretlyrehearsing for this special occasion.A big thanks to XANTERRA PARKS & RESORTS and THE NATIONAL PARKSERVICE for giving BHCH kids an experience they will never forget!Julie“CreateAthon” was a 24-hour national blitz during which participating adagencies and creative marketing services would partner with a local non-profitorganization to provide a pro bono service for that non-profit.The watchful eye of a CHS Recruitment Specialist noticed this promotion andquickly responded with an application for the CHS Therapeutic Foster CareProgram. The recruitment of foster parents is an on-going challenge,and CHS was hopeful for assistance in producing marketingmaterials that would aid this effort.The ZING IDEA FACTORY, one of the participating agencies inthe Sioux Falls area, selected the CHS application! ZING ownersJULIE FLANNERY and SARAH LAVIN met with CHS staff andcreated an eye-catching, informative, and engaging mini-bookletthat can be used in the recruitment of foster families.As an added bonus, ZING also helped produce a video formatcompanion piece to the booklet, that is a more appropriate (not tomention cost effective!) alternative form of the same message forlarger audiences.Sarah8

The Orion ClassicOur 17thAnnual Eventis August5th & 6th, 2012For complete event and raffleinformation, go to:www.orionclassic.comThanks to Billion Toyota, were doing it again!Sponsored bySunday, August 5, 20122nd Place Prize$500 Shell Gas Carddonated byBest Western RamkotaExhibit Hall3200 W. Maple St.Sioux Falls, SDThis is a special eventfor all friends ofChildren’s HomeSociety!103rd Place Prize - $250 CashLast year’s Prius winner,Lisa Tiensvold!For Tickets:(605) 965-3138ortom.roberts@chssd.org

Many hands...many books... many thanks!“Many hands make light work.”This couldn’t have been more true last fall when CHS launched the sale ofTom Roberts’ third book—THE LITTLE LOST SOCK. It was a huge team effortto create, produce, promote and sell this book,along with continued sales of the previouslyreleased books SANTA’S PRAYER and ’TWASTHE NIGHT BEFORE CHRIST.Many books were sold!The result? Over 7,300 books were sold in 2011,raising more than $125,000 to support CHSprograms that serve over 2,000 children each year. We are grateful to all thechurches, schools, service organizations, retailers, and businesses whopartnered with us in this effort!Since the first book release of ’TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRIST in 2002,more than 37,000 books have been sold and over $625,000 has been raised!Many thanks, to everyone who had a hand!BOOK PROJECT SPONSORS:We hope you enjoy receivingthis newsletter. It is our way to keepyou informed about CHS news, andabout the work we are doing withchildren and families.We also hope that you willconsider making a gift to supportour mission. As long as the kidscontinue to come, we will continueto ask for your help.Can you please send agift today?Name:_______________________________NuStar EnergyBob, Connie, Kaitlin & LeviScottJack & Linda StengelCAPITAL Card Services Inc.Dacotah BankGreat Western BankCarolyn & Mark MollersJeff & Muriel NelsonKohl’sLes Kruse – AmericanFamily InsuranceRausch GraniteRehfeld’s Art & FramingThrivent Financial ForLutheransVal & Dave MickelsonGIFT IN KIND & MEDIA SUPPORTTom Roberts, AuthorJim Brummond, IllustratorMaximum GraphicsMidwest EditionsJDS IndustriesRude TransportationArgus Leader MediaBackyard BroadcastingKELO TVMidcontinent CommunicationsVision VideoDan VignessAddress: _________________________________________________________________City:_________________________________State:_____________ Zip: ______________Gift of $_____________ enclosedMany new plans are being made…PLEASE USE:And here is how you can help! This fall, and into the months leading up to theholidays, Tom and Tammy Roberts will once again “hit the road” with a fullschedule of events, retailer book signings, church visits, and performancesall across South Dakota.We are looking for churches, schools and eligible organizations to help sellthese books, and at the same time raise funds for your own project ormission—you keep $2 from each book sold!Call Tammy at 605-965-3183 for more details.You can purchase any of the books, any time, at www.chssd.org/booksVision Video created a TV spot to promote THE LITTLE LOSTSOCK. It was entered, and won a 2011 Silver ADDY Award!Congratulations, Vision Video!____ Where needed most____ For Endowment____ For Creative Arts EndowmentTo give on-line,please go towww.chssd.org/foundationACCEPTED11

CHILDREN’S HOME SOCIETYOF SOUTH DAKOTAP.O. BOX 1749SIOUX FALLS, SOUTH DAKOTA 57101-1749Non-profit OrganizationU.S. POSTAGEPAIDSIOUX FALLS, SDPERMIT #437ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTEDPROBLEMS! We’d like to make it right! Change label and mail back to us.___Misspelled name___Wrong address___Receive more than one.___Remove my name from mailing list.“HAGAR THE HORRIBLE” Visits CHSIt all started when CHS Board Member Scott Korsten, and his wife, Marilyn, attended afundraiser for The Teddy Bear Den. They purchased an auction package called “Hagarthe Horrible Goes to School”, donated by nationally syndicated cartoonist Chris Browneand his wife, Carroll, who make their home in Sioux Falls. Scott and Marilyn called theschool at Sioux Falls Children’s Home to see if the school would be interested inbenefiting from this experience.It took about two seconds for school staff to respond with an enthusiastic “YES!” It wasdecided that the middle school classroom would be best suited for this specialopportunity. The SFCH art teacher made plans to integrate a unit to study comic stripart, culminating in this special event, set for March 13th.Half of the middle school students met with Chris and Carroll during the period before lunch, and the other half met the period after lunch. Inbetween, everyone gathered for a special pizza & pop delivered lunch, also part of the auction benefits!During the class time, Chris talked about who the Vikings were, how he gets his ideas for cartoons, who hischaracters portray, and how to draw a cartoon. He also talked about the kinds of jobs that are available toartists. He explained what a sketch artist does, and then had the kids describe various staff members to him,as he would draw the person from their descriptions. Each student also received an “Honorary Viking”certificate and had their picturetaken with Chris.2011 Employees of the year“Dedicated to Excellence in Caring”Established in part with an endowment gift from JOE & AMY CASS,the “DEDICATED TO EXCELLENCE IN CARING AWARD” is givenannually to recognize an outstanding employee at each CHS site.BLACK HILLS CHILDREN’S HOMEJERRY BAMSEY2002-present: Maintenance SupervisorYears of service: 11A big thanks to CHRIS &CARROLL BROWNE for sharingtheir gifts of talent and time withSFCH kids and staff, and aspecial thank you to SCOTT &MARILYN KORSTEN, for makingit all possible! What a memoryfor the kids.MARILYN & SCOTT KORSTENTake this link to the CHS Channel!www.youtube.com/user/ChildrensHomeSDSIOUX FALLSCHILDREN’S HOMECHERYL PAETOW1996-present: ReceptionistYears of service: 16Congratulations, Jerry & Cheryl!Check out our facebook pageand become a fan!fTo protect the privacy of the children and families we serve,(unless otherwise noted) it is our practice to use names and photosthat represent our stories, but respect confidentiality.To receive our e-newsletter go to www.chssd.org