Presenting the donation to Darcie Decker (center), YFS Nutrition Director, and Connie Olson (right), YFS Development Director, is Tim Sughrue (left), M.P.H., F.A.C.H.E., and Chief Operating Officer of Regional Health.

Employees from Regional Health raised $1,326.83 for the children of Youth & Family Services just by wearing jeans!

Regional Health selected YFS as the recipient of a portion of their Jeans Day donations. All the funds that YFS received from Regional Health will be going to support the children enrolled in YFS programming such as YFS Girls Incorporated of Rapid City which serves girls, ages 6-17, by providing fun and exciting educational and recreational activities during the school year and each weekday during the summer.; the YFS Counseling Center whose staff are dedicated to helping families overcome challenges by paving the way for healing; and YFS Child Care which offers quality care, a highly qualified staff, reasonable rates, and a welcoming environment for children from ages 4 weeks to 14 years old.

On May 23, two representatives from the Made for Shade Foundation, Rhonda Reuwsaat and Kristen Nelson, CNP, helped Youth & Family Services’ staff members break ground to plant one of four trees at YFS facilities in Rapid City.

Youth & Family Services was selected by the Made for Shade Foundation in an essay contest to receive four trees that will provide shade on playground areas for the children served in YFS’ programs. The tree that was planted on Thursday at YFS’ N. Plaza Blvd. facility is a Linden tree. The additional trees, which will be planted at YFS’ E. Monroe facility, are Honey Locust trees.

The Made for Shade Foundation was established in 2007. Its mission is to provide information and assistance that helps educate the public on the effects of the sun; stressing the importance of sun safety and skin protection.  UV (Ultraviolet) light is strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., a prime time for children to be active outside. Planting trees to provide shade ensures that children will be able to keep their skin safer from the sun’s harmful rays, and also enhances their natural outdoor environment.

On May 17, two organizers from the Black Hills Motorcycle Show, Neal Schlottman and Rob Burton, presented Shelly Flack, YFS Girls Incorporated® of Rapid City Site Coordinator, and Connie Olson, YFS Development Director with a check for $1,525 to support the YFS Girls Inc. program.

The 25^th annual Black Hills Motorcycle Show took place this past April. The funds that were presented to YFS Girls Inc. were raised through a portion of the event’s ticket sales. The donation from the Black Hills Motorcycle Show will be used to support YFS Girls Inc. programming.

YFS Girls Inc. provides year-long educational and recreational programming for more than 1,300 girls, ages 6 – 17. YFS Girls Inc. programming highlights community action, sports, health, careers and life planning. These programs also celebrate our members’ culture and heritage, and encourage the girls to develop self-reliance and life skills.

Pat Goetzinger, YFS Board Member (first row, far left), was honored at the annual “Wind Beneath Our Wings” Outstanding Performance Awards Luncheon for his service to Youth & Family Services and to our community.

Early this month, Patrick Goetzinger, YFS Board Member, was honored at the 25th annual “Wind Beneath Our Wings” Outstanding Performance Awards Luncheon. Each year, this luncheon is hosted by the Health & Human Services Committee of the Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce.

Pat was honored for his work with Youth & Family Services and for giving graciously of his time, resources and talents. Pat has been an active member of the Youth & Family Services Board of Directors since 2000. Recognizing the need to provide financial stability and ensure continuity of services during poor economic times, Pat was instrumental in forming the Youth & Family Services Foundation in 2004.  He continues to be a strong leader on the Youth & Family Services Foundation Board of Directors.

Pat is a partner with the Rapid City law firm Gunderson, Palmer, Nelson & Ashmore, LLP.  His work is primarily related to business and estate planning.  What makes Pat unique is his willingness to share his knowledge.  He is a true leader and a natural teacher.  His vision, guidance and commitment have been paramount to YFS’ efforts to gain financial stability to meet the current and future needs of our community.

On behalf of the children and families served by YFS each year, we would like to thank Pat for his commitment to YFS and our community.

Midcontinent Business Solutions made a generous donation to Youth & Family Services earlier this month. Presenting the check was Rick Haupt (center), Regional Sales Manager for Midcontinent Business Solutions. The $2,000 donation, which was received by Carrie Robley (left) , YFS Girls Incorporated® of Rapid City Director, and Darcie Decker (right), YFS Nutrition Services Director, will be used towards the purchase of a new copy machine for YFS Girls Inc.

Twice a year, Midcontinent Business Solutions donate funds to deserving organizations. Last year, Midcontinent donated $73,000 within North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, and Nebraska.