When I think about the important work LSS of South Dakota is doing across the state, I think about Avery*, a client at Arise Youth Center. For her, every day was focused on just making it to the next. Alone, mistreated and rejected, far from home and trapped in circumstances beyond her control, she found a sense of safety in our 24/7 shelter care, where young people move beyond the justice system and toward a brighter future. Arise became a space for her to heal and rediscover the joy and stability that’s possible when you rest in your first safe space.
We are so grateful to be entrusted with this sacred work. As I reflect on 2025, I am reminded of both overwhelming joys and tremendous challenges. Our organization has shown great resilience as we have adapted to funding changes beyond our control. These external forces have resulted in reductions in the scope of services at the Center for New Americans, Behavioral Health and our Family Stabilization services. These changes have been hard but necessary decisions as we look to maintain the health and sustainability of the agency as a whole.
In spite of all these challenges, I feel certain that together we will continue the important work of meeting the growing needs of South Dakota’s families.
- In September, LSS entered into a new contract with the State of South Dakota to provide enhanced kinship and foster care licensing services. The contract means more families will be equipped to care for children across the state, creating stability and improving quality of life. Learn more about this work to strengthen families here.
- More than 1,200 mentors in eastern South Dakota show up each week for a student who just needs an extra person in their life. Meet one of those mentors here.
- In Lake Andes, a new program called Preserve & Prosper began last spring as a way to address food insecurity. LSS’s Older Adult Resource Network and other community partners are teaching residents how to garden and can the produce they’ve grown, and we know the seeds planted through this program will reach far beyond the pantry. Read about this innovative but old-school effort here.
- While some of our behavioral health services have been discontinued this year, many clients still are being helped through our counseling services, including school-aged children in the southeastern part of the state. Hear about the vital effort to increase access to in-school counseling here.
Whether it’s children in foster care who are safer statewide, a mentee who hears someone say they are proud of them, older adults and caregivers connected to resources in the southeast or a student feeling the relief of a listening ear, with your support, LSS is making a difference across our state.
Rebecca Kiesow-Knudsen
President & CEO
*Arise client’s name changed to protect her identity.
