LSS is celebrating 25 years of mentoring! The program began the fall of 2001 in partnership with the Sioux Empire United Way and the Sioux Falls School District. Since then, nearly 5,400 people have volunteered to be mentors, and they have positively impacted the lives of 6,806 students in 13 school districts.
A dozen mentors started mentoring with LSS 25 years ago and are still mentoring. LSS President and CEO Rebecca Kiesow-Knudsen was among the first mentors and continues to mentor today. Her original application was completely filled out and submitted to herself when she was the inaugural Mentor Coordinator for LSS in 2001.
“When we set out to create the mentoring program at LSS, we could see the passion of our volunteers and knew the needs school counselors had, but to now be able to look back and realize how LSS has intersected with so many lives through mentoring brings me a lot of joy,” says Kiesow-Knudsen. “We would not be where we are without an exceptional staff and the power of our volunteers, schools and funding partners. We are honored to be entrusted with this work and look forward to continuing to be here for the next 25 years and beyond.”
LSS Mentoring Services empowers youth to succeed by establishing trusting relationships with adult volunteers. Applications are accepted throughout the year, and mentors can start whenever it is convenient for them. While no special skills or experience is necessary, mentors have LSS’s ongoing support, encouragement and guidance when needed. The program is offered in school districts in Lincoln and Minnehaha counties as well as in Aberdeen and Flandreau.
“I committed to being a mentor through LSS years ago and have had the privilege of working with three students through the years. My parents (ages 87 and 83) mentor, as does my brother. Currently, I’m paired with a student at Lowell Elementary, and our time together is consistently the highlight of my week,” says Dr. Jamie Nold, Superintendent of the Sioux Falls School District. “Each child I’ve mentored holds a special place in my heart and the smiles, laughter and friendships are a great reminder that we get more than we give when we say ‘yes’ to mentoring. The District’s theme this year is ‘Our Kids! Our Future!’ and through it, we hope our community recognizes that it will take all of us, caring for ‘Our Kids,’ to ensure Sioux Falls has a bright future.”
Mentoring empowers children and teens (K–12) by connecting them with volunteer mentors. Three options are available:
- In-school mentors spend one hour per week with an elementary or middle school student at their school. Matches can choose how they spend their time, from playing basketball to reading or simply having lunch together.
- High school mentors spend four hours each month with their mentees—either during or outside of school—helping them set meaningful goals, succeed at school and explore career opportunities.
- Community mentors spend four hours each month with a young person aged 7–14 in their community. Matches select activities together, and LSS supports them by offering discounts for food and activities, as well as organizing monthly events.
LSS Mentoring Services is generously supported through funding from both the Sioux Empire United Way and Interlakes Area United Way.
“LSS Mentoring Services is a wonderful example of what can happen when our community comes together to support our youth. A consistent, caring adult can make an incredible difference in a student’s life, and we are proud to partner with LSS and our local schools to make these connections possible. As we celebrate the thousands of mentors and students who have been part of this program, we hope this milestone inspires others to discover the difference they can make in the life of a young person,” says Christina Riss, Chief Operations Officer at Sioux Empire United Way.
To mark the 25th anniversary of the program, LSS is seeking 250 new volunteers this school year. That will put a dent in the countless number of students waiting for a mentor.
LSS believes that every child could benefit from an ongoing relationship with a supportive adult. As a mentor, you can help build self-esteem, encourage positive choices, identify and work toward goals, lend new perspectives, or simply be a friend to a young person who needs someone in their corner—all in as little as one hour per week. Sign up today at Mentoring.LssSD.org.
