A Message From Our President and CEO Rebecca Kiesow-Knudsen
At LSS of South Dakota, we often talk about meeting clients where they are. We walk alongside families, equipping them with the skills and resources they need to thrive. It’s challenging and sacred work.
This year, we’ve also been asking ourselves: Where do we want LSS to go next? What path should our organization take to provide these services at the highest level and ensure the sustainability of our essential programs?
Over the past several months, our Executive Team, Board of Directors, Leadership team, staff members and external stakeholders have been engaged in a thoughtful strategic planning process that will carry our organization into 2030. While our new strategic plan is still being finalized, I wanted to share why this work matters.
For the past four years, LSS has focused on pursuing program opportunities that strengthen families and keep children and youth in their homes and communities. Our operational strategies included:
- Creating a positive culture to attract and retain a high-quality workforce
- Ensuring long-term financial viability
- Effectively telling the story of LSS
- Providing a welcoming environment for staff members and clients
Part of our process was to evaluate how well we did in these areas since 2023. We’ve made great gains, but as an organization that has served South Dakotans through wars, recessions and changing communities, we continue to strive for what’s best for those we serve.
Strategic planning isn’t simply about setting goals for the next four years. It’s an opportunity to step back from the day-today work, examine the changing needs of our communities, and make thoughtful decisions about where we invest our time, talent and resources. It’s about asking difficult questions, listening to different perspectives and staying grounded in our mission while preparing for the future.
Throughout this process, we’ve celebrated the impact LSS has made for more than a century while recognizing that the needs of South Dakotans continue to evolve. Our responsibility is to evolve, too, and ensure this work is sustainable for the long-term.
One thing has become abundantly clear: Our mission remains as relevant today as ever. Every day, LSS supports individuals and families as they navigate life’s challenges. People like Sam Uwizeyimana, a young person who will change the world, and Amanda Dressler, a mother doing everything she can to create a beautiful future for her son.
That mission doesn’t change. What does change is how we can best deliver on it in a rapidly changing world.
This strategic planning work has reaffirmed that our greatest strength has always been our people: the employees, volunteers, donors, partners and supporters who believe in the work we do. People like Wes and Gladys Storm. As charter members of our Founders Family, they helped create what is now a $9 million Foundation. And Adrienne McKeown, who has devoted more than 800 hours to our mentoring program.
Thank you for being on this journey with us. Your partnership allows LSS to continue growing and responding to the needs of our communities while remaining true to the values that have guided us for generations.
The future isn’t something we simply prepare for. It’s something we build together.
