Positive Stories & News

From adversity to achievement Simeon's story of transformation is inspiring. Simeon slept through most of his freshman year of high school. His battle with anxiety and depression reached a crisis point that made even the most basic tasks feel insurmountable. Today, will be attending college this fall on numerous scholarships and says “I have a constant desire to learn.” Read more about his story here.

Families, who initially might feel isolated, begin to form supportive networks. The program’s strength comes from the curriculum, but the momentum and energy come from the community it builds. We give families practical skills to implement at home when things aren’t going as planned. Over time, families begin to feel like they can do something in a situation where they maybe didn’t feel like they could before. Read more about how families are doing it.

The home-buying process is full of emotion, from excitement to stress, from falling in love with a home to second-guessing it entirely. However, the gravity of this decision is even more profound for families like Shanna’s, who aren’t just seeking a house— they’re aiming to reestablish a home they once lost.

From Cambodia to California and now to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Stev Meas and Chenda Chou recently celebrated the ribbon cutting and grand opening of their second business location, Mr. Donuts. The LSS Center for New Americans is delighted to be a part of their journey to thriving in the community they now call home. Read how their story unfolds.

"Having a place like LSS where you have trained caring professionals that care about what they do—that's a big deal. Wherever that trip takes you, they walk with you that whole trip. Read more about Craig and Brian’s journey here.

When Vicki Breeman arrived at LSS 32 years ago, she felt like her life was spiraling. “I landed in the right place. LSS changed my life.” Today, she wants to help others. “It’s always on my mind. I guess when I look back, I regret that I waited so long. What they did for me changed my life, and that’s why I’m here today.” Read Vicki’s full story here.

Ku is thriving because of the love of the Hornick family. "I can't imagine life without our foster kids. They are part of us. Our purpose is to love them. Because of LSS I have a family." Every day Ku surprises everyone with his words and actions. Read more about the Hornick’s family journey here.

Many people go through life masking the pain of childhood trauma. People like Lisa. But they are not alone and they don’t have to go through it alone. “It is a beautiful thing to witness someone break free from the impact of their childhood trauma.” Read more of Lisa’s story here.

We share stories about the people whose lives have changed through our work and your support—more so leading up to our Day of Giving now through April 27—South Dakota Cares. The story of LSS is written by each person who walks through our doors. “Why we exist at LSS—it’s to meet people where they are when they finally have the courage to pick up that phone or walk in asking for help.” Read more about the courage of those first steps here.

Double Your Impact—Your support becomes their success story. Your gift to one of four matches can make a significant impact: Building Successful Families Match, Enhancing Access to Mental Healthcare Match, Helping Children in Foster Care Challenge, and Offering Cutting-Edge Care Challenge. Read stories of change and see how you can increase the impact of your gift at SouthDakotaCares.org now through April 27.

All it takes is one unexpected turn to uproot a stable, healthy family and send them spinning. These families may be tempted to brace hardship alone; however, just a bit of extra help can make a world of difference. Such was the story for Tara and her family. Read more.

Nobody should feel alone during a time of transition and financial strain. Stephanie started her plan following a series of events that drastically changed her life. "It was the kind of thing you just couldn't predict," said Stephanie. "I'm a very independent, 'I can do it, I don't need your help' kind of person...but after a few months, I realized it was time to swallow my pride and talk to somebody. You don't have to be in a critical situation' to seek help, 'you just have to want to be better.'

Our past experiences profoundly shape how we interpret the world and the people around us. For those who carry deep hurt or trauma, the instinct to build walls or maintain control often can lead to inflicting pain on others. At LSS, these individuals find grace as they grow in self-awareness and learn to move forward — building a future where they can feel healthy, safe and accepted in their relationships. This story rings true for Marie, read more.

When Hohman started with LSS Mentoring Services, he had one mentee, Dakhym. Over time, Hohman stepped in and offered to mentor his twin brother Payton together. He became a stable presence and a dependable friend to the boys. Of course, their younger brother had to come along too. "I’m not going to let them down." Read the full story.

After foster care, Cherokee needed help getting on her feet. She connected with Independent Living Services at LSS, where she met Denise. “What I learned at LSS was life-saving.” Read more about Cherokee here.

“The kids come into our program when they’ve had serious struggles and are not successful in their home environment anymore. They often come to us after multiple hospitalizations and suicide attempts. The majority of our kids have a lot of trauma in their background, and we focus on helping them work through that in therapy. ”

Over time, families grow and change, and encounter new and complex challenges.

We listen to individuals and families about their strengths, challenges and what they need to succeed.

"It was the biggest decision of my life." In college, expecting twins, she chose open adoption – which proved to be the right decision for her."

Life can be challenging, and it’s easy for families to get overwhelmed when chaos surrounds them.