STRENGTHENING FAMILIES

Starts With A Meal and Good Conversation

A pilot program called Strengthening Families is quietly making waves at LSS—one meal, one session, and one family at a time. 

Launched in November 2023, this evidence-based initiative was developed through a partnership between LSS and the South Dakota Department of Corrections. Its goal is to strengthen family bonds and build resilience through a structured, 11-week curriculum.

While the concept might sound complicated, it’s a shared experience that begins around a dinner table. 

The program’s unique approach starts with a shared meal each week for all participating families. This isn’t just about filling hungry stomachs after a long day, it’s a strategic move to ease tensions, build connections, and create a relaxed environment where genuine interactions can happen. In these moments, the formality slowly fades, replaced with good conversations and laughter, all the while friendships are developing among families. 

After the meal, families break into separate sessions—parents in one group and youth in another. Each group follows a common theme tailored to their perspective. “We start with the basics of communication and how to develop that relationship in your family,“ explains
Amy Witt, LSS Chief Program Officer. “Then we move on to problem-solving skills, handling tough conversations, and managing at-risk behaviors. Each session builds on the last, helping families develop their relationships and navigate challenges together.”

Then, families come back together to practice their new skills together. These interactive family activities reinforce the lessons learned and put communication and problem-solving strategies into practical experiences.

The program’s strength comes from the curriculum, but the momentum and energy come from the community it builds. Families, who initially might feel isolated, begin to form supportive networks.

“When you have kids who are struggling, it’s easy to feel isolated as a parent because you are expected to have all the answers,“ says Witt. “We give families practical skills to implement at home when things aren’t going as planned. Over time, families begin to feel more in control. They feel like they can do something in a situation where they maybe didn’t feel like they could before.”

The program’s impact extends beyond the immediate participants. The skills learned often have a ripple effect, positively influencing siblings, friendships, and the broader family dynamic.

Thanks to support from the South Dakota Department of Corrections along with additional funding sources, Strengthening Families is offered at no cost to participants. There are no prerequisites making it accessible for families.

For more information or to register, contact Family@LssSD.org or call 605-444-7612.