The Porch Light 2022

113 N St. Paul Avenue Sioux Falls, SD 57103

Phone: 605.338.0116 chssd.org/shelter

We are proud to announce the opening of the new Children’s Home Shelter for Family Safety (formerly Children’s Inn) at 113 N. St. Paul Avenue in Sioux Falls. This 48,000-square-foot building doubles the capacity of the previous shelter with 96 beds and 38 bedrooms.

“Our name and location have changed,” says Program Director Amy Carter. “But our staff, our services and our commitment to the people we serve is the same.”

The new facility was built to alleviate overcrowding at the previous location, which had been a problem since 2016. It includes an enhanced kitchen and dining area; larger family rooms; more indoor and outdoor play space and additional areas for drop-in crisis visits, case management and support services.

Move-in date is November 15, 2022.

Program Director Amy Carter (right) and Assistant Program Director Kobi Ringling (left) holding the ribbon at the Ribbon Cutting Event.

Chamber Ribbon Cutting Held October 13

The traditional Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting ceremony for the Shelter for Family Safety was held October 13, 2022, at 4:30 pm.

“This incredible space is a compilation of dreams, functionality, collaboration, patience, and flexibility,” said Program Director Amy Carter at the event.

The Ribbon Cutting program featured speakers, refreshments and tours of the new shelter. Representatives from Children’s Home Society thanked donors, staff, clients, board members, community partners, as well as Koch Hazard Architects and Lloyd Construction.

“We wish that this shelter was not needed. Unfortunately, that is not the reality,” said Amy. “In fact, each year we have more than 1,100 intakes. These are women who sacrifice themselves to protect their children. These are people you might know from your church or school. These are families who have lived in fear but can now find peace. This new shelter will provide us with what we need to, in turn, give victims of abuse the services and support they deserve.”

The Shelter for Family Safety serves women, men, children and families who are victims of domestic violence. The program also provides emergency shelter for children who have been abused or neglected.

WHY THE NEW NAME?

As Children’s Home Society planned for the new facility, leaders decided to again look at the Children’s Inn name. Confusion over the name had been an ongoing challenge over the years. On a regular basis, people called Children’s Inn expecting to reach a childcare center or a motel.

Market research showed that most respondents were in favor of changing the name.

On July 27, the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors voted to change the Children’s Inn name to Children’s Home Shelter for Family Safety effective upon moving into the new facility on November 15.

The new name is more reflective of outcomes. It clearly communicates the focus of the organization and that it’s part of a powerful brand that people know and trust. And like the CHS “Stand for Good” tagline, Children’s Home Shelter for Family Safety expresses commitment, advocacy and purpose.

A sizable crowd listens to the speakers at the Ribbon Cutting.

Ribbon Cutting ceremony for the new Children’s Home Shelter for Family Safety (formerly Children’s Inn).

Trauma-informed Design

The mission of Children’s Home Society of South Dakota is to prevent, treat and heal trauma. Most individuals coming to the Shelter for Family Safety have experienced trauma. That’s why the new shelter is designed to offer calm, comfort and dignity. Every feature of the new shelter supports our clients on their journey of hope and healing:

• The homelike setting is warm and welcoming; guests can have privacy or opportunities to socialize, as they choose

• Abundant natural light and outdoor spaces lift spirits

• A hand-built fieldstone wall, made of donated, locally sourced stones, guides visitors to the entrance

• Safety is ensured with state-of-the-art equipment

• Artwork throughout the building promotes peace, wonder and healing

• The Lotus Boutique provides shelter guests with clothing, shoes and jewelry donated by community partners

• A mini-call center allows clients to work remotely for Five Star Call Center and transition to working at home when they depart shelter “This space will forever bring dignity, respect, and healing to those who find the courage to come to our doors,” said Amy.

VIPEEK PARTY, DONOR APPRECIATION EVENT AND TOURS

Once the Shelter for Family Safety is occupied by clients, tours are limited, due to confidentiality. That’s why we invited donors, board members, community leaders, staff and their families, law enforcement, neighbors and others to a series of events in the new shelter prior to move-in.

Karen Doyle signs a beam at the Donor Appreciation Party.

Jennifer White, who created artwork for the Shelter, with David Stahl at the VIPeek Party.

CEO Michelle Lavallee with Clint Greer of Lloyd Companies, and his children, at a Partner Tour of the new shelter.

Hope Center wall mural

Corridor artwork

Healing Families. One Heart at a Time.

1977

Children’s Inn opened as a two-bedroom bungalow to provide emergency shelter for children who were victims of abuse and neglect.

Children’s Inn was initially intended to serve children. But shortly after we opened, a mother who was a victim of domestic violence arrived with her children. From that point on, we sheltered both women and children.

1979

Capacity increased with the purchase of a fourbedroom home, and the addition of services including support groups, crisis phone line, drop-in counseling, parenting classes and community education.

1991

Children’s Inn opened a new, 14-bedroom facility. 1998

Children’s Inn merged with Children’s Home Society.

2005 An expansion brought the building to a capacity of 24 bedrooms and 40 beds.

2022

Today, 45 years later, Children’s Home Shelter for Family Safety (formerly Children’s Inn) continues to serve our community’s most vulnerable individuals and families with shelter, crisis response, counseling and advocacy.

Gift for Good Campaign Update

“On behalf of everyone at Children’s Home Society, thanks to all donors who have helped make this project a reality. With your generosity and support, we have raised $8.5 million. The work isn’t done, however. We look forward to continuing our efforts as we drive toward our $12 million goal,” said Jon Mammenga, Chief Philanthropy Officer at Children’s Home Foundation.

Thanks also to Lloyd Companies and Koch Hazard Architects for their hard work in designing and building this amazing facility. And a special thank you to the 50 volunteers who are assisting with the Gift For Good campaign.

Legacy Chair

Jeff Hazard In Memoriam

Campaign Committee

Chairs

Julie Anderson Friesen

John Rozell

Carolynn J. Stavenger

Next Gen Chairs

Katie Ashmore

Marty DesLauriers

Campaign Committee Members

Bob Baker Helen Boer Kim Burma Mick Gibbs Tim Hamel Gina Hopkins Bill Lindquist George Roberts Marilyn Van Demark

Shelter for Family Safety 113 N St. Paul Avenue Sioux Falls, SD 57103

GUARDIANS OF THE CHILDREN

For Carolynn and Jim Stavenger becoming Guardians of the Children was an easy decision.

“We have a family of four generations which has been involved with Children’s Home Society since the 1950s,” says Carolynn. Her parents, Loren and Mavis Amundson, started the family tradition. “I’ve spent 18 years on the board and 19 years volunteering every week at Children’s Home Shelter for Family Safety.” When we learned about Guardians of the Children, we said, ‘Well, of course we’ll do that.’”

“In addition to what we already do in terms of volunteering and donations, it just made sense to incorporate some planned giving as part of our estate plan,” says Jim. “It brings some peace of mind and comfort to know that we strategically made this decision, we know it’s taken care of.”

And Carolynn likes knowing that the work she’s been part of at CHS will continue. “That’s a very comforting and heartwarming thought,” she says.

“It’s also setting an example for others and modeling paying it forward,” says Carolynn.

“We talk about paying it forward with our kids and grandkids all the time. One of my father’s favorite quotes was, ‘To those who much is given, much is expected.’ He would always say, ‘Glad to hear you paid your civic rent today,’ when I said Jim or I were volunteering.”

“I grew up with that just being my way of life. And my expectation is you’re always looking forward, helping others and trying to find a way to make a difference,” she says.

Guardians of the Children is a legacy program established to recognize and honor those people whose vision, philanthropy and love of children have been demonstrated by a planned gift to Children’s Home Foundation. Funds from the Foundation support the programs and services at CHS, including Children’s Home Shelter for Family Safety (formerly Children’s Inn)

CONSIDER STOCK DONATIONS

Making donations of equities/stock is a great way to help charitable organizations and it can also benefit your income tax situation. The more your stock has appreciated, the bigger the benefit can be for you.

When you donate stock (held over one year) you avoid capital gains tax, but you can still get a charitable deduction for the full market value of the stock.

For more details, we suggest checking with your financial advisor.

HELP SECURE THE FUTURE OF SHELTER FOR FAMILY SAFETY

You can help secure our future by naming Children’s Home Shelter for Family Safety as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy or retirement plan. For larger estates, Lead Trusts and Charitable Remainder Trusts are advantageous gift vehicles.

To include the Shelter in your will, the most common bequest language is:

I bequeath (description of gift) to Children’s Home Foundation to be used to support the operations of Children’s Home Shelter for Family Safety.

Jim and Carolynn Stavenger

GROCERY

• Canned fruit & vegetables

• Cereal

• Coffee & nondairy creamer

• Frozen meats (ham, turkey or pork loin)

• Snacks (granola bars, cereal bars, pudding cups, fruit snacks)

• Soup (cream of mushroom or chicken)

• Sugar

FOR LITTLE ONES

• Baby lotion & shampoo

• Bottles & sippy cups

• Clothing

• Diapers (sizes 5 & 6) & wet wipes

• Diaper rash cream

• Formula

• Pajamas, sleepers & sleep sacks

• Baby food

PERSONAL CARE (regular sizes)

• Women’s underwear, socks & bras

• Women’s sweatshirts and sweatpants (especially larger sizes)

• Body wash (adult & child)

• Combs, brushes & hair accessories

• Deodorant

• Feminine hygiene products

• Lotion (scented & unscented)

• Shampoo & conditioner

• Toothbrushes & toothpaste (adult & child)

• Razors & shaving cream

THAT OTHER STUFF!

• Batteries

• Bath towel sets & wash cloths

• Dish soap

• Disinfectant wipes

• Fabric softener/dryer sheets

• Gloves–Latex or Nitrile (Med/L)

• Laundry detergent (Liquid, HE only)

• Paper products (Kleenex, napkins, paper towels, toilet paper)

• Pillows & pillow cases

• Sheet sets (Twin)

GIFTS

• Grocery gift cards

• Gas gift cards

• Toys and gifts for kids ages 0–17 (used for holidays and birthdays all year!)

See full needs list at chssd.org/support/wish-lists

605.338.0116

The Drive Out Domestic Violence

This year, we were able to have our cake and eat it, too–cupcakes, that is! Oh My Cupcakes! debuted a Drive Out DV Dozen that customers could purchase online with a portion of the proceeds going to Drive Out Domestic Violence.

Those yummy treats, in addition to new apparel offerings, helped us raise more than $56,000.

And, thanks to social media ambassadors, friends and participants who helped share campaign messages, we raised awareness about the topic of domestic violence!

Thank

Vern Eide Motorcars presents a generous gift of $25,000. Pictured left to right: Lynsey Prosser, Jessica Reinhart, Jim Lake, Travis Hoyt and Bob Reisch all of Vern Eide Motorcars, and Jon Mammenga, Staci Kropuenske and Tammy Roberts with Children’s Home Society.

you to our generous sponsors!

campaign fueled by Vern Eide Motorcars ran from July 5-26, 2022, benefiting Shelter for Family Safety and the Sioux Falls area community.

Harold & Helen Boer

(Sioux Falls & Brookings)

Austin Vanhove

Tom & Jean Nicholson

FROM THE DIRECTOR

AMY CARTER | PROGRAM DIRECTOR

A historical day is just around the corner—moving day!

On November 15, after years of planning and building, the day has come to close the door at our current shelter and move to our new, larger facility. This is also the day our name will change to Children’s Home Shelter for Family Safety.

This move comes after years of being overcrowded while trying to meet the demand for safe shelter for victims of abuse. Turning off the lights for the last time in our current building will come with a lot of emotion and reflection on the lives that have been impacted there. These walls have represented strength, hope and a fresh start for so many. While we may leave the building behind, we will take with us our commitment to fulfilling our mission to help those impacted by abuse.

Since opening our doors in 1977, Children’s Inn has been dedicated to ensuring those in need of safety are provided just that. Serving people at a time when they are most vulnerable is an honor and privilege that we will carry forward to our new home. The porch light will always be on to welcome you. We are looking forward to seeing you at our new home very soon!

Board Member Carolynn Stavenger Wins!

Longtime Board Member and Shelter for Family Safety volunteer Carolynn Stavenger was selected as one of two winners of the Purple Ribbon Award medallion for Board Member of the Year of organizations with a budget of more than $2 million through domesticshelters.org.

Carolynn was nominated by Children’s Home Foundation. These awards honor domestic violence programs worldwide in a variety of categories. The award letter stated:

“Of all the nominations we received, our panel of judges felt that yours was among the most impressive and deserving of this top honor.”

Congrats and many thanks to Carolynn!

CHILDREN’S HOME SOCIETY BOARD OF

DIRECTORS

Eric Lee, President

Deb Soholt, Vice President Jim Schmidt, Treasurer Jack Marsh, Secretary

Matt Benne

Jim Berman

Helen Boer

Darla Crown Paulette Davidson Tim Dougherty Mick Gibbs

Tim Hamel Gina Hopkins Lafawn Janis Laura Johnson Melissa Johnson

Amy Koenig Deanna Larson Luke Lindberg Dustin Morrison John Rozell Greg Schweiss Scott Scofield Chirag Shukla Scott Sletten

Carolynn Stavenger

Sally Anderson (Honorary Member)

CHILDREN’S HOME FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Diana Dufur-Day, President

Bob Baker, Vice President Dave Schmidt, Treasurer Kara Flynn, Secretary

Dennis Aanenson

Julie Anderson Friesen Greg Blomberg Kim Burma Marty Jackley Lori Lewison

Bill Lindquist Molly Peterson Bobby Sundby George Twitero Jill Weisser-Pekoske

DIRECTOR EMERITUS

To achieve this status, a board member must meet all three of the following criteria:

• Served six or more years as a CHS Board Member

• Served six or more years as a CHF Board Member

• Served as President of either board.

Those achieving Emeritus status include:

Julie Anderson

Friesen * Lynne Byrne John Brewer Gary Brown Jeb Clarkson Steve Egger Phil Helland Blake Hoffman Bob Hoover Gary Jensen Deanna Lien Helen Madsen Royal (Mac) McCracken Tim Meyer

Linda Mickelson Graham Rob Mudge

T.J. Reardon

George Roberts

John Rozell* Dave Schmidt*

Peg Seljeskog

Carolynn Stavenger* Pam Taylor Jansa Gene Uher

Marilyn Van Demark* Doug Wells Meg Warder

*Current board member

Shelter for Family Safety 113 N St. Paul Ave. Sioux Falls, SD 57103

THE PORCH LIGHT

ABOUT US

Founded in 1977 as a domestic violence shelter, Children’s Inn merged in 1998 to become a program of Children’s Home Society of South Dakota.

Children’s Home Shelter for Family Safety (formerly Children’s Inn) provides 24-hour, free services for women, children, and men who are victims of domestic violence, stalking, elder abuse, sexual assault, and child abuse or neglect.

We serve people from the South Dakota counties of Minnehaha, Lincoln, McCook, Turner and Union. Services are provided regardless of race, color, religion, sex or national origin, and include:

• Crisis Shelter

• 24-Hour Crisis Hotline

• Counseling Services

• Parenting Education

• Women’s, Men’s and LGBTQ Support Groups

• Children’s Groups

• Safety Planning

• Rural Advocacy

• Community Education and Referrals

Bring

gifts to our booth

our volunteers will handle all your wrapping needs for a donation to Children’s Home Shelter for Family Safety

Macy’s Court in the Empire Mall, Sioux Falls