From Our Chief Executive Officer
Mall Walk breaks new ground with LifeScape Ambassadors!
Walk Walk ‘N Roll Roll for for Anne Rieck McFarland President & CEO It is hard to believe that it has been over eight months since two highly respected organizations joined together to form LifeScape! We appreciate that you are taking this journey with us through your gifts of time, resources, and overall support. Our dedicated staff work tirelessly to provide the best possible services to everyone we support. Thank you for embracing LifeScape and making it possible to creating pathways and improve lives. We have been fortunate to share our new story with many people in the community through donor visits, service club presentations, and tours of our facilities. People often ask how we are different now that we have become LifeScape. I am pleased to share some of the positive changes that have happened already: • Continuing as a nationally accredited organization. • Expanding our donor base. • Staffing efficiencies and expertise. • Developing services for older children and adults with complex medical needs. • Offering dysphagia (swallowing) treatment for adults. • Transitioning three older students from the Specialty School to adult day services. • Creating employment and mentoring opportunities for older children and adults who want to work and volunteer with children. • Successfully transitioning some older children into community jobs. • Seeing increased referrals and enrollments in all services offered. • Enhancing the wages for direct support staff to help with recruitment and retention. • Providing a wage increase for all LifeScape employees (except Sr. Leadership). • Offering an orthotic, prosthetic, and wheelchair drop-in clinic to adults for quick checks and repairs. • Unveiling a brand-new website.
It’s time to get your teams together for the 21st Annual Mall Walk, Saturday, February 7th at the Empire Mall in Sioux Falls! This year’s Mall Walk will be an exciting and historic event—this very successful fundraiser is sponsored by the new LifeScape Ambassadors, and will raise funds to benefit children and adults. 100% of Mall Walk proceeds will go directly to the needs of individuals supported by LifeScape. This might include therapy equipment, curriculum and other learning aids, social and community experiences, household basics, and urgent needs with no other funding source.
A “Wish List” created by LifeScape staff will be turned in to the Ambassadors this spring, and the group will weigh each need to consider its fit with the group’s mission. Last year’s event raised $100,000, a goal we hope to meet again!
To get involved, click on the Mall Walk logo at www.LifeScapeSD.org, You can also contact the LifeScape Foundation at (605) 444-9600 or email jackie.knowlton@LifeScapeSD.org Let’s Walk ‘N Roll for LifeScape!
We thank our auxiliaries for improving the quality of life of those we support!
Auxiliaries join together to form LifeScape Ambassadors The LifeScape Ambassadors were formed in October 2014 when the auxiliaries of the former South Dakota Achieve and Children’s Care Hospital & School voted unanimously to join together to form one group. The mission of the LifeScape Ambassadors is to provide the “extras” to enhance the quality of life for the adults and children supported by LifeScape. It’s a legacy of the “mother’s touch” that both auxiliaries sought to provide when they formed—to be sure all felt loved and cared for.
The Ambassadors meet this mission through highly successful fundraising efforts, including the Mall Walk,Tablescapes in June, and the Fall Social. The Ambassadors also host and help with events for the individuals supported, such as a fall dance and costume party for adults and Cookie Day giveaways at the holidays and Valentine’s Day. The group’s monthly lunch meeting provides camaraderie and learning—programs often feature LifeScape services and how they’re aided by the Ambassadors’ support.
We appreciate the time, money, and support of our donors, families, and community partners that make it possible for us to create these pathways and improve the lives of children and adults with disabilities. You have all embraced LifeScape—and for that, we are thankful!
LifeScape Ribbon Cutting! Get Social: Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and LinkedIn!
Over 275 people attended the Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting for the new LifeScape organization on Tuesday, September 9th. LifeScape CEO Anne Rieck McFarland cut the ceremonial ribbon, joined by Chamber representatives, board members, and two individuals supported by LifeScape—Steve Gilbertson, shown at far left, and 8-year-old Tanner Aeschlimann, pictured here with his mom, Dr. Laura Aeschlimann. The event was followed by a Chamber mixer, held at the Western Avenue location of LifeScape. 2.
the Journey/Winter 2014
Thank you to Hamsters USA for their amazing support of children at LifeScape, Rapid City! Hamsters USA continues to make a difference for children in the Black Hills. The international motorcycle group raised $253,330 for LifeScape of Rapid City in fundraising events this year, culminating in their annual gathering in Spearfish during the Sturgis Rally on Monday, August 4th. Funds raised will provide physical, occupational, and speech therapies, plus psychological services, to children in Western South Dakota--and parts of Wyoming---through LifeScape’s outpatient and outreach services for children from our center in Rapid City. Hamster member Dan Roche received the Chrome Heart Award, presented by LifeScape to honor individuals in the motorcycle world “whose philanthropic support and civic duty represents everything positive in the industry and sport of motorcycling.” Dan is the owner of NC Machine and Tool in Winnipeg, Canada. One of Manitoba’s elite custom motorcycle builders, Dan was selected for his commitment to
From the Foundation
Jessica B. Wells Foundation President Grady Pfeiffer, Donnie Smith, Jessica Wells, and Paul Yaffe – Dan Roche’s friends accepted the Chrome Heart Award from Jessica Wells of LifeScape on his behalf.
children served by LifeScape, as well as for his efforts to raise money for cancer research and education. Hamsters USA has raised and donated funds at their annual meeting for the last ten years, wanting to give back to the greater Black Hills community, where they love to attend the annual Sturgis Rally. Their commitment to children with special needs has ensured that thousands of children over the years have received vital services. We thank Hamsters USA for making life better for kids in Western South Dakota!
Sean Sloggett
-Therapists are “part of the family”
Sometimes an ordinary life can be an extraordinary thing. This time of year we give thanks for all our blessings of family, meaningful work, friends, days filled with purpose, good health, and financial means to meet our needs and hopefully share with others less fortunate. For some, like children and adults served by LifeScape, experiencing these ordinary blessings of life is a challenge. Because of support from friends like you, individuals we serve can have a chance at celebrating and being thankful for the ordinary experiences that a full and vibrant life provide. For some adults and children supported through our services, you, our generous supporters, along with our dedicated staff, are the family they give thanks for this holiday season. For the many children and adults who are blessed to have family close and involved, they are all thankful you have chosen to enrich their loved ones’ lives through your generosity. You make possible opportunities for them to have meaningful work that provides them the financial means to help meet their daily living needs. You give them greater opportunities to have specialized therapies, supports, and adapted equipment, increasing their independence. You’ve provided communication devices, social skills camp scholarships, an arts program, and school supplies to enhance learning. You’ve given men, women, and children a sense of belonging and a place in the community.
Born six weeks early, Sean was referred to LifeScape (then Children’s Care) for an evaluation at age six months. The son of Rebecca and Wesley Sloggett of Custer, Sean couldn’t hold his head up, and he wasn’t rolling over or trying to sit up. “We were afraid of what we were going to hear,” says Rebecca. Physical therapists started regular therapy with him, and Sean made gains in leaps and bounds. Making the 45-minute drive from Custer isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it to Sean’s parents. “We don’t want any obstacles that he doesn’t have to have,” says his mom. Sean was only recently positively diagnosed with cerebral palsy, but his parents are optimistic for his future, because he has come so far with the help of LifeScape. “The therapy has exceeded our expectations,” says Rebecca. “The therapists are like part of the family.”
For the people supported by LifeScape, having roommates they enjoy and a place they call home, a warm winter coat, and knowing they will have a ride to work or to the grocery store are all extraordinary things. Your generosity is cherished and put to meaningful use enriching the lives of every individual touched by LifeScape. Thank You!
Sean Sloggett, not quite two years old, loves his physical therapy sessions with LifeScape therapist Annie Kuipers at LifeScape in Rapid City.
“We were afraid of what we were going to hear,” says Rebecca. Physical therapists started regular therapy with him, and Sean made gains in leaps and bounds. 3.
Racing to a Dream!
South Dakota’s Elks keep services coming for children in rural communities Children and staff from LifeScape attended the annual Winner Elks Rodeo in July, a fundraiser that’s been held for our outreach services since 1969. The event raised $5,000 this year for LifeScape! The South Dakota Elks Association made a gift of $45,000 to LifeScape this year. Outreach therapists travel to schools, homes, and daycare centers across the state to deliver services to children in their own communities. The outreach programs are based at LifeScape in both Sioux Fall and Rapid City.
Hal Schwartz experienced NASCAR first-hand with a visit to Kansas City Raceway.
Occupational therapist Beth Micke has her car loaded and ready for her outreach route to Parker and Garretson. Outreach vehicles are purchased with funds from the South Dakota Elks Association.
Children and staff from LifeScape are shown with workers at the Winner Elks Rodeo in July. The event is held as a fundraiser for LifeScape.
Anyone who knows Hal Schwartz knows he’s a fan of the Chicago Bears and of NASCAR. Hal recently had the opportunity to travel to Kansas City with a couple of friends to experience the thrill of the race first-hand. His first reaction was one of awe at how big the racetrack actually was and how many people were there. He attended the Busch series race on Saturday and the Sprints on Sunday. He was able to get his picture taken in front of many of the cars that were on display, and in front of a large photo of his favorite driver, Danica Patrick. (She crashed on the 2nd lap and was done for the day, but Hal still managed to have fun!) When you ask him about his NASCAR experience, he will smile and gladly show you his photos.
Hal was able to get his picture taken in front of many of the cars that were on display, and in front of a large photo of his favorite driver, Danica Patrick. Hal was able to experience NASCAR and fulfill a dream because of his dedicated and determined staff. We are fortunate to have employees who truly care about the children and adults we support and want them to have happy, fulfilling lives. Our staff make a difference every day – they ARE creating pathways and improving lives.
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the Journey/Winter 2014
LifeScape has a new website! Services just a click away... LifeScape was pleased to go live with its new website in late October. The site, www.LifeScapeSD.org, has sections for donors, volunteers, and those seeking careers. The services section is divided into nine broad areas, Residential; Special Education School; Supported Employment; Inpatient Rehabilitation & Medically Complex Care; Therapy; Orthotics, Prosthetics & Mobility Solutions (Rehabilitation Medical Supply); Day Services; Retail Services; and Training, Workshops, and Camps. The homepage picture changes each time the page is refreshed, and features photos of adults and children supported at LifeScape. The site continues to be developed to meet the needs of families, referral sources, and the general public. Log in and take a look! If you have any feedback, please click on Contact Us and fill out the email response form. We’d love to hear from you!
LifeScape’s new website features a multitude of service areas. Explore all of the areas today at: www.LifeScapeSD.org
Below: Dallas Dietrich of Keystone gets his wheelchair checked by Rehabilitation Medical Supply staff James Dittman, ATP, Clinical Equipment Specialist (left), and Josh Dailey, Rehab Technician (right). Dallas is well known in the Black Hills as an organizer of Ski for Light for people with disabilities, and for the accessible resort he and his wife Mary own, called Meeting the Need.
2014 Big Cup Golf Challenge
US Bank (top) and McFarland Law (bottom) were among the teams competing in the Big Cup Challenge. The LifeScape Big Cup Challenge was held on Tuesday, July 22nd, at Willow Run Golf Course. Once again, we had a very successful and enjoyable day – 31 teams participated, there were some bidding wars for the Silent Auction packages and we raised over $71,000 net! A big Thank You to all of our sponsors, participants and volunteers for making this possible. The money that was raised at the Big Cup Golf Challenge ensures that LifeScape is able to provide children and adults with disabilities the opportunity to live the life they desire.
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Dustin’s art wins international art award!
Tammy Nielson – Enjoying Life and Giving Back
Dustin Ganschow of Tea, SD, has been selected to represent South Dakota in an international art contest for children with disabilities. Dustin, 15, attends school at LifeScape.
Friendly. Social. Passionate. Helpful. Those are just a few words that are used to describe Tammy. Tammy’s days are very busy and she is always excited about participating in various community events. Tammy receives day and residential services from LifeScape, so she has many opportunities to do the things she enjoys – cheer on the Stampede and SkyForce, attend country music concerts, participate in Special Olympics, and plan sleepovers and pizza parties with her best friend. Tammy is also blessed to have family nearby, and very involved in her life. She enjoys spending time with her mom, Barb, and her brother, Jeff, and likes to tell everyone about what they did together – bowling with Special Olympics, going out to eat, or just playing games on her iPad. But another important part of Tammy’s life and something she is passionate about is helping others. Every week, Tammy volunteers at Celebrate Church and at the Food Pantry.
The contest is hosted by the Office of VSA & Dustin is shown with his art and his parents, Lori and John. Accessibility at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC. This year's theme of "Yo soy...Je Suis...I am...My Neighborhood" encouraged children to create a portrait of themselves within the context of their neighborhood. Illustrating the people, places, and landscapes of their local space help tell the story of who they are and who they will be in the future.
“Tammy is an awesome person who is always happy and brightens the room,” says Kelly. “People are drawn to her and staff love her!” At Celebrate, she assists with cleaning and sanitizing the toys. At the Food Panty, she sorts and bags food. According to Kelly Keiser, a Support Professional, “Tammy would like to spend more time at the Food Pantry. She is always the first one ready to go, and she gets everyone else excited.“
Dustin's artwork, “I Am Home,” is created using colors which describe the neighborhood where he lives and the things that are important to him about his community. Dustin's hometown school colors are blue and yellow, and he and his family love spending time cheering on their hometown teams! The blues and greens represent the LifeScape school colors, where he enjoys being with his friends and teachers.
LifeScape staff member Summer Gerry (right) loves her work as a Coordinator of Support Services. Summer provides supports for women who live at Willow House, including Jessica Dysktra (left).
Dustin’s original art was sent to Washington, DC, and went on exhibit November 18th at the US Department of Education. It will be on display for a month before being returned to Dustin. We are so proud of Dustin’s accomplishment!
Special Olympics provides opportunities to shine The Sioux Falls Bulldogs are in full swing for Special Olympics competition, and loving every minute of it! Thanks to the LifeScape Ambassadors (formerly the Auxiliary), about 30 athletes were able to compete in Fourteen-year-old Erica bowling events in Turnbow-Meyer of Sioux Falls loved competing in the Aberdeen on November bowling events in Aberdeen. 9th. The night before, the team and coaches thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie of a banquet and dance.
Image courtesy of Evans Gallery
In January the basketball season starts, with the area tournament in Yankton on February 21st and the state tournament in Pierre on March 13th and 14th. Track and field events will happen in the spring. “We always welcome more volunteers,” says LifeScape registered nurse Michelle Boadwine, a Special Olympics volunteer. “It’s a very rewarding experience, and you don’t need to know anything about these sports to help.”
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The Bulldogs team includes students from the school, and is open to outpatients and participants in outreach programs who don’t have another team to compete with. Learn more at www.sobulldogs.org Or, contact Michelle at LIfeScape, (605) 444-9690 or michelle.boadwine@LifeScapeSD.org
Leave a legacy Imagine leaving a legacy that will help provide lives of dignity and fulfillment for countless people with disabilities. Through your estate planning, you can make a difference far into the future, while providing tax advantages now for yourself and your family. As you review or write your will, consider including a charitable bequest for the LifeScape Foundation. The assets you provide will be carefully invested, and only the interest is used. In this way, your gift will continue to provide for individuals with special needs indefinitely. Your attorney can advise you on the language to use. It is commonly worded as below:
I give, devise, or bequeath to the LifeScape Foundation, a South Dakota corporation, for its real purposes, all (or a fraction) of the rest, residue, or remainder of my estate whether real or personal.
For more information on how you can help those supported by LifeScape—even beyond your lifetime—please call the Foundation office at (605)444-9800.
the Journey/Winter 2014
Upcoming LifeScape events December 21, 2014: Holiday Jam with the Hegg Brothers. Revel in the lush, jazzy, soulful holiday sounds of Jeremy and Jon Hegg’s ten-piece band. 4 p.m. at the Orpheum Theater, downtown Sioux Falls. Tickets near sell-out at press time. Plus a raffle for a $1000 Gunderson's Jewelry shopping spree. Drawing at the show; need not be present to win. Tickets $20 each or six for $100 at www.LifeScapeSD.org/events January 30, 2015: The SuperHero Show. A mixed-ability children’s musical performance produced by the LifeScape Center for the Arts and Dakota Players. 7 p.m. at the Edith Mortenson Theatre at Augustana College. Admission is free. Call (605) 444-9507 for details. February 7, 2015: Mall Walk. Since 1994, this walkathon has raised funds through corporate sponsors, donations, and pledges to purchase equipment, supplies, curriculum, and needed personal items for those we support. Empire Mall, Sioux Falls SD. April 12, 2015: Pancake Benefit. Enjoy yummy pancakes at this fun event in its 23rd year. Tickets go on sale February 12th–$5 in advance, $6 at the door. Sioux Falls Convention Center. June 6, 2015: Tablescapes. Sponsored by the LifeScape Ambassadors, this is a friendly table decorating competition with brunch, entertainment, a silent auction of art created by people supported at LifeScape, and more. The Downtown Hilton Garden Inn, Sioux Falls, SD. September 15, 2015: Big Cup Golf Challenge. Willow Run Golf Course, Sioux Falls, SD
Get details on all these events at www.LifeScapeSD.org, or call the LifeScape Foundation at (605) 444-9800.
LifeScape speech-language pathologist Kari Keating, MS, SLP-CCC, helps 16-year-old Kaitlyn DeCoteau of Flandreau with her augmentative communication device, which she uses to communicate with others. Kaitlyn uses a switch so that she can operate the device with movement in her right thumb.
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the Journey/Winter 2014
Smart end-of-year planning
Your gift helps change lives.
Your taxes may be higher than anticipated this year due to the passage of the American Taxpayers Relief Act and new Medicare surtax on net investment income. As the end of the year approaches, there are a number of ways you can improve your tax and financial situation. Now is the time to start planning.
Needs & dreams wish list
• Individuals with more than $200,000 in income and married couples making more than $250,000 will pay a higher 0.9% Medicare tax this year. • Individuals with more than $200,000 in modified adjusted gross income and married couples making more than $250,000 will be subject to the 3.8% Medicare surtax on net investment income.
Linda Wittrock Eidem
Here’s what your gift can buy for the kids and adults supported by LifeScape:
Planned Giving Major Gifts Officer
• Individuals with $400,000 in taxable income and married couples making more than $450,000 will now pay tax at the 39.6% top marginal income tax rate.
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• Individuals and married couples in the 39.6% bracket will also face a higher 20% capital gains tax rate (up from 15% last year). Add the 3.8% surtax and the capital gains rate rises to 23.8%.
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Adult or Children Residential Bedding, furniture, electronics, games, etc.
Community Activities Bowling, movies, restaurants, vacations, etc.
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How to save on your taxes
Center for the Arts Education, acting opportunities, activities, etc.
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1. Reduce Your Investment Income The 3.8% Medicare surtax applies to interest, dividends, annuities, royalties, rent and most capital gains. One strategy is to shift some of this taxable income to family members or charity. • Make a gift of your investments to a beneficiary, such as LifeScape, or a child who is not subject to the 3.8% surtax. • Receive an income tax deduction with a gift of your investments via an outright gift, a gift for life income, or a gift to LifeScape Foundation through a Donor Advised Fund that grows tax free.
Scholarships, equipment, etc.
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Scholarships HorsePower, Camp fees, etc.
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Education Art supplies, school supplies, technology, etc.
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2. Lower your income below taxable thresholds
Therapy Communication devices, adaptive equipment, therapy toys, autism program, etc.
Another way to save taxes is to reduce your income below the $200,000/$250,000 thresholds.
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Ways to lower your income with charitable giving
Adaptive Aquatics
Clothing, Personal Items Hy-Vee, Walmart gift cards, transportation, etc.
• Contact us to see an illustration of the tax benefits available with an outright gift or a gift for life income.
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Medical Equipment & Supplies Lifts, beds, walkers, wheelchairs, etc.
• If Congress extends the IRA Charitable Rollover and you are 70½ or older, you can reduce your income this way. Contact us for updates on the status of the IRA rollover. Other year-end planning items to review before December 31 • Visit your attorney to update your will or trust if you have moved to a new state, married or divorced, given birth or adopted children, received an inheritance or other money or had a change of plans. • Review and update beneficiary designations on all retirement accounts and insurance policies.
If you wish to donate for a purchase in one or more of these categories, please check the category (or categories), clip this form, and include it in the attached envelope with your gift. We will use your gift to fund a current item of greatest need.
Thank you!
For your generous support
• Check to see that you have all of the important documents in place including durable powers of attorney, healthcare powers and advance directives. • Review and make any changes to guardians for minor children.
To visit further on giving options, please contact Linda Wittrock Eidem, Planned Giving Major Gifts Officer, at (605) 444-9803 or linda.eidem@LifeScapeSD.org
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Below: A scene from “Ascent,” a theatrical production staged over the summer at the University of Sioux Falls. The LifeScape Center for the Arts and Flutter Productions of Rapid City produced the show, which featured performers of all ages and abilities.