FROM THE DEPOT WINTER 2024 New resource for nonprofits and donors.
FEATURE STORY
LASTING LEGACY A longtime Whittier Middle School teacher’s legacy lives on through her endowment that supports reading in the classroom.
INNOVATION IN THE CLASSROOM Education grants support teacher creativity.
MOBILE FOOD MARKET Bringing healthy food to underserved areas.
For nearly 40 years, the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation has stood as a champion for philanthropy. By evaluating community needs and opportunities, building engagement around important issues, and connecting donors with purpose, we’re helping to transform generosity into impact, improving the quality of life for all.
A CHAMPION FOR PHILANTHROPY
(Photo by Michelle Diehl)
SFACF.ORG | 605.336.7055 | 200 N. CHERAPA PLACE, DOWNTOWN SIOUX FALLS
With the holiday season behind us and as we watch daytime push the darkness ever so slightly back each day, we find this to be a good time to look forward. Our hearts filled with recent jubilation and the hope of longer days ahead, we want to spotlight the hard work that area nonprofits are doing each day to make our community better. Last fall, we launched The Giving Depot, an online bulletin board where local nonprofits can showcase their work in the community. In turn, donors can use this resource to discover nonprofits and projects close to their hearts. Named in reference to the Foundation’s home in the historic Depot at Cherapa Place, The Giving Depot stands as a resource for anyone who wants to make a difference in the community. Our hope is for this platform to help strengthen our community through philanthropy. As we’ve watched scores of nonprofits post their projects, we can’t help but be impressed and humbled by all the amazing work being done. We want to share with you a couple examples of local organizations bringing hope to our community. Many communities in our area don’t have reliable access to affordable, healthy food. The Eat Well Mobile Market, hosted by Sioux Falls Thrive, is working to break down those barriers and provide access to good nutrition in communities where it’s needed most. You’ll learn more about this project later in this issue.
FROM THE DEPOT
With transportation being a primary challenge for many in the community, SHIFT Garage works to repair and refurbish donated vehicles to provide reliable transportation to individuals and families in poverty. Their current project involves purchasing a tire changing machine, which will save the nonprofit $125 per vehicle that is in need of new tires. This project will help make SHIFT’s service more sustainable for the long haul. Family Connection serves the families of inmates and helps foster visitation and strengthen the family bond. Currently, they are seeking funding to purchase board games for children to play during weekly group therapy sessions. These games help children learn critical skills, such as patience and critical thinking, which will help them break the cycle of incarceration. If you share our hope for the community and are looking for ways to invest in its future, head to sfacf.org/depot. — The Foundation Team
ON THE COVER: Snow blankets Palisades State Park in this winter scene by Mike Shafer.
Our Home: The Depot at Cherapa Place. (Photo by Emily Spartz-Weerheim)
FROM A LOVE FOR LITERATURE TO A LASTING LEGACY Above: Sue Scribner enjoys a road trip to the Black Hills of South Dakota. Photo courtesy of Marianne Larsen.
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One middle school teacher’s legacy of care showcases her love for the classroom and passion for reading by empowering today’s teachers. The most meaningful legacies are rooted in our values and modeled after our actions and passions. For some, this is a natural conclusion; and any one of us would be lucky to have a legacy as significant as Sue Scribner’s. She was the first of her family to attend university, graduating from Sioux Falls College (now University of Sioux Falls) in 1963, and going on to earn a Master’s degree afterwards. She went on to inspire generations of students as a language arts and social studies teacher at Whittier Middle School. Scribner’s longtime friend, Marianne Larsen, used to roam the gravel roads of South Dakota in search of abandoned schoolhouses and old barns to photograph. The pair would often adventure together, with Scribner planning lessons in the passenger seat while Larsen scanned the horizon for points of interest. Scribner’s true passion, and her lasting impact, resided with her students. The classroom was not the end of her dedication to her students — Scribner participated in school activities in any way she could. She was known for her role in the ticket booth before sports games, and got a special joy from cafeteria duty. Larsen was a fellow educator, working as an Educational Assistant at Whitter along with Scribner. While she didn’t start teaching until later in life, “Sue knew that education is how you create a better life for yourself,” Larsen said.
“Sue knew that education is how you create a better life for yourself.” — MARIANNE LARSEN SUE SCRIBNER’S LONGTIME FRIEND
This understanding sparked a passion for helping others create better lives through education. “She really did enjoy her students,” Larsen said, “She would make fun of herself and stick pencils up her nose! Because I think she knew that kids related to their studies better if you had a sense of humor and did funny, crazy things with them.” Nearly as much as she loved teaching, Scribner loved to write. The principal at Whittier recruited her as the go-to person for any editing and proofreading needs. “She could have written Strunk and White!” Larsen said, referring to the classic 1930’s writing manual, The Elements of Style. “Sue lived a meaningful life,” Larsen said.
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Through Scribner’s thoughtful intention and charitable estate planning, her legacy as a teacher lives on through the Sue E. Scribner Reading Endowment held at the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation. This endowment helps bring enrichment activities and projects to middle school classrooms in the Sioux Falls School District. Working in concert with the school district’s Public School Proud grant program, reading and language arts teachers can receive funding for creative and impactful projects in the classroom. One such project takes place every Thursday afternoon at Memorial Middle School. Sixth grade English Language Arts teacher, Sue Zueger, received a grant for her project called “It’s A Muse Thing: Improving Literacy in the Makerspace Environment.” Open to all Memorial students in 6th through 8th grade, Zueger says this creative writing club provides an after school activity “for many middle school students who don’t necessarily fit into traditional groups like student council or sports outlets.” The club has grown substantially during the fall semester, at times hosting nearly 40 students. For the first half-hour each week, the students are given a writing prompt to focus on, and then have an opportunity to share their work with the group. The remaining half-hour is open for the students to work on their own ideas and projects, with more time for sharing. “I let students know that this is not a class,” Zueger said, “but a place to express themselves; which has helped even the most struggling writers feel comfortable.”
Across town, at Whittier Middle School, English Language Arts teacher Kaylee Jorde also has innovative ideas for her classroom. Inspired by the University of Arizona, Jorde created language “kits,” consisting of fiction and nonfiction books, games, music, and other items that focus on a particular world language or culture. Students can check these kits out from the library to learn about a language or culture that isn’t commonly taught in school curriculums. “Our population is multi-lingual and globally connected,” Jorde said, “and often times it is harder for our students to see themselves or see others represented in the general population, including in literature.” The literature in the kits is meant to celebrate the linguistic beauty and cultural heritage of her students’ backgrounds. “It has been really positive to see students engaging in games or books that they see themselves in.” Projects like Zueger’s and Jorde’s are funded in part by Scribner’s endowment each year, bringing her love and passion for teaching to a new generation of educators, and empowering the next generation of students with Sue’s zest for the language arts.
Left: a student works on her writing project during Sue Zueger’s after school writing club. Above: a student shares her work with the rest of the writing club. Photos by Mike Shafer.
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LEGACY SOCIETY Those who establish a planned gift at the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation become members of our Legacy Society, a distinguished group of leaders who are investing in the future of our community. We're grateful to these individuals for entrusting us to carry out their philanthropic and visionary intentions. Brian and Denise Aamlid Loren* and Mavis Amundson Gilbert and Connie Backlund Kathy Bangasser Rich and Melania Barnes LaNeil and Darrel Bartell Gerald and Marge Barth Tom Batcheller Vinny and Marcia Battista Kevin and Robin Baum Miles and Lisa Beacom Yvonne Behrends Lois Bellows Gerald and Brenda Beninga Arnie and Arlene Berkeland Patricia Billion Brian and Janet Bird Joel and Dar Blanchard Norman and Melanie Bliss John and Judy Blomquist Kerry and Donna Boekelheide Burleigh and Betty Boldt Loren and Sheila Boyens Mark and Stephanie Boyens Scott and Beth Boyens David and Cathy Brechtelsbauer Dick and Sue* Brown Jennifer and Jon Bunkers Gene and Ann Burrish Gary and Nancy Busselman Bill and Lynne Byrne Todd Byrne Walt and Martha Carlson Garth and Valerie Caselli Joseph and Amy Cass Ray and Sandy Cheney Paul and Julie Choudek Lauren and LaDonna* Christensen Reid and Ruth Christopherson Mick and Donna Cornelius Dan and Janet Costello Steve and Betty Crim Jim* and Pat Croston Susan and Phil Crum Shawn and Lynn Culey Rich* and Sharon Cutler Ed and Bridget Czarnecki Nate and Mary Dally Doug De Gooyer Darrold and Linda Dean Jean Delbridge Terri Dial Dale and Marcia Dobberpuhl Bob and Margaret* Doescher Bill and Rosemary Draeger Bill Eakes Mark Edeen Steve and Kris Egger Laurie and Bruce Eide Roe and Pat Eidsness Cindy Anson Eilers Donald* and Joan Eitrheim Norman and Clarice* Eitrheim Bill and Lisa Erck Larry* and Shirley Erickson Todd and Christie Ernst Paul Everson Drs. Kate Florio and Larry Burris Keith and Mary Fortin
Mike and Sally Foss Susan Foster Trygve and Marie Fredrickson Ed and Norma Fricke Pat and Susanne Gale Rich and Mary Garry Steve and Alli Garry Paul and Claire Gillaspey Gregg and JJ Gohl Linda Gores Stan and Stacey Graber Lezlee Graham William Green Russ and Carol Greenfield Brad Grossenburg Candy Hanson Sally Hanson Virginia Harrington Verna Hauge Jeff* and Sheila Hazard Linda Heckenlively Lloyd Helgeland Norine Hemping John and Ann Henkhaus Chuck and Janelle Hiatt Dan and Beth Hindbjorgen Alan and Brenda Hodgson Linda Hoeck Bruce and Connie Hoefer Darlys and Catherine Hofer Elaine Hoftiezer Don* and Gayle Hooper Dan and Nancy Horner Marian Horr Mike and Bunny* Howes Tom and Melissa Howes Mike, Cindy, and Kylie Huether Rick Huffman Jay and Jane Huizenga Rick and Glenys Hull Garry and Dianne Jacobson Dale and Diane Jans Judy Jasper Tim and Michele Jensen Kevin and Karen Jergenson Gene and Cynthia Jones Jeff and Doreen Jorgenson Laura Davis Keppen Kira Kimball John* and Enid Kinkead Dan and Arlene Kirby Joe and Jennifer Kirby Tess Kirby Greg and Pam* Kneip De Knudson Arlen* and Marcia Knutson Paul and Ruth* Kokenge Collin and Carrol Kollars Elizabeth Kopf Marilyn and Scott Korsten Bryan Krause Peggy Kuehl Catherine Lacey Greg and Kaye LaFollette Dave Larsen and Karen Heiling Lee* and Karen Larsen Linda Larson Sarah Richardson Larson and Jeff Larson
Jim* and Jan Leffler Ron and Joy Lind Ralph Lindner Bill and Lorrae Lindquist Craig and Pat Lloyd Irv* and Helen Loeffler Scott Loftesness Alice Loneman George and Kay Lundberg John and Jeanelle Lust Lou* and Helen Madsen Melanie Madsen Pamela Madsen Vicki Madsen Lisa and Aaron Maguire Gordie and Mary Mairose Todd and Terry Marks Linda and David Marquardt Tom and Beth Masterson Ron Mattice Tom and Susan McDowell Gene McGowan and Susan Henkin McGowan Mary McQuillen Charles and Donna Mehlhaf Doug Metcalf Gary and Cindy Meyer Ron Mielke Dusty and Kathy Miller Pearl Miller Dick Molseed Mary Montoya Kim Morstad Stephen and Mary Lynn Myers Dave and Pat Nadolski Carl and Janet Naessig Liz Navratil Bill and Margie* Nelsen Dave and Becky Nelson Judy Nissen Mark and Gretchen Noordsy Harriet and Harlan* Norem Patricia Norin Ray* and Margaret Novak Jim and Carol Oakland Berniece Oberling Dave and Barb Ohme Joe and Nancy Olsen Suzanne Olsen Daryl and Penny Paclik Jeff and Carol Parker Howard* and Lou Ann Paulson Doug and Sandra Pay Steve and Marianne Perkins Dave Petersen Kent and Cindy Peterson Anthony Pizer and Jessica Aguilar Don and Ann Platt Jay and Michelle Powell Bob Preloger Terry and Susan Prendergast Tate Profilet and Mary DeJong Robin Prunty Robert* and Pam Putnam John and Eileen Quello Tom Raap Dean*, Jan, Darren, and Angie Radach Marlene Rance Susan Randall and Mark Sanderson
Shireen Ranschau Patricia Reagan Tom Reaves Jay Reeve and Katherine Peterson Lois Rem Donald Reusch* and Larry Schut Karl and Gayleen Riedemann Charles and Char Rokusek Rex and Margie Rolfing Bruce and Sunday Roozenboom Dave and Tammy Rozenboom Phil and Jimmie Rysdon Greg and Pam Sands Rodney Sather Paul and Koni Schiller Ralph and Carol Schnabel Tom* and Kathrine Schnabel Connie Schnaible Julie and Paul Schnaible Scott and Natalie Schneidermann Al Schoeneman Scott Schoenen and Paul Weiss Karen Schreier Judi and Jim* Schwerin Don and Harriet Scott Jim and Ann Scoular George and Joan Sercl Helen Short Deborah and James Siemens John Simko Char Skovlund and Laura Berg Fred and Sandra Slunecka Roger and Jane Solheim Marvin* and Darlene Sopko Leroy and Elisabeth Stadem Jeff and Shelley Stingley Jeff and Reneece Strand James and Diane Sturdevant Dick and Kathy Sweetman Jerry and Mary Pat Sweetman Mel and Loo Thaler Bob and Joan Thimjon Chris and Kristen Thorkelson Margaret A. Thornton Lisa Tidemann David and Mary Tidwell Karen and Don Tiede John* and Hen Timmer Larry and Suzanne Toll Jo Trankle Karen Bates Trimble Robyn Tyler Jon and Suzanne Veenis Larry and Beverly Volek John and Mona Wade Dick and Roxie Waggoner Mike and Paula Wagner Caryn and Eric Wallace Dean and Sharon Wartenbee Craig and Gwen Wawers Nancy Weber Karl Wegner* and Margaret Cash Wegner Kirke and DaNeil Wheeler Merle and Cecile Wollman Tom* and Lynne Zimmer Nate and Jennifer Zoelle *Deceased
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HYDRATING THE FOOD DESERT How Sioux Falls Thrive is bringing affordable, healthy food to underserved neighborhoods in Sioux Falls
Above: The Eat Well Mobile Market was open for business outside Falls Community Health on North Maine Ave. Opposite Top Left: Kimberly Huff and Lisa Stensland shop inside the mobile market trailer. Opposite Middle Right: Market Manager, Luke Senst, stocks shelves with Jason Simon and Shelby Kommes. Opposite Bottom: Volunteers Jason Simon and Shelby Kommes organize product. Photos by Emily Spartz-Weerheim. 8
“Access to healthy food is such a fundamental need for everyone.“
— PATRICK GALE SIOUX FALLS AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
from Community Foundation donors, the Eat Well Mobile Market launched in September and currently brings access to healthy food to several locations around the city. In 2018, a Community Foundation grant to Sioux Falls Thrive supported a food access study conducted by the Augustana Research Institute which identified food deserts throughout the city. A 2022 refresh of that study found that food insecurity is growing in Sioux Falls — as many as 17% of children in Minnehaha County today are food insecure. A new mobile market is aiming to change that by bringing healthy, affordable food to neighborhoods without easy access to grocery stores. The market is set up similar to a grocery store to provide a fun and dignified shopping experience. Michelle Erpenbach, president of Sioux Falls Thrive, said, “We know the Mobile Market is removing a barrier for community members while presenting the opportunity to build relationships and determine other needs in these areas.” Thanks to a recent grant from the City of Sioux Falls, as well as philanthropic support
“Access to healthy food is such a fundamental need for everyone,” said Patrick Gale, the Foundation’s Vice President for Community Investment. “We are so excited to see support coalesce around this critical area.”
CREATIVE CLASSROOM A Washington High School teacher blends old and new with her classroom project, funded by the Foundation’s Excellence in Education Fund. Sometimes, in order to modernize the classroom, you have to take something old and make it new again. That’s what Washington High School English Language Arts teacher Megan Wounded Head is doing, thanks to a grant from the Community Foundation. Wounded Head’s AP English class read Frankenstein this fall, and as a part of their lesson, the students were tasked with creating a creature of their own — just like the titular doctor does in the novel. Students constructed these creatures as a way to explore their fears and insecurities in the safety of the classroom.
Students showcase their creature creations to the class. Photos by Mike Shafer.
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Megan Wounded Head reads a passage from Frankenstein to her class.
Photo by Mike Shafer
Each student created a model of their creature, and then photographed it in situations they would have experienced in their daily lives. Wounded Head then used a Fujifilm Instax printer to print these photos on instant film, similar to what is used in a Polaroid camera. This allowed the students to instantly immortalize their creature and share it with the rest of the school. “I want to be able to share what students create in my classes, much like we used to do in elementary school,” said Wounded Head. “In this, students live on social media through pictures, instant gratification. I’m hoping to bring a little of that world into my classroom.” The printer and film were paid for by a grant from the Excellence in Education Fund of the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation. This fund invites teachers from the Sioux Falls area to submit proposals for projects they would like to carry out in their classrooms. While instant film is nothing new, Wounded Head was able to ignite the students’ interest by mating it to modern technology that allows them to print photos from their cell phones on the film. “The Community Foundation is proud to support the creativity of our area’s teachers,” said Patrick Gale, the Foundation’s Vice President for Community Investment. “When we empower teachers, we empower the next generation of leaders in our community.”
2023 Excellence in Education Grant Recipients Mark Pettengill, Sioux Falls Christian School Jake Mahowald, Roosevelt High School Kelly Addink, Sioux Falls Christian Elementary Amanda Bork-Hickey, John Harris Elementary Heather Hinners, Sioux Falls School District Janet Kolb, Lincoln High School Brianna Herold, Discovery Elementary Kevin Kurtz, Jefferson High School Kayla Serocki, Harrisburg Journey Elementary EIizabeth Steinborn, Rosa Parks Elementary Meghan Wounded Head, Washington High School Andrea Sukut, The Learning Lab — Sioux Falls School District Jamie Reinke, Cleveland Elementary School Christine Bossman, Lincoln High School Rhonda Wilson, John F. Kennedy Elementary Trish Nelson, R.F. Pettigrew Elementary
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Jack Forstein, 5, enjoys the festivities at the first lighting ceremony for the new tree. Photo by Emily Spartz-Weerheim.
DOROTHY’S TREE Around the holiday season, we often share the story of how Dale Weir worked with the Community Foundation to ensure that his wife’s wish for holiday cheer would live on forever. The 60-foot blue spruce that Dorothy Weir wanted lit up for her Christmas gift all those years ago was included in Dale’s legacy plan, and that endowment has now provided decoration for Dorothy’s Tree for more than a decade of holiday seasons. Sometimes, though, even the best-laid plans need to change over time. When the majestic spruce recently reached the end of its life, the Community Foundation worked with First United Methodist Church to find a solution to ensure Dorothy’s wish endures to spread holiday joy for generations to come. The new artificial tree was lit in late November this past holiday season, and it reminded us how honored we are to play a role in carrying out wishes, especially one so magical.
Photos by Emily Spartz-Weerheim.
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COMMUNITY GRANTS We are proud to support local nonprofits working to improve the quality of life in our community. Here are a few recent grant recipients.
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Chabad Jewish Center of South Dakota EcoSun Prairie Farms Feeding South Dakota Friends of the Big Sioux River Furniture Mission of South Dakota Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota Family Daycare Rare by Design Sioux Falls Design Center
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Southeast Technical College The Culture Link Translators of Cultures Untitled.10 Washington Pavilion Emily’s Hope Light for the Next Generation Journey of Hope Sioux Falls Soccer Academy SoDak 350 Augustana University
For more information, visit sfacf.org.
One recent grant helped bring an inspiring speaker to a local audience. Holocaust survivor Joseph Alexander traveled to Sioux Falls in the fall to share his account of surviving one of the darkest times in history. His story of triumph moved a crowd of more than 3,000 people. The 100-year-old survivor of 12 concentration camps said, “I never gave up, I never lost hope, and I never lost my faith in God.” This event was made possible thanks, in part, to a grant from the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation to Chabad Jewish Center of South Dakota.
Photos courtesy of Chabad Jewish Center of South Dakota 14
A Champion for Philanthropy By evaluating community needs and opportunities, building engagement around important issues, and connecting donors with purpose, we’re helping to transform generosity into impact, improving the quality of life for all.
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THE GIVING DEPOT To discover nonprofits and projects in the Sioux Falls area that are close to your heart, head to the Giving Depot at sfacf.org/depot.