Sunday, May 24th, marks a decade since 90 community members first convened to define and tackle structural barriers—efforts that continue to shape the community today.
The result has led to the construction of nearly 650 affordable apartments, the creation of a food security network, a transitional housing campus that helps lift hundreds out of poverty, expanded support for thousands facing substance use and behavioral health challenges, and development work to bring a Native American community center to Rapid City.
Named Rapid City Collective Impact (RCCI), this initiative began with the vision of several local philanthropists and expanded quickly throughout the community. The goal was to create a unique plan to boost quality of life for all citizens. That work began on May 24-26, 2016, when Rapid City Collective Impact gathered individuals from across sectors to align around shared goals rather than working in isolation.
Many goals coming out of the Collective Impact convening a decade ago are ongoing. Whether it’s the work of OneHeart or West River Mental Health, the initiatives are meant to care for people and address root causes that result in lasting change.
“After a decade of Rapid City Collective Impact, the progress is undeniable. When people battling addiction get treatment instead of jail time, when families can finally afford a stable place to live, and when job training opens the door to real careers, we don’t just reduce recidivism — we rebuild lives,” said Pennington County Sheriff Brian Mueller. “This partnership proves that public safety grows strongest when we tackle the root causes, not just the symptoms.”
Since the meeting ten years ago, the John T. Vucurevich Foundation (JTVF) has invested $23 million into initiatives resulting from the RCCI work. That represents almost one-third of the Foundation’s grant funding in the last decade and just a portion of the community’s investment of time and money.
“Our community is better off because of the Rapid City Collective Impact work,” said Jacqui Dietrich, JTVF President & CEO. “Community alignment and collaboration between the city, businesses, nonprofits, and generous community members requires constant communication and trust.”
This is long-term, generational work. JTVF looks forward to the next decade of collaboration as the community continues to build on the foundation of these meetings.
Photos from the RCCI archives
About JTVF
The John T. Vucurevich Foundation is a locally rooted community investor in the Rapid City area. The Foundation serves as a connector, bringing together people and ideas to transform shared interest into shared outcomes, helping our most vulnerable neighbors reach their fullest potential. Since 1989, the foundation has awarded $121 million to area nonprofits.
