Announcing our first grants of 2025! Congratulations go to the local organizations making a difference in our community. Over $185,000 in funding will support vital programs addressing food insecurity, mental health, domestic violence, early childhood education, and more. We are proud to back these efforts and excited to see the positive impact they will have in the year ahead.

• • Fork Real: $60,000 – A pay-what-you can cafe providing healthy and affordable meals to those in need.
  • One Spirit:  $25,000 – Support for a food distribution program.  
  • Bethany Christian Services of Western South Dakota:  $35,000 – For the Recovering Mothers of Newborns (ReNew) Program in Rapid City.
  • West River Mental Health: $25,000 – For a partial day treatment program for clients with serious mental illness.
  • Crisis Intervention Shelter Services Inc.: $20,000 – A domestic violence shelter and programs in Sturgis.
  • Early Childhood Connections: $20,000 – Support for an additional Starting Strong provider in Rapid City.

Fork Real

$60,000 – One-year support for pay-what-you can cafe providing healthy and affordable meals to those in need.

Fork Real Community Cafe, established in 2015, has been a dedicated partner in the fight against hunger, actively serving the community and providing meals to those in need. Since its inception, the cafe has served over 60,000 meals, with nearly 17,000 of those meals being gifted to families and individuals who may be experiencing food insecurity. This commitment to reducing hunger goes hand in hand with the cafe’s focus on community outreach, offering a variety of programs that support volunteerism, workforce training, and personal development.

A key component of Fork Real’s success has been its ability to grow and adapt, expanding its reach through innovative social enterprises. In 2018, the cafe launched its food truck, which not only increased the cafe’s capacity to serve the community but also created job opportunities. Now the cafe has moved to a new central location to continue serving the community.

One Spirit

$25,000 – One-year operational support for a food distribution program.

One Spirit, founded in 2005, is dedicated to supporting the Lakota people in their efforts to care for their own communities. Over the years, One Spirit has grown into a vital organization with a range of programs aimed at addressing critical needs within the Pine Ridge and Rosebud reservations. These programs include a food initiative, a wood for heat program, and a youth center based in Allen, SD, all designed to promote self-sufficiency and improve quality of life for those in need. 

Bethany Christian Services

$35,000 – One-year support for Recovering Mothers of Newborns (ReNew) Program in Rapid City.

Bethany Christian Services, an international organization founded in 1944, has been a steadfast advocate for vulnerable children and families around the world. In Rapid City, South Dakota, the organization operates the ReNew Program, a critical initiative designed to support recovering mothers with newborns. The program provides a safe and nurturing environment for mothers who are overcoming challenges such as substance abuse, homelessness, or other hardships, helping them regain stability and build a brighter future for themselves and their children.

The ReNew Program offers a range of services, including counseling, parenting education, and life skills training, all tailored to meet the unique needs of each mother. By focusing on holistic support, Bethany Christian Services empowers these mothers to rebuild their lives, ensuring that both the mothers and their children have the resources and guidance they need to thrive.

West River Mental Health

$25,000 – One-year support for a partial day treatment program for clients with serious mental illness.

West River Mental Health (WRMH), established in 1948, has been a cornerstone of mental health support in the region. As a community mental health center, WRMH provides essential outpatient counseling, psychiatric care, and medication management services to individuals seeking help. Their comprehensive approach ensures that those facing mental health challenges have access to a full range of services tailored to their needs.

In addition to traditional counseling services, WRMH offers specialized programs such as Pivot Point, which provides crisis care for individuals in urgent need of support, and Full Circle, a residential program designed for pregnant and parenting women with substance use disorders. These programs are part of WRMH’s commitment to addressing complex issues with compassionate, long-term solutions.

As part of their holistic approach, WRMH also coordinates the New Start grant, helping individuals and families access the resources and support they need to create new beginnings. Through its diverse and innovative programs, West River Mental Health continues to serve as a vital resource, helping individuals lead healthier, more stable lives.

Crisis Intervention Shelter Services Inc.

Crisis Intervention Shelter Service, Inc. (CISS), founded in 1991 in Sturgis, SD, is dedicated to providing shelter and safety for individuals fleeing domestic violence. As the first time we’ve had the opportunity to fund CISS, we are excited to support their vital work in the community. The organization offers a range of comprehensive services to those in crisis, including emergency shelter, a 24-hour crisis line, financial assistance, legal and court advocacy, and transportation.

CISS also provides specialized services for children, support groups for survivors, and individualized case management to help clients navigate their journey toward safety and independence. By offering a holistic approach to crisis intervention, CISS ensures that those impacted by domestic violence have the resources and support they need to rebuild their lives.

Early Childhood Connections

$20,000 – One-year support to stabilize one additional Starting Strong provider in Rapid City.

Early Childhood Connections (ECC), established in 1995, enriches the lives of children by supporting parents, caregivers, and educators. As part of the Early Childhood Enrichment (ECE) system, ECC provides training, technical assistance, and coaching to childcare providers, helping them enhance social, cognitive, emotional, and physical development, as well as health and safety.

ECC also offers resources and training for parents and collaborates with local agencies to improve the quality of childcare in Western South Dakota. A key initiative is the Starting Strong Rapid City (SSRC) program, which provides preschool scholarships and quality improvements to five preschools in Rapid City, ensuring children receive quality early education for a strong start.