Black Hills Bridges Therapeutic Foster Homes Take Shape
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2020 VOLUME 69 - ISSUE 1 Black Hills Bridges Therapeutic Foster Homes Take Shape The Black Hills Building Bridges of Hope and Healing capital campaign to build two therapeutic foster homes (one for six boys and one for six girls) and four double-occupancy independent living apartments is well underway. The first home, seen above, will be a home for girls. The home is scheduled to open during the summer of 2020. To date we have raised $2,213,687.03 of the $3 million campaign. We need to raise an additional $300,000 to begin construction on the second home. Foster Homes are Building Bridges for Meet Our New Board Changing Lives Boys in Mitchell Members Pg. 2 Pg. 3 Pg. 5 605-996-2486 www.abbotthouse.org A glimpse into an abused child’s mind Recently, the world has been awakened again to the reality of our vulnerability. The Coronavirus outbreak reminds us that we are not in control, and it has left many of us feeling anxious or even scared about our future. Although the facts and opinions seem to change daily, I think most would agree that we all have thought about loved ones, our investments and what tomorrow may bring. At Abbott House, we are helping children who have lived with this feeling of vulnerability for much of their lives. Not about this virus, but about their lives. You see, children who have lived through abuse, neglect, and other negative events understand this feeling of not being in control. Not knowing if you will eat today or who might end up at your house tonight are things some children have to deal with. In our programs, we see the fallout from these life events. We have specialty programming to create “felt” safety and rebuild relationships with those children who have lived with Eric Klooz this uncertainty and fear in their young lives. We understand that if we can build trusting Executive Director relationships and then help children to multiply those relationships, we will help those children heal and change their lives for the better. Although we must walk through the storm with each young person that comes to us, we know that the sun will come up again. Re-instilling hope is what Abbott House is all about and we have been blessed in doing that work for 80 years. As you continue making decisions for your families and loved ones, remember to have hope and trust that better days will come. In this time of uncertainty, Abbott House is here and continuing to support those in need. We would not be able to do it without you. Thank you again for all you do to support our work and the young lives that we are able to transform from anxiety and worry to strength and hope. • Another middle schooler con9nues to make huge academic strides. He earns high marks and is an honor roll student. This youth has previously struggled with academics. He has been with AbboR House for two years and the stability has helped him achieve success. Foster Homes are Changing Lives • A high school boy was recently recognized as Dis9nguished Student by the local Rushmore Rotary Club. He did not realize what a big deal it was un9l he aRended the breakfast and was presented a In 2017, Abbott House opened its first therapeutic foster home for • A high school boy was cer9ficate and a giO card. He heard from the adults in the room about what a great boys in Rapid City. Since that time, more than 20 boys between recently recognized as person he is. the ages of 10-18 years old have been served in the home for stays Distinguished Student These achievements are huge for our youth. It is because of the homes and the foster longer than 30 days. by the local Rushmore parents that our youth get to feel a part of the community. Because of our donors, This past year the boys have had several celebrations: Rotary Club. He did not realize what a big deal it our youth are ge^ng second chances every day. • One middle school boy wanted to participate in athletics and was until he attended the decided to join the wrestling team. He earned 2nd place for the breakfast and was presented all-school wrestling season. He also participates in basketball a certificate and a gift card. and football. He is able to stay involved in athletics because he Page 2 He heard from the adults in maintains good grades and attendance. the room about what a great Building Bridges for Boys in Mitchell (includes layout of building) • Another middle schooler continues to make huge academic person he is. strides. He earns high marks and is an honor roll student. This These achievements are huge AbboR House supporters like you are giving South Dakota young people the youth has previously struggled with academics. He has been for our youth. It is because of the homes and the foster parents with Abbott House for two years and the stability has helped comprehensive support they need to heal from trauma and become successful, independent young adults. In 2002, that our youth get to feel a part of the community. Because of our him achieve success. AbboR House opened its first therapeu9c foster home – named the Ernie Peters Foster Home – to support young people donors, our youth are getting second chances every day. as they transi9on from treatment programs into high school and ul9mately into college or the workforce. Since then, the 2 need for therapeu9c foster homes has increased drama9cally. 2013-2014 AbboR House supporters built two therapeu9c foster homes with independent living apartments in Mitchell for young girls. 2015-2016 AbboR House supporters built two therapeu9c foster homes – one for six boys and one for six girls – in Rapid City 2019-2020 AbboR House supporters are helping build two more therapeu9c foster homes with independent living apartments in Rapid City. Each home will provide a family for six young boys or girls ages 10 to 17, and two 2-bedroom apartmetns for young women or young men ages 18 to 23. 2020-2021 We need your help one more @me to provide a therapeu9c foster home and family for six young boys in Mitchell. The facility will also include four independent living apartments for young men ages 18 to 23. Building Bridges for Boys in Mitchell Abbott House donors like you are giving South Dakota young people the comprehensive support they need to heal from trauma and become successful, independent young adults. In 2002, Abbott House opened its first therapeutic foster home – named the Ernie Peters Foster Home – to support young people as they transition from treatment programs into high school and ultimately into college or the workforce. Since then, the need for therapeutic foster homes has increased dramatically. 2013-2014 Abbott House supporters built two therapeutic foster homes with independent living apartments in Mitchell for young girls. 2015-2016 Abbott House supporters built two therapeutic foster homes – one for six boys and one for six girlsMore than 50 donors, board members and supporters a-ended the groundbreaking ceremony for the – in Rapid City third Bridges by Abbo- House therapeuJc foster home in Rapid City. This home will provide a home and 2019-2020 Abbott House supporters are helping build two more therapeutic foster homes with independent livingfamily for six girls ages 10 to 17 and apartments for four young women ages 18 to 23. To date more apartments in Rapid City. Each home will provide a family for six young boys or girls ages 10 to 17, and two 2-bedroomthan 50 corporaJons, foundaJons and individuals have contributed nearly $2.1 million for the building apartmetns for young women or young men ages 18 to 23. project. 2020-2021 We need your help one more time to provide a therapeutic foster home and family for six young boys“About 40 percent of the children we care for at Abbo- House come from the Black Hills area,” Eric in Mitchell. Klooz, Abbo- House ExecuJve Director, said. “This home will give those children a chance to return to The facility will also include four independent living apartments for young men ages 18 to 23. their community, parJcipate in school acJviJes and graduate from high school while living in a safe family environment.” To date, $471,119.60 has been pledged to this project, but we will need your help to complete the project. A Fund Drive committee ConstrucJon of a second therapeuJc foster home and apartments for boys and young men is expected made up of 19 Mitchell area community leaders will be leading this effort. to be completed during the summer of 2020. Capital campaign gids of every level are sJll being accepted. In addiJon, one more $25,000 gid is needed to complete a $100,000 matching gid challenge. Capital campaign gids can be made online at www.abbo-house.org or by contacJng Helen Usera a Receive an income for your lifetime through a gift to [email protected] House or Virginia Wishard Lambert at [email protected] or by calling 605-996-2486 ext. 120. There’s a wonderful way for you to give a gift to Abbott House and receive an income for the rest of your life from that gift. Your income amount will be fixed, guaranteed and partially tax-free. You will have other tax savings as well and the income from your gift may be higher than you are presently earning on savings or other investments.