Sioux Falls Thrive

Congratulations to Southeast Tech’s Early Childhood Specialist graduates! If you or someone you know would like to receive a full-ride scholarship for this high-demand field, click on the link in the shared post. It’s encouraging to see our community developing ways to combat the childcare crisis. This is one of several being implemented within Sioux Falls in the past year. Learn more about the childcare crisis and ways to combat it in the Sioux Falls Childcare Collaborative’s Community Report here: https://lnkd.in/gfYZnbKn.

As #foodinsecurity continues to worsen in South Dakota, Sioux Falls Thrive is committed to facilitating a growing network of volunteers as they seek solutions. That includes supporting the Eat Well Sioux Falls Mobile Market and working with community stakeholders to increase food access. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/ga-4SNFY. #foodsecurity

Nexus SD is a new resource connecting state community services providers with the people who rely on them. It ensures providers have the information they need to deliver informed, quality care for recipients – often without being asked. For more information, visit https://www.sd.gov/nexus.

Are you or someone you know in need of food, clothing, shelter, or other vital resources? The Center for the Prevention of Child Maltreatment, in partnership with Helpline Center, has created a searchable Family Resource page funded through WIC-CIAO that is now live at https://lnkd.in/gni3jG-X and is available to view in 10 languages. Resources may be sorted by zip code and type. The curated page pulls from 2-1-1 Helpline Center's database. Please spread the word!

“It’s not just as easy as standing up a bunch of day care centers,” Jeff Hayward from Startup Sioux Falls said. “We really need to provide the business training and access to experts and advisors and mentors who know this industry and can really support this next generation of day care providers.” Thank you to Kelli Volk from KELOLAND Media Group for your continued reporting on the #childcarecrisis in Sioux Falls. To learn more about the issues faced by the #childcare industry in the state and possible solutions, visit https://lnkd.in/gfYZnbKn. #SFCC #workforcebehindtheworkforce #sodakkidsmatter

Food insecurity is a very real issue for thousands of children across Sioux Falls. Thanks to Quinn Masek with KELOLAND Media Group for highlighting one of the programs that helps ease the burden for families. Now it's time for our community to think more creatively, more innovatively in the ways we support kids and families. Learn more about the work of dozens of volunteers supported by Sioux Falls Thrive to build a comprehensive food security network: https://lnkd.in/ga-4SNFY. #foodinsecurity

We're pleased to announce that the Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation has awarded a $50,000 matching grant to Sioux Falls Thrive to help purchase the vehicle and trailer for the Eat Well Sioux Falls Mobile Market. The grant supplements Eat Well funding awarded to Thrive by the City of Sioux Falls in April 2023. “We’re grateful for The Wellmark Foundation’s understanding of the impact generous contributions can have on the health and wellbeing of Sioux Falls residents. This grant gets the Mobile Market one step closer to self-sufficiency beyond the pilot phase being hosted by Sioux Falls Thrive,” says Thrive President Michelle Erpenbach. Thank you, Wellmark Foundation, for helping us bring affordable food options to neighborhoods in Sioux Falls! #eatwellsf

It's Erin Nosal's three-year anniversary with Sioux Falls Thrive! Please join us in congratulating her on three great years helping Sioux Falls children succeed, from cradle to career!

Sioux Falls businessman Pete Nelsen sees what he’s doing as a philanthropic public service in a community facing a highly-publicized childcare shortage that’s reportedly holding the area economy back. There’s also some optimism that Apple Tree West’s story could inspire other businesses to partner with childcare centers. “The efficiencies that can be created between a business working with their employees for childcare and the childcare providers working with businesses – I see that as the model to success,” he said. Solutions to the childcare crisis are happening. They are small wins, but wins nonetheless. But it will take a lot of small wins to move the needle. We have been highlighting a few of these wins over the past few days. #SFCC #workforcebehindtheworkforce #sodakkidsmatter Learn more about Sioux Falls' childcare crisis and possible solutions here: https://lnkd.in/gfYZnbKn.

As the record $52.5 billion in pandemic relief winds down, many states have stepped in with their own solutions for the childcare crisis. States have expanded free preschool and early education and helped more families pay for childcare, making it low-cost or even free for many. Recognizing that a federal solution is unlikely to materialize anytime soon, policymakers have come up with novel ways to pay for their plans, creating permanent funding sources that will make new programs sustainable. Solutions to the childcare crisis are happening. They are small wins, but wins nonetheless. But it will take a lot of small wins to move the needle. We are highlighting a few of these wins over the next few days. #SFCC #workforcebehindtheworkforce #sodakkidsmatter Learn more about Sioux Falls' childcare crisis and possible solutions here: https://lnkd.in/gfYZnbKn.