The Little Agency That Could

Fall 2013 • Volume 14 • Issue 2
The Little Agency That Could
The “idea” of Children’s Inn was the dream of a small group of visionaries in the middle 1970s who saw
a need and acted to fill it. This group established Children’s Inn in 1977, a little agency that began as a
crisis nursery in an unfurnished 2-bedroom bungalow. Little did they realize that their actions would lay
the groundwork for what would become a life-saving refuge for many thousands of women and children.
Leaving the station…
Over the past 36 years, Children’s Inn has grown by leaps and bounds. Moving two more times to keep
pace with the growth for services, today Children’s Inn is a 24-bedroom emergency shelter with a full
continuum of services for victims of domestic violence and abuse & neglect. Choo, choo, choo…
With the mission fortified by a merger with Children’s Home Society (CHS) in 1998, the needed
framework was provided to raise the bar even higher for the standard and quality of care. With that union
came many new friends who clearly understood the importance of the work being done by CHS and
who eagerly embraced the efforts of Children’s Inn. With generous support, these friends have vowed to
continue what was originally started. Chugga, chugga, chugga…
Children’s Inn services supplement the work of law enforcement, the Department of Social Services,
area hospitals, and the court system. Thus, much of Children’s Inn’s budget comes from government
funding sources and grants. Those funds are often designated to specific programs and have been subject
to a slow, but steady series of cuts over the past four years. In the shadow of these cuts, the demand for
Children’s Inn services continues to increase. Dangerous curve ahead…
In an effort to decrease its reliance on government funding sources, Children’s Inn is working to make
its long-term funding more stable by building an Endowment Fund. Gifts made to endowment are never
spent, but earnings from those gifts will forever generate day-to-day support for Children’s Inn programs
and services, through an annual distribution. Full speed ahead…
To that end, Children’s Inn is pleased to announce an Endowment Challenge by long-time friends, Loren
and Mavis Amundson. Every gift made to the Children’s Inn Endowment, will be matched by Loren and
Mavis, dollar-for-dollar, up to $200,000! Toot! Toot!
“Our family has a long
history with Children’s
Home, including Children’s
Inn, and we enjoy giving
to the children there. Upon
learning of the needs of the
women and children staying
at the Inn, we wanted to
help. We hope other friends
join us in this endowment challenge to make sure
Children’s Inn will always be here as a safe haven for
those in need.”
~ Loren and Mavis Amundson
(Continued on page 2)
Amy Carter
The Little Agency That Could
(Continued from front cover)
Operations Director
One of my
favorite moments
of the day is when
my kids say good
night to each
other. They blow
kisses to each
other and share
a big hug before
they go off to their
beds. I know how much I treasure the
relationship I have with my siblings, so
it warms my heart to see my children
sharing that same bond.
Not too long ago on an evening in
shelter, I saw the same kind of bond
between kids who were strangers just
weeks before. The kids, who had all
been placed at Children’s Inn due to
abuse or neglect, ranged in age from six
to ten. On this particular evening, they
were all picking out books to have read
to them and finding their toothbrushes,
when they quietly but very naturally,
started saying good night and giving
hugs to one another. It was a very
touching moment. It also reminded me
that Children’s Inn and those staying
here, had become their family.
Everyone defines family differently,
but at the core is a love for one
another and an understanding of your
experiences. Sadly, the children who
are placed at Children’s Inn may not
be related or from the same cultural
background, but they do share the
experience of having to be placed
in a strange place with strangers
because their homes were no longer
safe. It might be for just a couple
days or it might be for two months,
but it’s an automatic connection and
understanding they will have with each
other and also take with them when
they leave.
Since the day we first opened the
door at our little two bedroom home in
1977, Children’s Inn has been family to
over 20,000 women and children who
needed safety from violence and neglect.
Our Children’s Inn family now shelters,
supports, counsels, feeds, clothes, and
cares for an average of 38 people a day.
All of us who work at Children’s Inn
feel blessed to be a part of this family.
We are grateful you have helped make
it possible for us to be here for all who
have needed us over the past 36-years,
as well as those who will need us in the
days to come.
As you share memories, laughs, and
hugs with your families tonight and
during the upcoming holiday season,
I hope you might be moved in thought
and action to also remember our family.
Loren and Mavis have a faithful history of support for CHS and its various
programs, including Children’s Inn. During his years of pre-med studies at
USD in the 1950s, Loren played Santa Claus at a Christmas party hosted
by his fraternity for the kids at the CHS “orphanage” in Sioux Falls. Loren
and Mavis also hosted many children in their home from the former CHS
orphanage over the holiday season. Mavis volunteered for three years at
Children’s Inn, dedicating many hours of time. She helps wrap gifts during
the holiday season both at CHS and for the Gift Wrap Booth for Children’s
Inn. Loren and Mavis commissioned a bronze sculpture in 2009 that
celebrates the family’s history with CHS. “Friends Forever” welcomes all
guests to Sioux Falls Children’s Home.
Loren and Mavis made their gift through a transfer of the required
minimum distribution from their IRA. (See page 7 for more information about
giving through an IRA.)
What now? It will take all of us to lay the track that will help the Children’s
Inn mission “pull into the depot” of a secure future. You can do that by joining
Loren and Mavis in this challenge and making a gift today! We think we
can, we think we can…
With your help, WE KNOW WE CAN. All aboard!
A gift of any size will be so appreciated. Send your gift in
the envelope provided or visit www.chssd.org/childrensinn
(please specify Children’s Inn Endowment Fund). Or, you
can contact Staci Kropuenske at (605) 338-0116.
Children’s Inn is a private, nonprofit organization founded in 1977
that provides 24-hour, free services
for women, children and men who
are victims of family violence, elder
abuse, child abuse, or neglect.
Amy Carter.......................Operations Director
Service area includes the South
Dakota counties of Minnehaha,
Lincoln, McCook, Turner, and
Union. Services provided include:
Tom Meisinger............... Facilities Coordinator
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Crisis shelter for women and children
Crisis Hotline
Counseling Services
Parenting Education
Battered Women’s Support Groups
Children’s Groups
Safety Planning
Rural Advocacy
Community Referrals
Community Education
Bright Start - Nurse Home Visitation
To protect the privacy of the
children and families we serve, it
is our practice to use names and
photos that represent the story, but
are respectful of confidentiality.
Staci Kropuenske....Development Coordinator
Janice Lee................. Financial Administrator
Kristina Painter....Shelter Program Supervisor
Cydney Hunt.......................HR Representative/
Volunteer Coordinator
Mikaela Campbell............ Counseling Support
Therapist
Heather Weeg......Rural Outreach Coordinator
Sandy Jones................. Parenting Coordinator
Donna Springman.......Secretary/Receptionist
Melissa Edman............Secretary/Receptionist
Amy Carter...................................Bright Start
Program Coordinator
Sheena Watkins...........................Bright Start
Nurse Coordinator
The Porch Light is a twice-yearly
publication of Children’s Inn and
Children’s Home Foundation. Editor:
Staci Kropuenske, Children’s Inn, 409
N. Western Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD,
57104; or call (605) 338-0116.
Children’s Inn services are provided
regardless of race, color, religion,
sex or national origin.
409 N. Western Avenue
Sioux Falls, SD 57104-5607
Phone: (605) 338-0116
www.chssd.org/childrensinn
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Volunteer GEMS
Innsight
Long-time Children’s
Inn volunteer, Illa Biteler,
was selected for a “Spirit of
Volunteerism” award, at an
event hosted by the Helpline
Center. This event honors
volunteers in the Sioux
Empire for the impact they
make in the community. Illa’s
award was sponsored by
Earthbend.
Illa began her volunteer
service to Children’s Inn in
1985. She has played with
children in shelter, answered
crisis phone calls, worked
overnights, helped sort
donations, cooked meals,
and assisted with cleaning.
Earthbend Marketing Manager, Brandi Mentele Many of the children who stay
at Children’s Inn have been
(left), with Illa Biteler (right).
removed from the custody of
their parents due to abuse or neglect. llla loves to care for them, and
comforts them by reading books, playing games, rocking babies, and
showing them love when they need it most. She currently volunteers
in the kitchen two days a week making lunch and supper. Over Illa’s
28 years of volunteering, Children’s Inn has served over 20,000
people, and Illa has touched the lives of a great many of them.
Jill Callison
was named
the September
2013 “Volunteer
of the Month”,
sponsored by The
Helpline Center
and MetaBank.
Jill began
volunteering at
Children’s Inn
in May of 2004,
and has spent
a total of 738
hours reading
books, putting
together puzzles,
playing board
Peter Jenkins of Metabank (left), Jill Callison,
games, doing
Cydney Hunt of Children’s Inn (right).
arts and crafts,
and partaking in many other adventures with the youth who are
staying at Children’s Inn. Jill has been another steady presence for
the children and families served by Children’s Inn. She has been
able to offer love, hope and safety to over 3,600 children during her
nine years of volunteering. She has made her volunteer experience at
Children’s Inn a part of her life, and she is a stalwart advocate of the
mission of Children’s Inn.
Congratulations, Illa and Jill!
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COMMON SENSE
PARENTING
“Our home is much more peaceful and
my child is more trusting of me.”
“My children are starting to speak in
a calmer manner and accept our ‘no’
answers.”
“My children want to spend more time
with me.”
“I have much more confidence in
parenting my kids.”
“I manage my family better. I have
learned that if I am not calm, I cannot
teach them in a positive way.”
“I am more attentive to my girls’ needs.
I am more observant and more
communicative as a parent.”
These are comments made by
some of the parents who have taken
the “Common Sense Parenting” (CSP)
classes offered at Children’s Inn.
The CSP curriculum provides
parents with proven techniques
that help them build healthy family
relationships, prevent and correct
misbehavior, use consequences to
improve behavior, teach self-control
and stay calm. The classes teach
parents to approach discipline
as positive teaching rather than
punishment of children.
CSP also teaches how to set
reasonable expectations for children,
and create family routines that help
children feel secure and improve
behavior. Peer pressure, school
problems, and computer and internet
dangers are also addressed.
Group classes are conducted every
six weeks on Wednesday evenings from
6 to 8 PM. Class cost may include a
$10 textbook charge.
For more information, contact
Sandy Jones at (605) 338-0116
or [email protected].
First Aid for the Soul
Editor’s note: This story follows one woman’s journey and interactions with Children’s Inn staff. Names have
been changed to protect the identity of the clients we serve.
One of the services offered by
Angie sat in her car in the Children’s Inn (CI) parking lot. She
learned the things
Children’s Inn is in-person crisis
thought about putting her car in reverse and making a quick exit
he said to her or
counseling sessions similar
before anyone saw her there. Going inside meant she would have
made her do were
to the one experienced by
to reveal her deepest secret—one she had only recently shared
other ways Kevin
Angie.
The number of in-person
with her closest friend. Angie felt tears stinging her eyes and she
was exerting
tried her best to hold them at bay, but images of the night before
control over her.
counseling sessions provided,
filled her mind. Angie knew she could no longer stay with her
as of September 30 of this year,
Wendy also
boyfriend. She had no where else to turn. So here she was.
helped Angie
has increased by 67% over the
Angie rang the doorbell at Children’s Inn and responded to
understand her
previous year, growing from
the welcoming voice that came over the intercom. She was let in,
options. Angie
1,362 to 2,275.
and guided to a small meeting room. The receptionist told Angie
decided to file a
that someone would be in to see her. Angie anticipated a wait, as
she hadn’t called before she came. She was surprised when, just
moments later, a woman named Wendy entered the room. Wendy
immediately put Angie at ease, but Angie said she didn’t know
where to start her story. All it took was four words from Wendy to
reduce Angie to tears—“You are safe here.”
police report with
local law enforcement. Wendy sat with Angie through the entire
process. Angie had Wendy take pictures of her injuries from the
previous night and was happy to hear that CI would keep them on
file for her, if she were ever to need them. Wendy also told Angie
about protection orders and helped Angie with the paperwork and
filing process. It terrified Angie that she would need to appear in
court regarding the order, but felt reassured that she wouldn’t
need to go alone—an advocate from CI would join her for support.
With that, Angie began her story. She had been dating Kevin
for three years. Early in their relationship, Angie noticed an odd
reaction from Kevin whenever another man would pay attention to
her. She thought it was mere jealousy, caused by his love for her.
Kevin also wanted to know about her comings and goings. Then
they began to talk of marriage. But every time they talked about
finances, Kevin became angry. What began as yelling and namecalling by Kevin, evolved into physical assaults on Angie. Her
bruises became symbolic of their disagreements. Just last night,
Angie had to go to the ER to get stitches on her scalp after they
fought. Kevin was becoming increasingly violent and Angie was at
a loss to know what to do.
Wendy talked to Angie about having a safe place to stay, now
that she decided she would not return to Kevin. Angie wanted to
stay with her friend until she got back on her feet, but thanked
Wendy for offering her safe shelter at CI. Wendy also made an
appointment for Angie with a CI counselor so she could come
back and further process her situation. Angie was also given
information regarding the days and times of the support groups
she could attend at CI.
Angie left Children’s Inn with a heavy heart, knowing she would
end a three-year relationship. But she also felt a huge weight lifted
from her shoulders. She had come to understand that she did not
have to endure another minute of abuse. And she now knew—no
matter what would happen next—that she was not alone.
Wendy spent some time with Angie and shared information
about the signs of domestic violence. Angie was stunned when she
could identify most of those signs in her relationship with Kevin.
She just thought she was abused because Kevin hit her. She
4
Take Back the Night 2013
The morning of October 10, 2013,
started off much the same as any
other day – with the sun shining in
the sky. By nightfall, it was clear
this was anything but a normal day.
The night sky shone bright with a
different kind of light as crowds held
up candles in recognition of Domestic
Violence Awareness month. The
annual Take Back the Night rally
is a nationwide movement to raise
awareness for the issue of domestic
violence.
With the recent high-profile
tragic death of a Sioux Falls
two-year old due to child
abuse, we are reminded of the
volatility that can result from
domestic violence. It can be
fatal.
Take Back the Night has been held in Sioux Falls for many
years. Coordinated by the Minnehaha County Family Violence
Council, the free event was held at the Old Courthouse
Museum with a soup and pie dinner. A program included
live music and stories from survivors of domestic violence, as
well as remembrance of those who became fatal victims. After
the program, participants went on a candlelight walk down
Minnesota Avenue.
Approximately 175 people attended this year’s rally.
5
Innsight
Leave your WRAPPING to us!
ALL MALL HOURS
Located in the Macy’s Court of the Empire Mall
Open Black Friday through Christmas Eve
Relieve your stress by letting our volunteers
wrap your holiday presents.
100% of all proceeds benefit Children's Inn
Bring a new toy or gift to the Empire Mall to help fill the toy
box for Children’s Inn, as part of our Miracle on 41st Street
toy drive! In 2012, over 600 children came through the doors
of Children’s Inn. With your help,
we were are able to provide each of
them with Christmas and birthday
gifts! Let’s do it again!
Here are the TOP 10 things people are saying
about this year’s gift wrap booth:
10 “An unwrapped gift is just plain naked!” ~ Lady Godiva
‘String Theory’, I want a ribbon on my present!”
9 “Forget
~ Steven Hawking
8 The PRESENT is the Future” ~ Nostrodomus
have the best dressed gifts in town!”
7 “They
~ Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn
6 “Think outside the box!” ~ Gift Wrap Volunteer
5 “Get ‘Tagged’ at the Gift Wrap Booth!” ~ Facebook
4 “Anymore, it’s the only booth I go to.” ~ Clark Kent
3 “Don’t forget the bow!” ~ Robin Hood
play ROCK TAPE, PAPER, SCISSORS!”
2 “Let’s
~ Gift Wrap Volunteer
1 Trust us, we’re gifted!” ~ Gift Wrap Volunteer
7
SUPPORTED BY:
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“Having Fun and Doing Good”
— for 25 Years!
Skier from 1993 Media One Funski
cross country ski race.
In 1989, 30 skiers participated in a cross
country ski race and raised $3,000 for
Children’s Inn. This was the inaugural event
for The Media One Funski Now, with over
$600,000 raised in its history, and annual
participation of over 300 people, the event is
approaching its 25th anniversary.
Media One remains the driving force for
success behind Funski. With the expertise of
several long-time, key planning members, the
25th Anniversary Funski in 2014 is sure to be
one not to miss!
Held at Great Bear Ski Valley, the Media
One Funski boasts an event for everyone, with
downhill skiing, corporate tube races and the
region’s premier snow sculpture contest.
“Media One is extremely proud of its 25-year
partnership with Children’s Inn,” says Greg
Blomberg of Media One. “Growing from an
outlaw cross country ski race in the late 1980’s
into the largest outdoor winter event in the state
says a lot about Funski,” adds Blomberg.
SAVE THE DATE!
The 25th Annual Media One Funski
will be held January 24-25, 2014,
at Great Bear Ski Valley.
See you on the slopes!
✃
Planned Giving
How can I help?Innsight
Three Keys to a Better Night’s Rest …
We hope you enjoy receiving this newsletter. It is our
way of keeping you informed of Children’s Inn news and
events, and about the work we are doing with children
and families.
1. A DURABLE POWER OF
ATTORNEY – someone who
can make decisions about your
healthcare in case you are
incapacitated.
We also hope you will consider making a gift to support
our mission and work. As long as domestic violence and
child abuse & neglect continue, we will need friends to
help sustain our mission.
2. A LIVING WILL – a document
spelling out your wishes
regarding end-of-life issues.
Can you please send a gift today?
To donate on-line, visit www.chssd.org/childrensinn.
3. A LAST WILL / TESTAMENT
– passing on your assets to family members or
charities.
To make a gift by credit card, call Staci Kropuenske at
(605) 338-0116.
Or return this slip with your gift. Please complete the
following:
Visit www.chfgift.org to learn how you can best provide
for yourself, your family, and continue to support
Children’s Inn or other charities. Gifts made through
simple bequests and beneficiary designations of IRAs
and Life Insurance policies ensure that the work of
Children’s Inn can serve the increasing number of
women needing refuge and counseling.
Name:___________________________________________________
Please use our gift of $__________:
_______ Where most needed
_______ Amundson Endowment Challenge for Children’s Inn
This is what the Amundsons did!
Please make checks payable to:
(from cover story)
CHILDREN’S INN
All gifts are deductible for tax purposes.
If you are 70½, the age at which
you must take a required
minimum distribution (RMD)
from your IRA, and you are
interested in make a yearend charitable gift, a great
opportunity is before you!
The American Taxpayer
Relief Act of 2012, which
is in effect until the end of
2013, allows you to avoid
claiming your IRA distribution
as taxable income by TRANSFERRING it
directly to a public charity. Please note these
provisions:
• Up to $100,000 may be transferred.
• It must be a direct transfer from your IRA to
the charity. You lose the tax advantage if you
take the distribution and then make a cash
gift.
Help us go GREEN!
To receive newsletters electronically, email GO GREEN
to [email protected] or provide us with your
email address:___________________________________________
Please include your full name in the body of the email.
Your email address is for internal use only and will not be
shared outside Children’s Inn or Children’s Home Society.
See your financial advisor to make this yearend special for your favorite charity. If you
have questions regarding this or other
philanthropic opportunities, please contact
Staci Kropuenske at (605) 338-0116 or
[email protected].
7
Non-profit Organization
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
SIOUX FALLS, SD
PERMIT #437
409 N. Western Ave.
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Serving Victims of Domestic Violence
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
FOUNDATION BOARD
Dennis Stene, President
Mike Albertson, Vice President
Melanie Madsen, Treasurer
Bobby Sundby, Secretary
Sally Anderson (Honorary)
Dan Ashmore
Jana Bastian
Rick Belsaas
Helen Boer
Jan Brewer
Holly Brunick
Monica Burgess
Bill Colson, Executive Director
Robert Fouberg
Phill Helland
Gina Hopkins
Gary Jensen
Tim Meyer
Cynthia Mikkelson
Rob Mudge
Dave Nelson
Rollie Noem
Lisa Richmond-Kirby
John Rozell
Bill Sanford
Karen Schreier
Greg Schweiss
John G. Spangler, MD
Maureen Suga
Norbert Sebade, President
George Roberts, Vice President
Jeff Denison, Treasurer
Carolynn Stavenger, Secretary
Scott Barbour
Gary Brown
Linda Daugaard
Tim Hamel
Jennifer Kirby
Scott Korsten
Rachel Nordbye
Michelle Poe
Al Schoeneman
Scott Sletten
Jack Stengel
LIKE us on
Facebook
Help Children's Inn
during the week of
Nov. 6 – Nov. 12, 2013,
at your local Hy-Vee.
Hy-Vee
Stores will match
customer contributions
up to $1,000!
We continue to have a tremendous need for
the following items:
Cereal
Pop-tarts
Granola Bars
Breakfast Bars
Paper Products
Diapers (size 5)
Canned Fruit (applesauce, fruit cocktail,
mandarin oranges, peaches, pears, pineapple)
Canned Vegetables (baked beans, green beans, wax
beans, corn)
Frozen Meat (Hamburger, turkey, ham, chicken breast)
Sugar
Non-dairy creamer
Coffee
Enfamil Lipil Infant formula
Car safety seats (New only – 5 point harness, high back
boosters and regular boosters)
Grocery Gift Cards for perishable food items
Activity Gift Cards (movies, zoo, fast food, bowling)
Arts & Craft Kits
Hair Brushes/Combs
Umbrellas
Can you help?
Pillows
Please call
Pack N Plays
Staci Kropuenske
Back Packs
at
Alarm Clock Radios
(605) 338-0116
Portable DVD Players
with any
Underwear (all sizes)
questions.
Women’s Socks
Shampoo & Conditioner
(regular size)