Foster Homes Capital Campaign
The Abbott House is expanding our foster home system by adding two new therapeutic foster homes in Sioux Falls. We are planning to purchase two existing homes in Sioux Falls and remodel them to seven-bedroom foster homes. Each home will provide a family for six foster children in the Abbott House Building Bridges program, with one home for boys and one for girls.
Abbott House Fills the Gap
Abbott House has been caring for young people since 1939. Today Abbott House provides a home, a school and therapeutic care for 45 girls ages 7 to 17 who are victims of trauma, abuse, neglect or behavioral disorders. Once these girls graduate from their treatment program, they need a positive family setting in which to continue their healthy living patterns.
Abbott House supporters understood this gap in services. In 2013-2014 those supporters came together to build two Bridges Therapeutic Foster Homes in Mitchell, SD, so young girls in our care could grow up with a family and a home. To assist individuals turning 18, Abbott House created independent living apartments for the young adults who used this program, and the results are compelling.
Those homes were so successful that the South Dakota Department of Social Services asked Abbott House leadership to provide two therapeutic foster homes for homeless boys and girls in Rapid City. In 2015-2016, Abbott House opened two Black Hills Bridges Therapeutic Foster Homes in Rapid City – one for six boys and one for six girls. In 2018, with nearly 400 homeless children in the Rapid City area, Abbott House was asked to build two Bridges Therapeutic Foster Homes with independent living apartments for homeless children and young adults. Those homes and apartments were completed and opened in 2020.
In 2022, with urging from the South Dakota Department of Social Services, Abbott House opened the Ohitika Bridges Therapeutic Foster Home for boys home in Mitchell, SD. With more than 1,647 children in foster care currently, there are still children waiting for foster families. The South Dakota Department of Social Services is, again, asking Abbott House to step up and create two more Bridges Therapeutic Foster Homes in the Sioux Falls area.
I wouldn’t be where I am today without my foster parents. They truly saved my life and put me on a proper path.
Ready to support our campaign?
Contact Virginia Wishard Lambert at
605.996.2486 ext. 120
or email Virginia.
Timeline
| November 2023 | Purchased first existing home |
|---|---|
| January 2024 | Open first therapeutic foster care home in Sioux Falls |
| February 2024 | Purchase second existing home |
| June 2024 | Open second therapeutic foster care home in Sioux Falls |
Becoming an adult is difficult for young people. Without family support it is almost impossible. The Abbott House Bridges program provides support needed for successful transition and strengthens our South Dakota Communities.
Naming & Memorial Opportunities
The following naming, honor and memorial gifting options are available for contribution levels as listed below.
| To Name the House (2 gifts) | $250,000 |
|---|---|
| Kitchen (2 gifts) | $100,000 |
| Great Room/Living Area (2 gifts) | $100,000 |
| Recreation Area (1 gift) | $100,000 |
| Foster Parents Suite (2 gifts) | $50,000 |
| Children’s Bedrooms (12 gifts) | $50,000 |
| Program Manager Office (1 gift) | $50,000 |
| Foster Home Vehicles (5 gifts) | $25,000 |
(In addition, smaller gifts to meet the initiative goal)
Continuing Funding
- Established contracts with the Department of Social Services will cover ongoing costs.
- Private donations on smaller levels will fund needs for children’s athletic activities, musical activities, family outings, etc.
Ready to support our campaign?
Contact Virginia Wishard Lambert at 605.996.2486 ext. 120 or email Virginia.
Thank you to those who have contributed so far!
Dana and LaDawn Dykhouse
First Premier Bank
Gopal Vyas
Dr. Mike and Mary Fuchs
Jimmy and Amy Entemann
Cortrust Bank
Jack and Gina Hopkins
Marilyn Rahn
The Bristin Fund
Mark Puetz and Katie Murphy
Puetz Design & Build
Max and Suzy Collignon-Hodgen
Dan and Arlene Kirby
Vernon and Tami Brown
Dr. Tim and Elizabeth Soundy
First Interstate Bank
Kirk Rikansrud
Dwight Vondra
Greg Sands
Dr. Kevin and Susan Horner
Ernst Capital
Todd and Christie Ernst
Roger Weber
Jim and Mary Scull
Lance and Patty Koth
Steve and Whitney Clarke
Terry and Bonnie Cleberg
Boyd and Dody Hopkins
Olson Oil
Tim Dougherty
Jack Kolbeck
Results Radio
Dr. Gayle and Angie Nelson
Larson Family Foundation
Vern Eide, Sioux Falls
Tim and Sandi Smith
605 Real Estate -- Karen Bankowski and Jeff Nelson
Jennifer and Joe Kirby
Woods, Fuller, Shultz & Smith, P.C.
Black Hills Federal Credit Union
Wayne and Mary Puetz
Mills Property Management
Mark and Chris Buche
Jean Bender
Maree Larson
Scott Lawrence
Deidra and Chris Ritter
Todd Porter
Jim Lake
Ransom Church
Scott and Julia Jones
Avera Health
Sioux Valley Energy
Montgomery's
