As construction ramps up at LifeScape’s new children’s campus, progress is personal

This piece is sponsored by LifeScape.

It’s possible to see a future filled with hope as construction ramps up on LifeScape’s new children’s campus in northwest Sioux Falls.

April marks one year since the groundbreaking — a milestone residents also are celebrating.

For families like Grant’s, building a brighter future already has begun. In June, it will mark one year since the Iowa boy was connected with services at LifeScape.

“I tried to get Grant help when his behaviors started to get worse, so I turned to Google and began searching for therapy,” his grandmother Kristi explained. “Thanks to his school district, we were able to find LifeScape and get connected.”

Grant will be one of many children who currently are living in LifeScape’s Intermediate Care Facility, or ICF, who will benefit from the features of the new campus.

“It’s not just the atmosphere of a homelike environment for children living here who need around-the-clock behavioral and medical care; it’s designing the future to ensure the new state-of-the-art facility will include safety features and way-finding to guide the children towards more independence,” said Katie Skroch, director of children’s residential.

As the new campus has grown, so has Grant. This spirited and joyful little boy has received a level of care and attention that has allowed him to transform and connect with the world around him,

“Thanks to the staff at LifeScape, my grandson has acclimated to his new home and receives great care,” Kristi said.

An interdisciplinary approach to care for children in the ICF has allowed Grant to evolve and communicate with others.

“When Grant arrived, he had an iPad containing a speech-generating application, but he wasn’t using it,” explained Kate Sherman, a speech-language pathologist.

“Now, he’s able to use the device to cultivate meaningful connections and independently communicate with others about his needs or wants.”

LifeScape behavior specialist Courtney Weidenbach also has witnessed Grant’s growth with his augmentative and alternative communication device.

“Grant’s improvements go beyond just communication. When we are moving from the dorms to the classroom for school or vice versa, he rarely tries to run ahead and away from staff,” she said.

His grandmother agrees.

“Seeing Grant grow through speech, occupational and behavior therapy has been amazing,” she said.

As Grant grows, so does his future home, where every square foot is being built with care and purpose.

“Not only we will have cutting-edge technology, multiple outdoor spaces, innovative materials incorporated to create calming spaces, but each residential child will also get their very own bedroom,” Skroch said.

“This is a big deal because it will enhance their privacy, reduce conflicts, promote healthy sleeping habits and will truly drive their independence.”

While the LifeScape team couldn’t be more excited for those features, the impact is especially personal for families like Grant’s.

“I am excited for other families to be able to receive this help and am looking forward to all the new ways LifeScape will be able to help families like ours,” Kristi said.

It’s not just one child’s future becoming brighter, but many. A future designed where every child can be empowered to live their best life.

LifeScape aims to open the children’s campus in 2026. To learn more or to donate visit LifeScapeJourneyofHope.org.