Embracing change: DakotAbilities’ role in empowering choice, care

This paid piece is sponsored by DakotAbilities.

Susan is one of the most vibrant personalities to ever grace the halls of DakotAbilities.

Funny, observant and always ready with an opinion, Susan lived at home with her family until about 10 years ago. It was then that her parents, facing their own health challenges, had to seek alternative care arrangements for their adult daughter, who by then was in her 50s.

“When Susan first arrived at DakotAbilities, she was hesitant to go out in public or attend community events. Now, she loves going out, especially shopping, and she’s outgoing and happy most of the time,” said Heidi Loof, director of residential services.

“We see this often — individuals who’ve been with family for decades coming into their own when they’re around peers and people who encourage them to engage.”

The journey that brings families and their loved ones with disabilities to DakotAbilities is as unique as the individuals themselves.

“We recently started caring for a young man named Logan, who was in a car accident. He survived relatively unharmed, but his father tragically didn’t. While Logan was at Avera, our director of admissions worked tirelessly to arrange housing and day services. His remaining family members now have peace of mind, knowing Logan will receive the care he needs for the rest of his life,” executive director Nathan Stallinga said.

“That’s our mission here — to care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout their entire adult lives.”

Another family moved to Sioux Falls from a different part of South Dakota specifically for the nursing services and care their son, Devin, now receives at DakotAbilities.

A woman named Glenda relocated from Brookings to be closer to her family in Sioux Falls. They found that DakotAbilities was the perfect fit for her, offering the support she needs in daily life and a place where she can indulge her love of gardening.

Others join DakotAbilities straight out of high school, eager to establish independence and begin working.

At the core of an inclusive society is the belief that every individual deserves the opportunity to make their own life choices, with access to resources and respect for their unique needs.

“We want the people we support to have choices, just like anyone else,” said Joe Dvorak, director of day services. “By offering gardening, art, plays and music in our day program, we’re helping people live a full life. When they have a safe and accessible place to live, along with access to preventative and nursing care, they can enjoy their choices more freely.”

With two new twin homes under construction in Sioux Falls and plans for further development, DakotAbilities is committed to meeting the needs of our growing community.

“We’re following a strategic plan for 10 percent growth over five years, and that, combined with our dedicated team, allows us to respond quickly to inquiries and assess how we can best support each person who comes to us,” Stallinga added. “We pride ourselves on being able to respond rapidly because circumstances can change in the blink of an eye, as they did with Logan. We must always be ready.”

DakotAbilities provides residential housing, access to 24/7 nursing care, physical habilitation services and Meaningful Day services with employment and volunteer opportunities to the 135 adults with disabilities it supports in Sioux Falls.

To learn more, visit dakotabilities.org.