Six months in, Children’s Home Shelter draws more guests — and national recognition

This paid piece is sponsored by Children’s Home Society.

It’s spacious.

Light.

Peaceful.

Uncluttered.

The newly opened Children’s Home Shelter for Family Safety could not be more different than its predecessor, Children’s Inn.

While the old space on Western Avenue was designed to accommodate 40 guests, it ran over capacity for more than six years.

In the past six months, it has become clear how intentionally designed space can transform an organization – inside and out.

“There’s more calmness among staff and clients because we have the ability to spread out,” said Amy Carter, Children’s Home Shelter for Family Safety program director.

“The brightness of the building and the spaciousness, even the fact that the halls are wider, it just feels a little more peaceful and welcoming. In the old building, we were on top of each other, and there was no opportunity to escape the chaos.”

Carter and her staff worked closely with Stacey McMahan of Koch Hazard Architects to create an interior design that supports healing.

The new shelter was designed with great care to support helping survivors heal. It turns out that the quiet, peaceful environment benefits staff as much as clients.

“Just having the space for the clients and the staff to spread out has been a huge blessing for us,” said Julie, an assistant program supervisor. “The environment is less frantic and, therefore, less stressful.”

National recognition

The program and those who run it have drawn national recognition in recent weeks.

Both the Children’s Home Shelter for Family Safety and Carter received prestigious Purple Ribbon Awards from DomesticShelters.org.

The Purple Ribbon Awards, which have been presented for three years, are the first comprehensive awards program honoring heroes of the domestic violence movement, including advocates, programs, shelters, survivors and members of the community support system. They’re awarded by Theresa’s Fund, the nonprofit that operates DomesticShelters.org.

In the Program/Shelter of the Year category, Children’s Home Shelter for Family Safety was chosen as a winner, along with shelters in Los Angeles and  Schenectady, New York. Carter was named one of three Program/Shelter Executives of the Year.

“We are thankful for the national recognition, which underscores what we have always believed — that Children’s Home Shelter for Family Safety leadership, staff, services and facilities are the best!” CEO Michelle Lavallee said.

The honors follow another huge award: Children’s Home Society of South Dakota received the Champion award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Children’s Bureau.

Enhanced experience

Within the walls of the new location, a more structured environment has been created that allows everyone to thrive.

“At the old building, there weren’t separate spaces, and we were working very closely together,” said Darlene, an assistant program supervisor. “We participated in a lot that we probably didn’t need to. The new building has provided good boundaries.”

“It’s allowed the crisis team to flourish,” Julie agreed.

“They have become more independent and better problem-solvers. The supervisors aren’t right next to them anymore — they would just ask us what to do in a particular scenario, but now they figure it out. Their personal growth has been off the charts because they’ve been allowed to make decisions and come up with plans.”

New features in the shelter include a dedicated play therapy room, family rooms, a computer station and a “Client Cafe,” where guests can cook their own food.

The Lotus Boutique is stocked with donated new and used clothing for clients, and a comfortable outdoor play and seating area allows everyone to enjoy the fresh air.

The dining room in the new shelter is light and open. The commercial kitchen is a giant step up from what was essentially a residential home kitchen at the previous location.

“It is much more efficient. It’s much easier to prepare and serve meals here,” food service coordinator Cathy said.

“The food service experience for guests has also changed,” she said.

“They are more self-sufficient now. They take care of getting themselves beverages, and they take care of their dirty dishes.”

Increasing numbers persist

Years of overcrowding at the previous building prompted Children’s Home Society to build the new shelter, which happened just in time. The number of survivors seeking help has continued to climb.

New data shows:

• From January to April, an average of 68 people stayed each day.
• The April year-over-year increase in shelter days was 52 percent.
• Intakes have risen 39 percent year over year.

Anecdotally, the most people served in one day in the shelter since moving was 92, with daily numbers in the 70s and 80s becoming common. The new facility has 96 beds.

“Sioux Falls is growing,” Carter said. “Unfortunately, a larger population means a greater incidence of domestic violence. That’s why we stress the importance of public and private support of the Children’s Home Shelter for Family Safety.”

Critically, 75 percent of the shelter’s budget comes from charitable giving, she added.

“We hope everyone who benefits from Sioux Falls’ increase in population will consider helping us meet these associated needs.”

To learn more about the Children’s Home Shelter for Family Safety and make a donation, visit chssd.org/shelter. To reach the domestic violence crisis hotline, call 605-338-4880.

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