Today, three seniors from Stevens High School, Roman Slack, Jhett Waltman, and Quinn Hasse, hosted the NextGen Coding Camp in YFS robotics lab for students enrolled in YFS’ Middle School Program and The Club for Boys. According to their website, “NextGen is a youth engagement day program aimed at fostering computer programming skills among young people. As an innovative and forward-thinking organization, we believe it is crucial for humanity to invest in the next generation’s technological literacy and provide them with the tools to thrive in an increasingly tech-dominant economy.” NextGen was founded by Slack, also the creator of the program. His goal is to educate and inspire other young people to explore the world of coding.   In total, 16 students participated in today’s intensive coding camp where they learned about computer science/computer engineering careers, problem solving, Javascript, CSS/HTML, basic AI coding, and more. Slack, Waltman, and Hasse plan to continue offering courses to students in YFS’ Middle School Program throughout the upcoming school year.

Youth & Family Services’ (YFS) will be hosting its 6th Annual Harvest Festival on September 16, 2023! This free, family-friendly event will take place at YFS’ Fullerton Farm, located at 230 S. Ellsworth Road in Box Elder, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. This year’s Harvest Festival aims to inspire and educate all ages in food, farming, nutrition, sustainability, and healthy fun. YFS’ Harvest Festival is free and open to the public. While you’re visiting the gardens, beehives, and orchard, you’ll be able to: Volunteers are needed to help with this event! If individuals are interested in volunteering, please contact Darcie Decker at 341-7231 or email wehelpkids@youthandfamilyservices.org.

Four NASCAR fans dedicated to volunteer support for local children’s organizations were recognized today by The NASCAR Foundation as finalists for the 13th annual Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award. One of these finalists is none other than Rapid City’s own, Darla Crown. The NASCAR Foundation’s Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award, named in honor of the foundation’s late founder and chairwoman Betty Jane France, recognizes NASCAR fans who volunteer for children’s causes in their local communities. Each finalist receives a minimum $25,000 donation for their organization with the overall winner receiving a $100,000 donation from The NASCAR Foundation to further their efforts. Darla was nominated by Youth & Family Services (YFS). “There is no one more deserving of this award,” shared Connie Olson, Youth & Family Services’ Chief Development Officer. “Darla has a heart for giving. She has spent the majority of her life finding ways to give back to her community and to the causes and organizations closest to her heart. She has truly made a difference in the lives of so many.” Darla has been a supporter of YFS for decades. She volunteers in classrooms, has helped with numerous special projects and events, and is an advocate for the organization. In addition to volunteering for YFS, Darla has been involved with Children’s Home Society of South Dakota, Seventh Circuit CASA Program, Rushmore Rotary, Pennington County Veterans Court, the Central States Fair, her church, and has been a foster parent. She is also a 42-year veteran of the South Dakota National Guard. The overall winner will be determined by an online vote, which is open now. Fans can visit NASCARfoundation.org/Award to watch a video about Darla’s impact on children while voting once a day, every day through November 17 at 3 p.m. Mountain Time. The overall winner will be announced during the NASCAR Awards in Nashville on Thursday, November 30. To learn more about The NASCAR Foundation’s Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award and the 2023 finalists, visit NASCARfoundation.org/Award.

Each year, Youth & Family Services’ staff members nominate families enrolled in our programs to receive holiday assistance. Families who are nominated are those who are facing a variety of obstacles and difficulties and are in need of extra support during the holiday season. Individuals or businesses have the opportunity to help these families by sponsoring them through YFS’ Holiday Families Program. Each sponsorship—$250.00—will provide each member of the family with a holiday gift as well as a holiday meal. For more information on how you can help a family in need this holiday season, please contact Connie Olson at (605) 342-4195 or by emailing colson@youthandfamilyservices.org

Youth & Family Services is delighted to announce that Ruby Leigh will be taking the stage this October to provide a musical performance for the organization’s 18th Annual Diamonds and Denim Dinner Theatre. YFS’ Diamonds and Denim Dinner Theatre is a two-night event that raises funds to support YFS and its nine comprehensive programs that serve thousands of children and their families each year throughout 31 counties in western South Dakota. This year’s event will take place October 18-19. Millions of people know Ruby Leigh as the sixteen-year-old, self-taught artist from season 24 of NBC’s hit series, The Voice. Viewers watched in awe of Ruby Leigh’s talent as she set new records on her way to becoming the first runner up. Ruby Leigh was just nine years old when — to her parents surprise — she first realized she could sing! After listening to some her dad’s old records, she immediately fell in love with all the greats of country music including Loretta Lynn, Hank Williams Sr., Jimmy Rodgers, Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton, and others. The list could go on and on. The more Ruby Leigh learned about her musical heroes, she soon realized there were a few things that she dreamed of doing one day. On the top of that list is playing The Grand Ole Opry, a dream she will be achieving in August of this year!  “We are thrilled to have Ruby Leigh coming to YFS,” said Susan Hencey, YFS’ Dinner Theatre Steering Committee Chair. “Her story is proof that you don’t have to wait until adulthood to achieve your dreams. We are happy to bring that inspiration to the children served by YFS.” YFS hopes to sell upwards of 250 tickets each night of their event. “As one of YFS’ main fundraisers, our Diamonds and Denim Dinner Theatre is tasked with raising enough monies to ensure the continuation of several YFS programs,” said Connie Olson, YFS’ Chief Development Officer. Tickets for this year’s event will be on sale by the end of July. An on sale announcement will be made via YFS’ Facebook and Instagram pages.

Last week, Youth & Family Services participated in the Summer Food Service Program’s Farm to School Challenge Week. The Farm to School Challenge Week offers SFSP operators, like YFS, a chance to showcase a local food and provide education about local foods at their meal sites. On Wednesday, June 26, YFS’ Garden Education Specialist, Destiny Durham, handed out locally grown sugar snap peas during YFS’ Summer Food Program lunch service. The peas, originally grown on a local farm, were purchased from Breadroot Natural Foods Co-Op in Rapid City. “People really enjoyed tasting the peas and they were happy to know they were locally grown,” said Durham. “At first glance many people thought they were beans and were surprised to learn they were actually peas.” In addition to sampling the peas, children and adults learned about the different types of peas, how they grow, and why we should eat them. Recipe cards created by SDSU Extension that featured peas as an ingredient were available for families to take home. Funding for this activity was provided by a grant from South Dakota’s Harvest of the Month program. Harvest of the Month is an adaptable program that helps get kids excited about eating fruits and vegetables. July’s harvest of the month focus will be on strawberries. YFS is an equal opportunity provider.

Youth & Family Services’ (YFS) is excited to announce it will be hosting its 7th Annual Harvest Festival on September 7. This free, family-friendly event will take place at YFS’ Fullerton Farm, located at 230 S. Ellsworth Road in Box Elder, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m.  YFS’ Harvest Festival provides community members with an opportunity to visit the gardens, orchard, and beehives at YFS’ Fullerton Farm and aims to educate all ages in food, farming, nutrition, sustainability, and healthy fun. YFS’ Harvest Festival is free and open to the public. At this year’s Harvest Festival, guests will enjoy food sampling, live animals, gardening tips, hands-on activities, and more! Volunteers are needed to help with this event! Individuals interested in volunteering should contact Darcie Decker at 341-7231 or email ddecker@youthandfamilyservices.org.

On Monday, August 12, 2024, students from Youth & Family Services’ Middle School Program presented their composting project to 20 second and third-grade students from YFS’ Girls Inc. of Rapid City. This was part of a two-year project funded by Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE). The middle school students shared their knowledge about composting in a final PowerPoint presentation, showcasing what they had learned. Following the presentation, they led an activity in which the Girls Inc. members created their own “compost” in a bag — an idea adapted from an activity provided at the Rapid City Landfill. The second and third graders layered food items to represent the elements of composting and shook the bags to simulate the composting process. This hands-on experience was both educational and enjoyable for the young participants. Throughout the composting project, middle school students had the opportunity to visit local producers specializing in sustainable agriculture practices. They learned about topics such as improving soil health, organic gardening, holistic livestock management, and the local food system. We want to thank Dry Creek Farm & Ranch, Cycle Farm, Bear Butte Gardens, the Cheyenne River Buffalo Ranch—Wild Idea, the Black Hills Farmers Market, the Rapid City Landfill, and Trash Lilly Farm for their collaboration and support. The project has had a significant impact, with 70% of youth participants reporting positive changes in their knowledge, attitude, skills, or awareness of gardening, the food system, or agricultural practices since participating in the gardening classes.

Youth & Family Services invites the community to join them for their 18th Annual Diamonds and Denim Dinner Theatre. Set for October 18 and 19, this two-night event will raise funds to support YFS and its nine comprehensive programs that serve more than 14,000 children and families throughout 31 counties in western South Dakota each year. Ticket Info Tickets are $75 each and can be purchased through our website or by calling (605) 342-4195. Tables of 6 or 8 are available. Seating is limited. To purchase tickets online, visit https://www.youthandfamilyservices.org/shop/. Entertainment Entertainment at this year’s event will be a live, musical performance by the rising country star, Ruby Leigh! Millions of people know Ruby Leigh as the 17-year-old, self-taught artist from season 24 of NBC’s hit series, The Voice. Under the guidance of Reba McEntire, viewers watched in awe of Ruby Leigh’s talent as she set new records on her way to becoming the first runner-up. Since the show, Ruby Leigh has debuted at the Grand Ole Opry, performed at Dollywood, and has been playing concerts throughout Nashville.  Meal Service In addition to Ruby Leigh’s performance, guests have the opportunity to select one of four entrees prepared by the chefs from Outback Steakhouse. Entrees include a garden salad, dinner roll, pasta, steamed vegetables, and dessert. This year’s entrees options are: Auctions Guests attending our event will also have access to our in-person silent auction as well as our public online auction. As always, our auctions will include a wide variety of items such as:• Artwork from a variety of artists• Experience packages• Gift certificates• Jewelry• Unique children’s toys• And more! The online auction, hosted by McPherson Auction and Realty, will go live on Friday, October 18. Bidding will begin closing at 6 p.m. MST on Tuesday, October 22. Winners will be able to collect their items at YFS’ 1920 N Plaza Blvd. location. Items must be picked up by 4 p.m. on Thursday, October 24 unless other arrangements are made. A link to this year’s online auction will be provided closer to the date of the event. Bidders will have the opportunity to view auction items on Wednesday, October 16 from 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. at YFS’ 1920 N Plaza Blvd. location in Rapid City, SD. McPherson Auction and Realty Co.’s online auctions require online registration in advance of bidding. Registration can be done any time prior to and during the auction. To register, please visit https://mcphersonauction.com/ and click the item on the menu bar that reads Online Auction Bidder Registration.