In September of 2015, Youth & Family Services (YFS) received a five-year grant from the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Family Assistance to implement a Healthy Marriage and Relationship Education (HMRE) project. As of July 1, 2016, the HMRE project is now providing services to members of the Rapid City community and surrounding area.

“The Healthy Marriage and Relationship Education project focuses on strengthening families as a whole,” stated Curt Lauinger, HMRE Project Manager.

The HMRE project will allow YFS to reach out to all families and high school youth in Rapid City and the surrounding area with curriculum, strategies, and activities that will support healthy marriages, relationships, and families.

“Some of the services we’ll be providing to families include intensive case management, relationship classes, assistance with making and attending appointments, employment and resume coaching, and mentoring,” Lauinger noted. “In addition, we’ll be working to prepare the next generation for healthy relationships by offering practical relationship skills classes to high school students on topics including: communication, managing money, resolving differences respectfully, setting life goals, anger management, and responsible planning. Our goal is to prepare teens/young adults for healthy, happy relationships throughout their lives.”

In addition, YFS’ Healthy Marriage and Relationship Education project will help participants develop the skills necessary to build strong relationships and increase their trajectory toward economic stability, mobility, and employability.

“We’re excited to be able to support clients with their job search and/or exploration of educational opportunities to improve their income and job security. We believe reducing income stressors will benefit the entire family.”

The HMRE project will be implemented in a seven-county geographic area in south western South Dakota where YFS has a presence through its Prenatal to Five Head Start program, Counseling Center, and Youth Trauma Center. These counties include: Custer, Fall River, Haakon, Jackson, Lawrence, Meade, and Pennington counties.  For more information on HMRE services, please call (605) 791-5025.