101 New Americans Make their First Visit to the Public Library

A librarian helps a student apply for a library card.

Students learn about some of Siouxland Libraries’ online resources

Students tour the library.

In October, a group of students at LSS Center for New Americans went to Siouxland Libraries Downtown Library. The purpose of the trip was for students to explore the library, see the different resources available, talk to librarians and of course, get library cards and check out books. At the library, the students were greeted warmly by a knowledgeable staff who patiently answered their questions and helped them find the books they were looking for.

Our students all had different things they wanted at the library. One student found books to help him prepare for the TOFEL and IELTS exams, two rigorous international exams that test English language proficiency. Another student was looking for children’s books in Spanish. The student, herself a Spanish speaker, has children learning Spanish in school and wanted something to bolster their studying at home. Other students chose books based on their own interests whether it be science, fairy tales and everything in between.

The students and teachers both thoroughly enjoyed their visit. LSS ESL Instructor Heather Glidewell noted, “The students were super excited to be able to bring home books and become acquainted with resources in the community.” All in all, 101 students visited and many of those students got signed up for their first Sioux Falls library card. Thank you very much to Siouxland Libraries for hosting us. We look forward to visiting again next year!

Kate Harris ESL Instructor & Career Navigator

Pronouns: she/her/hers

LSS Center for New Americans

P:  605-731-2000  | F:  605-731-2059

Time to Party! LSS Students and Staff Celebrate Thanksgiving

Students Chatting and Playing “Find Someone Who…”

GED Lit Class students give a speech

Students enjoy a Thanksgiving feast!

Since before Abraham Lincoln made Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863, Americans have gathered together to feast and give thanks. Recently, a group of students, teachers and volunteers at LSS Center for New Americans came together to talk, play games, eat delicious food and most importantly, express their thanks. This year, the party was planned and facilitated by ESL instructor Heather Glidewell’s GED Literacy Class who put together a great itinerary!

First, students from all classes gathered to play a game called “Find Someone Who…” In this game, students mingled with one another to find someone who matched a particular description. For example, they needed to write down the name of a student who wears glasses. Some other descriptions were dislikes chocolate, rides a bike and has visited Texas. The game was a great opportunity for students from different classes to socialize and learn more about one another. Teacher Amy Quiroga noted, “I was impressed that the students stepped out of their comfort zones and talked to people from other languages and other classes…even level 1 students!”

After this, the GED Literacy students collectively gave a speech. Each student spoke before the group about the things they were grateful for. Teacher Amy observed “Oh my goodness, [the speech was] so heart-felt and appreciative! They were thankful for the other students’ participation in their party and for their food!” Finally came the part everyone had been waiting for – the food! Students brought a wide variety of foods, some American and some from their countries. Students and staff got to try Ethiopian tibs, or stir-fried beef, tacos with homemade tortillas, pastas, rice dishes, delicious cakes and cookies and an old fashioned American turkey, cooked by Teacher Larry Trouba.

Thank you to Teacher Heather’s GED Literacy class for putting together a wonderful party and thank you to all LSS students and staff for great food and conversation! We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

The LSS Center for New Americans provides Education services for adult English Learners from around the world. Call 605-731-2000 or click here to learn more about English Language Classes, Job Opportunities or Volunteer Opportunities.

Kate Harris ESL Instructor & Career Navigator

Pronouns: she/her/hers

LSS Center for New Americans

P:  605-731-2000  | F:  605-731-2059

300 East 6th Street, Suite 100  Sioux Falls, SD 57103

LssSD.org

Debt Management Plan 101

Written by Dana Goeman, Financial Counselor and Educator

October is full of the stereotypical scary things—goblins, ghouls, and the like. You know what scary thing you don’t hear as much about, though? Debt.

When we hear that interest rates are rising we often think about mortgages or car loans, but credit card interest is also on the rise. Couple that with inflation, rising costs of living, and ongoing hardships related to the pandemic, and we’ve got a lot of people in financial distress who are bearing the burden of debt.

At the Center for Financial Resources, when we meet with a client for an initial financial counseling session our main goal is to get an idea of their overall financial situation and lay out options for moving forward. If a client comes in with a goal of finding a solution for paying down their debt, we’ll look at their income, regular expenses, and specific debts to get a sense of what options are most feasible in their situation. One of the options we often look into is our Debt Management Plan, or DMP.

A Debt Management Plan is a plan to repay debt that is agreed upon between the client and their creditors and is administered by the Center for Financial Resources. It’s not debt settlement, because the actual amounts that you owe are not reduced. Rather, it often becomes a more affordable option for clients because of reduced interest rates, lowered monthly payments, etc.

How it works:

• A single, monthly payment is made to CFR; we then send those funds to the creditors on the client’s behalf.
• By negotiating with creditors and setting a regular payment schedule, the goal is to have any debts (typically unsecured debt) associated with the DMP paid off in 3-5 years.

Why set up a Debt Management Plan?

• It is no secret that financial troubles can create a great deal of emotional stress. By having a plan of attack and a partner to work with, that stress can quickly begin to be reduced. Seeing your balances go down may further reduce that stress.
• Paying bills on time is an important contributor to a good credit score.
• In working with a CFR counselor, you will find someone to be an accountability partner to encourage you as you move forward with paying down your debt and begin your path to becoming debt free.

What is the Debt Management Process?

• A CFR counselor will help you evaluate your current income, expenses, and debt. Working together, you will establish a budget that will allow you to continue to provide for your needs while still having enough to make payments on your debt.
• CFR will then create a Plan with your creditors. With the assurance that they will receive full repayment of what you owe, the creditors may accept smaller payments, reduce new interest charges to your account, eliminate late fees, or make other adjustments.
• Each month, you make monthly payments to CFR by automatic withdrawal, cashier’s check, or money order. These funds are then distributed to your creditors according to your Plan.
• As you pay off accounts with lower balances, the extra funds are used to pay off the remaining accounts at a faster rate.

Be aware…

• A DMP is not always the best option for clients. Depending on the balances owed, the creditors’ willingness to work with us, and whether the client’s income can cover the DMP payment, sometimes the DMP isn’t feasible.
• A DMP is not a guarantee that deeper issues are forever resolved. Starting a DMP is only a temporary fix if the client doesn’t work to improve their money management practices and avoid the cycle of debt again once the plan is completed.
• A DMP is NOT a debt settlement. We do not work to reduce the amount you owe. A settlement may have negative tax and credit report consequences.
• A DMP is NOT debt consolidation. While you are only having to make one monthly payment to CFR, you still have your original accounts with your original creditors or collectors. We simply manage the payments to those creditors and collectors.

How to set up a Debt Management Plan:

• Contact the Center for Financial Resources to schedule an appointment.
  • Call 605-330-2700 or 888-258-2227
  • Email CFR@LssSD.org
  • Schedule an appointment online HERE

LSS Center for Financial Resources

P: 605-330-2700 | T: 888-258-2227 | F: 605-444-7750

705 East 41st Street, Suite 100, Sioux Falls, SD 57105

LssSD.org

Strengthening Individuals, Families & Communities

Celebrating Our Helpers: Employee Recognition 2023

Nathan Beyer and Keith Graber celebrate Keith’s 20 year anniversary with a hug

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'”

-Fred “Mr.” Rogers

Every year we ask LSS employees why they choose to stay with the organization. Every year one of the top five answers is: the mission of the agency. Our employees choose LSS, in part, because they are called to be the helper. Whether that takes the shape of helping a family prepare for home ownership, helping a teenager learn independent living skills, or helping our employees manage their technology, all are helpers.

In September, we came together for our annual Employee Recognition Banquet, celebrating 42 of those helpers who had reached a milestone anniversary in the past year. We celebrated Rihoko, from whose classroom you might occasionally hear calming chirping noises as she uses a trauma-informed approach to teach English to refugee and immigrant adults. We celebrated Lisa, who after 20 years with LSS has played a role in every service line within Mentoring Services. We celebrated Diane, who for many, many years has made sure we all get paid on time. And many more.

In addition to years of service recognition, we also recognized five CARES Coalition recipients. The CARES Coalition is our formal recognition program. Throughout the year, staff nominate their coworkers who have made a significant impact on their clients, coworkers, or program while aligning with the CARES Values of compassionate, appreciative, respectful, ethical and strategic. Each year, five recipients are chosen to receive special recognition at the banquet. We celebrated Doug, who provides youth in residential care a calm energy and emotional maturity. We celebrated Stacey, whose work is vital to building strong relationships with our donors and stakeholders. And many more.

Sylvia Selgestad receives special recognition for her CARES Coalition award from Sheri Ekdom and Rebecca Kiesow-Knudsen

This event is always a wonderful opportunity to learn more about LSS, to learn more about one another, and to celebrate our achievements and our impact. This year, we started the evening with some shared blessings. One participant shared, “Great days begin with great people.” At LSS, great work begins with great people.

Festival of Cultures Honored Tradition and Elevated the Experience

Thousands of people recently gathered to celebrate the 2023 Festival of Cultures—some local community members and others from abroad. Although this was the 26^th annual event, it was the first year following the integration of the Multi-Cultural Center into LSS. The partnership between LSS and the Levitt honored the tradition of the festival while elevating the experience for the attendees, volunteers, sponsors, vendors and performers.

“Seeing the joy on attendees’ faces as they tried food or activities they’d never experienced before was the best reward for me because that is what the MCC stands for—bridging connections and fostering understanding”, said Valeria Wicker, LSS Multi-Cultural Center Supervisor.

The event, which featured nearly 50 vendor booths and food trucks, is more than experiencing different cultures for a day. “For members of our community who come from abroad, this event is about validation. They have a chance to share their culture through the arts and cuisine, their narratives and languages,” continues Wicker. “People see the flag of their country on display, and they see and they feel seen.”

While some Festival attendees pulled up a Levitt chair close to the stage to enjoy the day’s lineup of captivating performances, others participated in traditional Lakota necklace making with Starr Chief Eagle, had their book signed by author, refugee and event emcee Achut Deng, admired the display of 188 flags representing countries around the globe, or learned to hoop dance with Dallas and Starr Chief Eagle.

“There is a twofold benefit here of acceptance in our communities, and strengthening kinship for global families”, said Wicker. “Similarly, for South Dakotans who are Native, the children can take part in their culture and customs, and share that with their peers through the play ‘Wicoun’ and the session with the Chief Eagle family. It is community inclusive, positive and beautiful—and that is meaningful.”

Nefu Mageo, a Festival of Cultures food truck favorite, Hilltop Resort featuring Polynesian menu items, shared his first impressions. “It was a great experience. It was my first time for an event like the Festival of Cultures. There were different things going on with activities and music, and I saw friends I haven’t seen for a long time. We had fun, the family had a good day, and the whole setup was great.” We may be seeing more of Nefu Mageo’s food truck and enjoying Polynesian cuisine in the Sioux Falls community.

But for now, click here to enjoy some captured moments from the Festival of Cultures.

Photos by Serge van Neck Photography.

Recognizing Juneteenth – Freedom Day

June 19 is Freedom Day

Today we recognize Juneteenth – Freedom Day. Juneteenth commemorates the final emancipation of enslaved African Americans after the Civil War.

At LSS we have made a commitment to work toward racial equity: “LSS acknowledges racial and ethnic differences because of the profound impact they have on individuals, groups, communities and society. In order to foster an organizational culture that is cognizant of race and ethnicity, we will engage in honest and respectful conversations about the role of race and culture in the work we do. We will hold ourselves accountable for continual improvement in working toward racial equity. We will advocate for solutions to the social injustices that result from systemic racism.”

May today be a day of reflection and conversation about how we can work to address systemic racism and achieve equitable outcomes.

About LSS of South Dakota LSS responds to changing needs in South Dakota communities. Our vision is that all people in South Dakota will be healthy, safe, and accepted. LSS is one of the largest private non-profit human service agencies in South Dakota serving people of all ages, faiths, races, and economic statuses with professional, confidential, and affordable services statewide. https://lsssd.org/

CELEBRATE WORLD REFUGEE DAY

June 20, 2023 is World Refugee Day.

Join LSS for a free panel conversation at the Coliseum (515 North Main Avenue) from noon to 1 pm to learn more about the refugee resettlement process and resettlement in South Dakota. Hear directly from former refugees about their experiences. The event will include a panel moderated by Valeria Wicker, Program Supervisor for the Multi-Cultural Center and feature Tim Jurgens (State Refugee Coordinator), Monira Almas, Adane Redda, Felicité Kabwali, and Maryna Golovko.  

World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations to honor refugees around the globe. It celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution.

This year, World Refugee Day focuses on the power of inclusion and solutions for refugees.

Hope away from Home. A world where refugees are always included.

Including refugees in the communities where they have found safety after fleeing conflict and persecution is the most effective way to support them in restarting their lives and enable them to contribute to the countries hosting them. It’s also the best way to prepare them to return home and rebuild their countries when conditions allow them to do so safely and voluntarily, or to thrive if they are resettled to another country.

Doors open at the Coliseum at 11:30am. The food truck Sabores 502 will be available in front of the Coliseum. 

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About LSS of South Dakota LSS responds to changing needs in South Dakota communities. Our vision is that all people in South Dakota will be healthy, safe, and accepted. LSS is one of the largest private non-profit human service agencies in South Dakota serving people of all ages, faiths, races, and economic statuses with professional, confidential, and affordable services statewide.

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Turning a Crisis Into an Inconvenience

Written by Dana Goeman, Financial Counselor and Educator

 

In case you haven’t heard, June is National Homeownership Month! If you’re like me and you’re currently renting but oh-so-excited to someday sign on the dotted line and get the keys to your own home, it can be tempting to jump into being a homeowner when it might not be the best choice at the moment. Let me explain what I mean.

 

To give you a real life example: I have a colleague who in the last several months has had to replace the furnace, replace the refrigerator, pay to have the oven fixed, and had to have a new fence installed. I don’t know if you’re doing the math with me… but those add up! Fortunately this colleague was able to handle these expenses thanks to two little words: emergency fund.

 

It’s important to keep in mind that in homeownership, you can’t call the landlord when the roof starts leaking or the A/C goes out on a July day– that responsibility falls on you, the homeowner. I’m not trying to talk you out of buying a home but rather encouraging you to consider the importance of having an emergency fund in place, ideally before you purchase.

 

An emergency fund turns a crisis in to an inconvenience. It is a cushion that is designated for emergencies only, as the name suggests (meaning it should be kept somewhere accessible but not so accessible that you can tap into in for just anything). My colleague definitely didn’t enjoy having to replace the furnace (especially because it went out on Christmas Day of all days), but having the emergency fund in place gave her some peace of mind during what could’ve been a much more stressful situation if she wouldn’t have been able to afford it.

 

You might hear some financial experts suggest saving 3-6 months of expenses for an emergency fund. This is a great long term goal, but can sound daunting if you’re just starting or you don’t feel like you have enough income to create an emergency fund at all. I’m here to tell you: just start somewhere. Shoot for saving $100. Did that? Okay, now save another $100. Now another. Now another. Pretty soon you’ll be on your way to having a nice little “starter” emergency fund. Keep going. Then when something unexpected happens, fall back on that fund. Just don’t forget to prioritize building it back up again as you’re able. 

 

Looking for more guidance on how to fit saving for emergencies into your budget? We can help! To schedule a financial counseling appointment you can call our office at 888-258-2227, email cfr@LssSD.org, or schedule an appointment online at cfr.lsssd.org.

 

LSS Center for Financial Resources

P: 605-330-2700 |T: 888-258-2227 |F: 605-444-7750

705 East 41st Street, Suite 100, Sioux Falls, SD 57105

LssSD.org

Strengthening Individuals, Families & Communities

       

Attend the 26th Annual Festival of Cultures this Saturday

Celebrate the various cultural communities in Sioux Falls at the 26th Annual Festival of Cultures on Saturday, June 10 at Levitt at the Falls.

WHO
Members and visitors of the Sioux Falls area are invited to celebrate the cultural diversity in our community. The Festival of Cultures is a FREE and family-friendly event. 

WHAT
Enjoy live music, dance, and art while learning how to make traditional food and crafts. The event, presented by First PREMIER Bank/PREMIER Bankcard and in partnership with the Levitt at the Falls, will host 50 vendors, four food trucks (SDSU Ice Cream, Sabores 502, Cheezy Noodlez, and Hillside Resort), and performances from the following artists: 

10:15 a.m. – Tuff Roots
11:10 a.m. – PEGAN Musica Band: Afrobeats Dance
11:35 a.m. – Durga Gurung: Nepalese Traditional Dance
12:10 p.m. – Sioux Falls Lion Dance Team
12:50 p.m. – Ballet Folklorico Estrellas de Jalisco
1:00 p.m. – Wicoun: A Play by Larissa Fast Horse, Coliseum
2:10 p.m. – Starr & Dallas Chief Eagle: Lakota Hoot Dancers & Cultural Educators
7:00 p.m. – Parade of Flags & Levitt at the Falls Concert: Chilean artist Pascuala Ilabaca & Sabor del Sur, front stage

WHEN & WHERE
Saturday, June 10th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the south parking lot of Levitt at the Falls. 

“We are very excited to provide a space for our community to learn, celebrate, and share in the diverse cultures within Sioux Falls,” said Rebecca Kiesow-Knudsen, LSS President and CEO. “We invite anyone to come and enjoy this cultural festival in partnership with the amazing team at Levitt at the Falls.”

The event will be live-streamed by South Dakota Public Broadcasting, SDPB, at sd.net.

For more information, including a schedule of events, visit Festival.LssSD.org.

Learn, Celebrate & Share: Attend Cultural Festival June 10 Levitt at the Falls

Celebrate the various cultural communities in Sioux Falls at the 26th Annual Festival of Cultures on Saturday, June 10.

LSS Multi-Cultural Center is excited to partner with Levitt at the Falls to provide a centralized space for people to learn, celebrate and share.

“Experiencing the different cultures in our community is an important opportunity that we are proud to provide,” says Rebecca Kiesow-Knudsen, CEO and president of LSS. “Year after year, we get excited about bringing people together to celebrate the diversity of cultures here in Sioux Falls.”

Activities will take place between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the south parking lot. Patrons will enjoy live music, dance, and art while learning how to make traditional food and crafts. The event will welcome 50 vendors, including four food trucks: SDSU Ice Cream, 502 Sabores, Cheesy Noodlez, and Hillside Resort. 

“We are very excited about our partnership with the LSS Multi-Cultural Center and the opportunity to provide a stage for the amazing line-up of diverse performers whose talents bring our community closer together,” said Nancy Halverson, Executive Director at Levitt at the Falls. 

Performances from Reggae band Tuff Roots, PEGAN Musica Band, Durga Gurung, the Sioux Falls Lion Dance Team, Ballet Folklorico Estrellas de Jalisco, Larissa Fast Horse, and Starr & Dallas Chief Eagle will take place throughout the day and cap off with a Parade of Flags and Levitt concert headlined by Chilean artist Pascuala Ilabaca at 7:00 p.m.

Festival of Cultures 2023 is presented by First PREMIER Bank and PREMIER Bankcard. It is a free and family-friendly event. For more information, including a schedule of events, visit Festival.LssSD.org.

The event will be live-streamed by South Dakota Public Broadcasting, SDPB, at sd.net.

LSS responds to changing needs in South Dakota communities. Our mission: Inspired by God’s love, we care for, support and strengthen individuals, families, and communities and believe in the vision that all people in South Dakota will be healthy, safe, and accepted. LSS is one of the largest private non-profit human service agencies in South Dakota serving people of all ages, faiths, races, and economic statuses with professional, confidential, and affordable services statewide.