About 1 in 5 Americans experience a mental health issue during the course of a year.  That is why Sioux Empire United Way partners with several programs that provide counseling services.  Read below to learn how your investment provides these valuable services.  April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, so we've included some information about child abuse and neglect.  If there is anything else you would like to see in our updates, please call us at 336-2095 or email brandi@seuw.org.

Your Gift in Action in Counseling Programs

Last month, Lutheran Social Services' Consumer Credit Counseling Service provided services to 332 new clients. The sessions include initial financial counseling evaluations, bankruptcy appointments, and housing related issues.

294 individuals were provided with mental health counseling through Lutheran Social Services during March. These individuals are provided private, confidential counseling sessions to address everything from marriage problems, to family issues, to depression, and more.

478 youth and 622 adults received counseling through Volunteers of America-Dakotas LifeMarks program during March. 

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Agency Tours

Learn more about a partner agency that provides shelter and services to both women and children victims of abuse and neglect:

Children's Inn, April 30, 4:00pm

View a mock counseling session at a tour of one of our counseling partners:

SF Psychological Services, date and time to be determined.

Click here to RSVP for either of these tours or call 336-2095.  Space is limited.

Volunteer Opportunities

Community Outreach, Project Jumpstart
Mentors will meet one on one with a family for nine weeks to help them follow-through with a financial plan made by the family, a CPA and Community Outreach caseworker. The financial literacy taught is very basic, focusing on life skills.  For more information, contact Community Outreach at 331-3935 or visit their website.

Sioux Falls Area CASA
By becoming a court appointed special advocate, you will be able to change the life of a child victim of abuse or neglect.  The next training session for CASA volunteers is in late July.  To learn more call CASA at 339-9492 or visit their website.

Sioux Empire United Way Corner
Legacy Heart Club

Remembering Sioux Empire United Way in your estate plans is a reflection of your values, a continuing support of the community you have helped to build and ultimately, your Legacy.

Legacy Heart Club members agree to provide a planned gift to Sioux Empire United Way through a cash gift to the endowment fund, marketable securities, real estate gifts, bequests in wills, life insurance policies, and more.

To continue learning more about Legacy Heart Club and receive more information about how to join, click here.

In This Issue

Child Abuse Prevention Month
Tours at Partner Agencies
Your Gift in Action, Counseling
Volunteer Opportunities
"What's Best for My Daughter"
SEUW Corner, Legacy Heart Club

Child Abuse Prevention Month

Every 7 hours in the United States a child dies of child abuse.  Locally each year almost 5000 cases of child abuse and neglect are reported and 500 of these cases are substantiated.

A few signs of child abuse include:

• Unexplained bruises, burns, fractures or lacerations.
• Wary of adult contact.
• Poor hygiene.
• Constant fatigue.
• Lags in physical development.
• Additional Signs

You can help.  If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, please contact your local Child Protection Services office at 367-5460.  For more information, please click here.

"What's Best for My Daughter"

“I was clueless about motherhood,” says Danae, a Bright Start participant.  “I had no idea how to raise my daughter, but my nurse Brenda provided me with so many resources to help prepare myself.”

Studies show that nurse home visitation programs, such as Bright Start, reduce child abuse and neglect cases by 79%, just by visiting the expectant mother starting twice a week during their first trimester until the baby turns three.

Continues Danae, “I know that I’m doing what’s best for my daughter. I have two angels in my life; my daughter Angelina and my Bright Start nurse Brenda.”

Click to continue to their story.