Dear Friends of Volunteers of America, Dakotas,

As the warmth of summer fades into the crispness of fall, I hope you've enjoyed these final days of sunshine and refreshment. This time of transition reminds us to pause and reflect on the blessings that surround us. Here at Volunteers of America, Dakotas, we give thanks for the opportunity to serve our community, guided by the grace of God.

Our ministry is built on the foundation of love and service, and we know that none of this would be possible without the unwavering support of people like you. Your commitment allows us to continue this vital work. I also want to express my deepest gratitude to our extraordinary staff, whose dedication and compassion touch lives every day.

This season brings with it exciting developments in our programs, and I invite you to read on and discover the wonderful things happening in our ministry. Together, we are creating new paths of hope, healing, and opportunity for those we serve.

As we move forward into this season of harvest, I encourage you to join me in giving thanks to God for the many ways He continues to bless and guide this ministry. I look forward to walking this journey together, knowing that with His guidance and your support, we will continue to positively impact our community.

With gratitude and blessings,

Dennis Hoffman

Participants in the Volunteers of America, Dakota s- CHOICES program are settling into new homes and neighborhoods, marking a significant change in their living environment. In July, 12 residents—six per home—moved into two new houses located in quiet suburban areas of the Sioux Empire. The new surroundings will contribute to a more relaxed and comfortable atmosphere for residents. 

“Previously, they lived in downtown Sioux Falls, where there was constant traffic and noise day and night. That hustle and bustle created challenging moments for some of our residents,” said Tara Camp, Director of Residential Services for VOA Dakotas. “These new homes offer a much calmer and more peaceful environment, helping them feel more at ease.” 

Each home features private rooms for the residents, complete with closets and ample space. The houses also include a laundry facility, a living room with six reclining chairs, and a fully equipped kitchen. 

“These homes give our residents a sense of pride and ownership,” Camp added. “Having a nice, clean space where they can relax makes everyone more comfortable. They love showing off their new homes, and that pride extends into their daily lives. Being able to look outside and see nature instead of bumper-to-bumper traffic makes everything easier.” 

Built with sustainability in mind, the homes are designed to be durable and include ADA-compliant amenities to accommodate residents' needs. Construction took just over a year to complete, and an open house was held earlier this summer to celebrate the new residences. 

The new homes mark a fresh start for CHOICES participants, providing them with both comfort and a sense of community. 

At the Volunteers of America, Dakotas - Axis180 program, participants are finding peace and purpose in the dirt, using gardening to ease their anxiety and stress. For the past two years, youth and staff from VOA Dakotas - Axis180 have been cultivating plants, thanks to a partnership with the local organization Ground Works.  

Staff at the Axis180 program explain, “Ground Works works with schools and community centers and partnered with us to bring the idea to life. They helped us set up teaching gardens, providing seeds every year, so we can cultivate different plants. We emphasize self-sufficiency with the kids. Even if they live in an apartment, they can still grow tomatoes on a deck, which helps save money every few weeks.”   

The gardening program has positively impacted the youth served through the VOA Dakotas - Axis180 program. Last year’s success inspired the team to expand their efforts this summer.  

The project has grown beyond the initial teaching bed to an additional raised garden bed. Youth are now growing flowers, plus a wide variety of fruits and vegetables like pumpkins, melons, and cucumbers along the back fence.  

Beyond the plants themselves, the garden offers therapeutic benefits.  

“If someone’s upset, I tell them to go till the soil or work on the land. It helps them burn off negative energy, and then they’re ready to talk,” says Liza Hennings, Youth Outreach Specialist at Axis180. “The garden is more than just a place to grow things—it provides a sense of calm and purpose. The kids feel proud of what they’ve accomplished, knowing what they’re doing is meaningful.”  

With a bumper crop of tomatoes and pumpkins leading the way, Hennings and the staff at Axis180 are excited about the garden's success.  

Click the link below to learn more about VOA Dakotas Axis180 and its goal to help youth ages 16-21 transition from homelessness to independence. 

Volunteers of America, Dakotas - Out-of-School Time programs wrapped up the summer with a heartwarming musical project, recording a specially written song alongside a renowned Sioux Falls artist.

This initiative is part of a broader collaboration between VOA Dakotas - Out-of-School Time programs and the Toy Lending Library of South Dakota. The goal is to create culturally relevant toy boxes tailored to the diverse backgrounds of the students, explains Kimberly LaPlante, VOA Dakotas Connections Coordinator at Terry Redlin.

Phil Baker, a beloved children’s musician based in Sioux Falls, composed a song to promote the Toy Lending Library and this unique project. He invited students from VOA Dakotas to join him in performing the song. The young singers hailed from Hawthorne, Jane Addams, and Terry Redlin Elementary Schools, representing over 45 nations worldwide.

This collaboration not only highlights the importance of cultural inclusivity but also showcases the incredible talent and enthusiasm of our students.



Listen to the song here and join us in celebrating this beautiful initiative!

On August 14, our team came together to celebrate outstanding achievements. Tara White and Aaron Gayken were honored with the Leadership in Direct Client Services award for their exceptional client support. 

Jackie Rempfer, Tara Camp, and Jamie Manning received the Leadership in Program Management award for their excellence in overseeing program operations. Allison Sullivan was recognized with the Leadership in Administration award for her exceptional administrative skills. Congratulations to all for their remarkable contributions! Click below to see more about the awards and acknowledgments.