“Family Connection does amazing things for both children and families during one of the most difficult times of their lives and we are proud to play a small role in that.”
Ginger Niemann, SDCF Senior Program Officer
South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) recently awarded a $2,500 South Dakota Fund grant to Family Connection. Funding will be used to create “To-Go” kits. The kits include age-appropriate items for children and helpful information for parents or caregivers about things they can do to help the children in their lives recover from the life changing experience of having an incarcerated loved one.
"Children’s Connection ‘To-Go’ kits provide children with a bridge to their incarcerated loved ones, offering tools that help them process complex emotions, foster communication, and nurture hope,” said Lou Crockett, Executive Director Family Connection. “The kits do more than just supply materials; they send a powerful message to the child—they are not alone, and their experiences are seen and valued. The impact of the kits is transformative, as they create a sense of connection and resilience, empowering children to navigate a challenging chapter in their lives with greater confidence and emotional support. The kits enhance Family Connection’s outreach, fosters trust within our communities, and demonstrates our tangible commitment to addressing the inter-generational cycle of incarceration. A child’s shoulders were not built to bear the weight of their parent’s choices. Thank you for helping us give HOPE for families that must be apart.”
Family Connection provides temporary shelter, emergency supplies, services and support to the families of inmates in an ongoing effort to facilitate visitation and strengthen the family bond. Family Connection works to break the generational cycle of incarceration through its mission to provide “Hope for families that must be apart.” The Children’s Connection program was started through Family Connection in 1997 to provide weekly group therapy and emotional support for children with incarcerated loved ones. The materials in the “To-Go” kits can play a crucial role in supporting the emotional and psychological needs during a challenging time in a child’s life.
“We are honored to partner with Family Connection in helping to create “To-Go” kits," says Ginger Niemann, SDCF Senior Program Officer. “Family Connection does amazing things for both children and families during one of the most difficult times of their lives and we are proud to play a small role in that.”
SDCF is a public non-profit organization established in 1987. SDCF, with offices in Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls and Aberdeen administers 1,200 funds benefiting hundreds of charitable organizations annually. The Foundation distributed nearly $31 million in grants in 2023 which made a tremendous difference in communities statewide. This would not have been possible without the generosity of our donors. If you have a specific cause you would like to support or would prefer to give for the general good of our state, please visit https://sdcommunityfoundation.org/giving to learn more or call 1-800-888-1842.