SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – A local nonprofit is increasing its scope to help families devastated by flooding.

There are so many people in the area who have lost everything that makes their house a home because of flooding and the Furniture Mission is expanding to help.

There’s something special about living in this part of the world.

“We have that Midwest nice, always wanting to help out and be a helping hand to those that are in need,” said Executive Director and CEO Janean Michalove.

The Furniture Mission is reaching beyond its South Dakota service area and Michalove said their team decided to include more who are starting over.

“All of northwest Iowa and parts of Minnesota for families who have lost everything by flooding,” Michalove said.

If you have extra furniture, this could be the time to share.

“Donating couches, beds. Any household furniture items are always needed. Coffee tables and end tables and lamps, pots and pans and dishes and silverware,” Michalove said.

A Furniture Mission truck can pick up what you don’t need and deliver items to those who do.

Eighty-eight-year-old volunteer Dale Thorpe sees the whole team as a caring group.

“People here are super nice. They’re special and they’re my friends I’ve been doing it; I’m in my fourth year,” Thorpe explained.

On the deliveries, Thorpe sees the gratitude of those receiving furniture. He recalled a man who requested items for his kids and pregnant wife. On delivery day, Thorpe realized the man’s call to the Furniture Mission was among the last calls of his life.

While many fundraisers are underway, the established local non-profits are ensuring donations get to the right place.

“Trusting a nonprofit to step up to help you to decentralize those types of donations, on a great channel to make sure that we’re getting everybody what they need and getting everybody back to back in action,” Michalove said.

If you’re in need, you can contact 211 in South Dakota and they can connect you with help from the Furniture Mission and other local nonprofits in Sioux Falls.

Copyright 2024 Dakota News Now. All rights reserved.

All caregivers in the state can access free resources at home

PIERRE, S.D., June 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ –The South Dakota Department of Human Services (SD DHS) has partnered with Trualta, the leading online learning and support platform for family caregivers, to offer South Dakota caregivers free education and support. Caregivers can sign up at sd-caregivers.trualta.com.

“SD DHS’s Division of Long Term Services and Supports is excited to offer on-demand trainings and resources to help families and caregivers build the skills and confidence to provide care for their loved ones at home,” said Lesley Farmen, Administration of Community Living (ACL) Program Administrator and State Dementia Coordinator.

Trualta’s innovative education platform offers short lessons on many caregiver skills, including fall prevention, medication management, and bathing. It also offers virtual support groups and webinars. Trualta helps families caring for loved ones with conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, an intellectual or developmental disability, heart disease, diabetes, a recent stroke, and more.

“We are thrilled to offer our family caregiver education platform in South Dakota,” said Jonathan Davis, Trualta CEO. “This is a significant step forward in our mission to empower caregivers with invaluable knowledge and support, deepening our commitment to help as many caregivers as possible to better manage challenging care situations at home.”

There are an estimated 80,000 unpaid family caregivers in South Dakota, and they are at risk for anxiety, depression, and burnout. To learn more visit sd-caregivers.trualta.com.

About the South Dakota Department of Human Services

The mission of the South Dakota Department of Human Services (SD DHS) is to enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities and those who are aging. Department staff work with individuals, families, and SD DHS partners to help individuals learn about available services and how to access them. In partnership with its stakeholders and through its five divisions, SD DHS helps individuals meet the goals they set for the life they want.

About Trualta

Trualta is the leading family caregiver education and support platform, helping caregivers build skills, improve confidence, and feel less isolated. It offers on-demand articles and videos, and virtual support groups, to help improve at-home care and reduce caregiver burnout. Trualta partners with healthcare payers and providers, and government and social service organizations to bring its evidence-based offering to families. 

CONTACT: Allison Becker, [email protected]

SOURCE South Dakota Department of Human Services

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – Former South Dakota State Jackrabbit Baylor Scheierman was the last pick in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft, selected by the Boston Celtics 30th overall.

Scheierman spent three years at South Dakota State before transferring to Creighton, spending two years in Omaha. Scheierman started 35 games for the Bluejays last season, shooting about 45% from the floor and 38% from beyond the arc.

Scheierman will be joining a Celtics team coming off its 18th NBA Championship, defeating the Dallas Mavericks in the 2024 NBA Finals. Scheierman is the ninth former Jackrabbit to be selected in the NBA Draft, and the first since Nate Wolters was selected in 2013.

Copyright 2024 Dakota News Now. All rights reserved.