Blog & News

What I Learned Sitting in a Circle of Fathers

scott.simpson@bhssc.org (Dr. Scott Simpson) — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 17:13:32 GMT

CFS Learning Specialists Featured in National Afterschool Publication

CFS Staff Member — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 22:23:30 GMT

Empowering Families: Connection, Leadership, and Growth

The Statewide Family Engagement Center Team — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 20:25:03 GMT

Family connection is at the heart of everything we do. The 2025 Empowering Families Retreat, hosted by the South Dakota Statewide Family Engagement Center (SFEC), invited parents from across the state to gather for a weekend of reflection, learning, and restoration.

Planned by parents, for parents, the retreat offered families a space to recharge, build community, and celebrate the power of family voice.

Navigating Fatherhood Together: Stronger Dads, Stronger Families

CFS Staff Member — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 19:37:46 GMT

Fatherhood is a journey that shapes not only our children’s lives but our own. The Engaging Fathers Cohort, brought to you by the South Dakota Statewide Family Engagement Center (SFEC), is a powerful, five-part program dedicated to supporting and empowering fathers. Through guided discussions, hands-on learning, and shared experiences, fathers gain essential tools to strengthen their bonds with their children, grow as parents, and create brighter futures for their families.

Honoring the Journey: Families First Wraps Up with Lasting Impact

CFS Staff Member — Wed, 21 May 2025 16:45:00 GMT

As the Families First program officially comes to a close, we pause to honor the deep and meaningful impact it made on families across the Black Hills. Housed within the Community & Family Services (CFS) division of Black Hills Special Services Cooperative (BHSSC), and funded through a vital partnership with the South Dakota Department of Health, Families First was created to fill a critical gap in early childhood services—especially for families who fall between eligibility lines for traditional programs.

It’s Back! Over 7,000 First Graders to Join the “Super Special” Book Adventure with Sean Covel

CFS Staff Member — Tue, 20 May 2025 23:00:00 GMT

The South Dakota Statewide Family Engagement Center (SD SFEC) is thrilled to bring back one of our most joy-filled literacy traditions—this time, with a brand-new twist!

Inspiring the Next Generation of Teachers: CFS Partners with Educators Rising South Dakota

CFS Staff Member — Tue, 20 May 2025 19:29:27 GMT

At Community and Family Services (CFS), we believe in the power of early inspiration, especially when it comes to shaping the future of education. That’s why we’re excited to announce a new partnership with Educators Rising South Dakota, a program that supports high school students interested in becoming teachers.

BHSSC Opens New Sioux Falls Office, Bringing Teams Together Under One Roof

CFS Staff Member — Tue, 20 May 2025 19:29:17 GMT

We’re thrilled to share a major milestone for Black Hills Special Services Cooperative (BHSSC)—the grand opening of our brand-new Sioux Falls office, located at 5301 S. Sycamore Street!

Dr. Pam Lange Named 2024–2025 White-Riley-Peterson Policy Fellow

CFS Staff Member — Tue, 20 May 2025 19:28:51 GMT

We’re proud to share some exciting news from the BHSSC team: Dr. Pam Lange, Deputy Director of Black Hills Special Services Cooperative (BHSSC), has been selected as a 2024–2025 White-Riley-Peterson (WRP) Policy Fellow!

Celebrating Malachi Nelson: A National Afterschool Leader Making a Difference in Rapid City

CFS Staff Member — Tue, 20 May 2025 19:28:39 GMT

We’re proud to share some exciting news from the world of out-of-school time (OST) programs: Malachi Nelson, 21st Century Site Coordinator with Community and Family Services (CFS), has been named one of the National AfterSchool Association’s (NAA) 2025 Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders.

This national recognition is more than just an award—it’s a celebration of what makes South Dakota’s afterschool programs strong: dedicated professionals like Malachi who show up every day with passion, persistence, and a deep commitment to the youth and families they serve.