Imagine a single parent, juggling multiple part-time jobs while raising two young children. Despite the daily challenges, they are determined to pursue higher education but are held back by financial constraints and lack of support. This is where the Uplifting Parents Program steps in, bridging the gap between their aspirations and reality. With dedicated mentors guiding them, financial stipends alleviating some of the economic pressures, and comprehensive parenting support, these parents are given the tools to succeed...
In loving memory of Bishop Muhich, a beacon of faith, compassion, and unwavering dedication to the Church and its people. Throughout his esteemed tenure in the Diocese of Duluth, Bishop Muhich embraced a multitude of roles with grace and humility. As an associate pastor and pastor, he walked alongside parishioners, offering guidance, solace, and the sacraments.He exemplified a steadfast commitment to nurturing spiritual growth and community unity...
CSS invites you to our 2024 Palm Sunday Brunch. March 24, 2024 from 12:30pm-2:30pm at the Ramkota Hall. Author Colonel Gary Bridges will be sharing his message of service, faith, and his literary adventures...
The Uplifting Parents program (UP) over the past 5 years, partnered with Notre Dame’s Lab for Economic Opportunities (LEO), has conducted a randomized control trial measuring the success of the program. Preliminary data shows that 76% of UP participants make it to graduation.
UP's success rate has led to an ongoing commitment from LEO to replicate the UP program across the nation...
CSS Community Outreach & Disaster Director Dominique hit the ground running when flooding hit Spearfish in June 2023. Tigert had been preparing for this type of situation where she could put her knowledge, preparational activities and “tackle what’s in front of you” attitude into action. “We project that we are going to be moving into a long-term recovery situation.” Tigert knows that it is going to take upwards of two months to have full closure of people getting back into their homes and lives. With the aim of getting people back into their homes and...
Join CSS for our 2023 Palm Sunday Brunch as Senator Mike Rounds reflects on Faith, Family and Leadership. “The teachings of the Catholic Faith have helped guide me throughout my life. My Faith has played a significant role in my decision-making process throughout my time in public service as I’ve worked to make South Dakota and our nation stronger for the next generation. Additionally, Faith gave my family hope during my wife Jean’s two-year battle with cancer. It continues to give us hope today as we adjust to life without her. I look forward to the opportunity to join Catholic Social Services to discuss my Faith and family.”
Last night as I held little Lucia, a three-month-old infant, in my arms I visited with her mother, who at 20, was welcomed back to the University of Mary in Bismarck. In support of the overturning of Roe V. Wade. U of Mary will provide free room, board and childcare for single moms who want to complete their higher education goals. It was made possible by 1 generous donor...
“Starting Palm Sunday, the church is telling us that these are the eight days that changed your life. Your life was redeemed by Jesus Christ and transformed,” said Dr. Tim Gray, guest speaker at the Palm Sunday Brunch sponsored by Catholic Social Services...
Keynote speaker Dr. Tim Gray, one time employee of the Diocese of Rapid City and now President of the Augustine Institute, is a well known Catholic speaker and author...
As we enter into the season of Lent, we are invited to fast, pray and give alms. Through these actions we set ourselves aside for the sake of God and others...
Diana Redden is an Uplifting Parents participant who emigrated from Ghana 10 years ago. She hadn’t been back to Ghana since moving to America, but returned this summer to care for her ailing mother. Her family in Ghana will meet her 8-year-old son, Denzel, for the first time...
Memorial gifts for Sr. Marmion Howe, OSB, one of the first executive directors of Catholic Social Services who died Nov. 26, 2020 at the age of 100, will benefit Catholic Social Services.
People unable to pay their bills. Grandparents suddenly asked to provide childcare for grandchildren. Parents wondering how they would pay this month’s rent. Families struggling to put food on the table.
They all found a little help and hope amid the Covid-19 pandemic at Catholic Social Services from the CSS Covid-19 Response Fund, which provides up to $250 per household for emergency needs.
Per·se·ver·ance: noun Persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success. Tenacity. Determination. Resolve. Resolution. Dedication. Endurance. Commitment. You could add Anna Castillo’s name to that dictionary definition.
I grew up in a big family with three siblings and over twenty cousins. I was very blessed to have two parents who loved each other and each of their children. They were positive role models that I wanted to be like for my own children one day.
Monae Johnson has been parenting children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder for the past 16 years, but the FASD Parenting 101 class at Catholic Social Services she attended recently was still a great reminder that there’s always something new to learn, or relearn, about FASD and its many challenges.
Lakota Circles of Hope Partners with Rural American Initiatives
Lakota Circles of Hope prevention curriculum is now being offered to students in Rapid City middle schools thanks to a partnership between Catholic Social Services (CSS) and Rural America Initiatives (RAI). Ateyape Wicozani, a RAI program, staff received training in December and have begun offering LCH to students in the Rapid City Middle Schools, grades 6-8 in their after school program.
CSS Staff and Volunteers attend Catholic Charities USA Disaster Training Workshop in Colorado Springs in December
Staff and volunteers of CSS were able to attend a national disaster response conference due to a recent grant from Catholic Charities USA. The Applied Institute for Disaster Excellence (AIDE) conference is a “by the network, for the network” training that strengthens local disaster response capacity. Attendees come away with best practices and new relationships that serve as a critical asset at a time of a disaster event. In addition to the core training, peer-to-peer networking opportunities and daily liturgy, attendees had the opportunity to go the sites of previous disasters and witness the impact as well as recovery measures made post-disaster.
CSS Staff and Volunteers helped with disaster relief in Oglala in November and December
The weather cooperated with sunshine and 60-degree temperatures on Nov. 20 and Dec. 11 as a teams of Catholic Social Services volunteers repaired Wilma Blacksmith’s mobile home and several others that were damaged in a Pine Ridge Reservation hailstorm last summer.
CSS Staff and Volunteers help with disaster relief in Oglala
The weather cooperated with sunshine and 60-degree temperatures on Nov. 20 as a team of Catholic Social Services volunteers repaired Wilma Blacksmith’s mobile home and two others that were damaged in a Pine Ridge Reservation hailstorm last summer.
