On Thursday, November 21st, the Sioux Falls West Rotary Club members joined the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Sioux Empire to serve a Thanksgiving meal to their members and their families. We enjoyed sharing stories, meeting new people, and serving our community. On Thursday, November 21st, the Sioux Falls West Rotary Club members joined the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Sioux Empire to serve a Thanksgiving meal to their members and their families. We enjoyed sharing stories, meeting new people, and serving our community. 
On Saturday, October 12th, club members collaborated with the Great Plains Zoo team to prepare the grounds for their Fall festivities. Our group worked diligently to refinish the fences leading to the African Savannah area, all while enjoying the crisp fall air and observing the animals before the crowds arrived for the day.
On Saturday morning, October 5, 2024, members of our club donned hard hats and protective eyewear to volunteer at a Habitat for Humanity work site in the Whittier neighborhood of Sioux Falls. Club member Martin Oyos shared: "The site featured an older home that Habitat for Humanity is renovating to sell to a family in need who cannot afford traditional housing.The Rotary West volunteers assisted with re-siding the home and other outdoor construction tasks. A group from the Knights of Columbus also joined in the construction efforts that day. The fall weather was beautiful, creating a perfect backdrop for camaraderie and teamwork. The volunteers left with a sense of accomplishment, along with a few sore muscles."
Habitat for Humanity of Greate Sioux Falls added: "Our rehab house is fully sided! Thank you to all the volunteers who helped us, such as these groups from The Title Resource Network, Holy Spirit Catholic Church Knights of Columbus, Rotary Club of Sioux Falls—West, and FPC Sioux Falls. Your support is making this rehab possible!"
If you would like to get involved in our community projects, please contact us.
On September 10, Rotary Club of Sioux Falls West members dedicated their morning to spending quality time with adults with disabilities at DakotAbilities. Shelly Johnson, Director of Development at Dakotabilities, shared that "[The cub members] took a tour of Longfellow Center, where Meaningful Day services take place during the week. Of the 135 people DakotAbilties supports with accessible residential housing and 24/7/365 access to nursing care, the majority participate in day services, with activities ranging from art, music, nutrition, gardening, life skills, and fitness. The day services program also makes it possible for those supported to enjoy all our community has to offer, such as the Washington Pavilion, Great Plains Zoo, and the Midco Aquatic Center. DakotAbilities has been supporting adults with disabilities in Sioux Falls since 1965, and they work to ensure each person lives a life of full potential based on their unique abilities and interests. Relationships and meeting new people are of utmost importance, and by spending time getting to know one another over coffee, donuts, and BINGO, club members made a positive and lasting impression on the people they met, truly living up to DakotAbilities’ mission statement which reads,'Together, we create a warm and welcoming community enriching the lives of those we support.' ”
DakotAbilities is a registered 501(c)3. Meaningful Day services are made possible through grants, Sioux Empire United Way funding, and private donations.
DakotAbilities is a registered 501(c)3. Meaningful Day services are made possible through grants, Sioux Empire United Way funding, and private donations.
The Rotary Club of Sioux Falls West had the honor of helping serve our community through supporting Food To You, a mobile food pantry set up weekly in various churches throughout Sioux Falls. On August 1st, club members joined forces with them at East Side Lutheran Church, where we helped stock shelves with donated food items, assisted in checking in customers, and facilitated the grocery distribution to all who came in.
This past week, Rotary members engaged in a lively game of kickball with the children at LifeScape transforming an ordinary afternoon into a vibrant tapestry of laughter, camaraderie, and boundless energy. Amidst the backdrop of smiles and cheers, every kick becomes a testament to the power of connection, fostering bonds that transcend the boundaries of age or circumstance. Through the simple act of play, Rotary members and children alike discover the profound beauty of human connection and the timeless joy of being present in the moment.
The Sioux Falls Rotary West club spent a lovely evening with the children and young adults served by LifeScape in Sioux Falls in late March. While the idea is to usually make a real effort to hide the eggs, when working with these kids we decided to make it a bit easier. We wanted them to find LOTS of eggs and then they got to turn in their eggs for a prize - beautiful stuffed toys or yummy snacks. Along with the fun, we made an effort to help them work on counting and sorting. It truly was a delightful evening for all of us!
.png)
