South Dakota CARES is a statewide opportunity for everyone in South Dakota to join together online or in-person to heighten awareness and support critical services at LSS.
On May 16, 1921, an open house and donation day marked the opening of the House of Mercy, the first LSS service location. The morning after the House of Mercy opened, the first applicants for admission appeared—an elderly woman and a seven-year-old girl who needed a home. While they were not the expected clients, they were warmly welcomed. By the end of its first year, the House of Mercy had cared for 23 single mothers, three married mothers, 12 children who were placed in adoptive homes, and 11 children who returned to their parents.
Over the last 100 years, LSS has evolved to provide care throughout South Dakota with many unique services. In recognition of this humble beginning and the impact of these critical programs and services developed throughout LSS history, South Dakota CARES will take place on May 11-12.
Join us for South Dakota CARES, a celebration and a call to action to help provide critical resources and shape the lives of current and future generations of South Dakotans just as we did on that day in May 1921!
LSS Touching Lives Blog 