The LSS Campus on Eastbank in downtown Sioux Falls has recently been renamed the Fishback Campus for Opportunity in honor of Van D. and Barbara B. Fishback. They served as lead donors for the Campaign for Hope in 2016, and are long-time supporters of LSS.
The Campaign for Hope allowed for the purchase and remodel of 300 East 6th Street in support of an LSS campus offering multiple services including LSS Childcare & Education Services Here4Youth Program, LSS Re-Entry Services, and the LSS Center for New Americans.
“We are pleased to speak on behalf of LSS and its fundraising drive,” said Van and Barb. “We have enjoyed a close working relationship with its people and programs. The list of wonderful, committed folks and the services they provide to many individuals in need and under different circumstances is long. LSS is making a critical difference.”
Van and Barb’s support has continued beyond the campaign. They generously offered a matching gift opportunity for the first annual LSS Day of Giving last May—South Dakota CARES.
“We are grateful for Van and Barb for financially supporting our mission as well as their commitment to sharing the LSS story and advocacy in spreading awareness of our services and the impact they make,” said LSS President/CEO Rebecca Kiesow-Knudsen.
“The opportunities are truly endless,” continued Kiesow-Knudsen. “As we enter a new century of service, our board, executive team, and program leadership will undergo strategic planning. Our bar is raised on new fundraising initiatives that we are excited about.”
“I encourage everyone to reach out, ask questions and gain a better understanding of any one of our services and fundraising initiatives,” continued Kiesow-Knudsen. ”Don’t be surprised if you come away inspired by the resiliency of those we serve, and with deep gratitude for the many blessings in our own lives.”
Community Impact
The LSS Fishback Campus for Opportunity enhances the region’s workforce availability by providing job training, skill development, and the resources for clients to be self-sufficient and successful.
Letu Mideksa is one of many individuals who accessed resources through the campus and the LSS Center for New Americans. She came to the United States as a refugee from Ethiopia in 2017 and graduated from Southeast Technical College last May as a licensed practical nurse.
Letu is currently employed at Sanford Health as an LPN. Letu spoke at the annual Taste of Cultures event on the importance of the Fishback Campus for Opportunity and the LSS Center for New Americans, and their impact on refugees and resettlement in South Dakota and the state’s workforce.
”I want to use my education to help relieve other people’s pain,” she said. Like Letu, there are many successful community members who arrived as refugees. Through their perseverance and dedication, along with the tools and support from LSS, they have the confidence and skills to be successful.
LSS Touching Lives Blog 