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BUILDING BRIGHT FUTURES TOGETHER

Children do better when communities, families, and schools work together.

WHO WE ARE

About Us

We are a team of passionate, lifelong learners committed to meeting the needs of every community, family, and child. Through our programs, resources, training, and events, we build strong, collaborative relationships where everyone plays a role in nurturing and empowering the next generation.

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Our Services

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Family Engagement

Stronger family-school partnerships help kids succeed. We provide tools and strategies to connect families and educators for better student outcomes.

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Early Childhood

Children's early years matter. We offer expert guidance and resources to support healthy growth, learning, and development.
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Out-Of-School Time

We keep students engaged beyond school by providing training, tools, and activities to enrich out-of-school programs.
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Stronger Communities

We empower communities to connect, grow, and create meaningful change through collaboration, learning, and impact that lasts for generations.
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Learning Opportunities

Explore hands-on and virtual learning experiences designed to spark curiosity, build skills, and bring people together.
OUR PROJECTS

Collaborations That Make a Difference

We’re proud to lead projects that support families, schools, and communities through every stage of life. By working together with trusted partners, we expand access to learning, strengthen connections, and build a foundation for success—one relationship at a time.

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The South Dakota Statewide Family Engagement Center (SD SFEC) connects students' families, educators, and communities—empowering learners with the support they need to succeed.

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Families First delivers free, fun, and family-centered support right to you. Whether through learning activities or community connections, we're here to cheer you on.

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Our programs spark curiosity and creativity, immersing students in hands-on experiences with art, reading, STEAM, health, and social-emotional learning—both in and out of the classroom.

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The South Dakota Birth to Three Early Intervention Program supports children with developmental delays or disabilities from infancy to age three, helping families nurture their child's growth every step of the way.

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ThirdSpace Collaborative brings together schools, organizations, and communities to enhance out-of-school time programming through professional development, STEAM integration, and family engagement. It empowers educators to design sustainable, impactful learning experiences for all students.

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Community. Family. Education. Connection. Family. Education. Community.
Community. Family. Education. Connection. Family. Education. Community.

Maximize Your Title Funding

Community & Family Services specializes in transforming Title funds into innovative, customized family engagement strategies.
TESTIMONIALS

See the Impact

Retreat Attendee Empowering Families Leadership Retreat

"I found the discussion on the DISC assessment to be very intriguing and am excited to have my family partake! I also loved the guided painting session- it was very relaxing and fun self care! Honestly though, I just loved everything; staying in the beautiful hills, hearing from professionals, time carved out just for me, it felt magical!"

Roxanne Families First - Family Stressors Attendee

“It was a good program, that was exciting, and we looked forward to every visit.” 

Kallie Gebhard Family Fun Night Attendee

“Our school has been blessed with the support of BHSSC. They have supported us in engaging families with fun, hands-on activities. They make all activities a positive experience for the kids and the families! This partnership has been beneficial for our school in so many ways!”

Katie Families First - Family Stressors Attendee

“This program has been great for me and my kiddos. Julia has been a big help to my family, we learned so much. Thanks to Julia we have come a long way with learning new skills and working through challenges.” 

Becky Fjerstad Family Fun Night Attendee

“Wessington Springs Elementary School held a STEAM night for students and parents in the fall. The event was very well organized with engaging STEAM activities that were enjoyed by all.  Students went home excited and wanted to recreate these activities at home.  It was a great family engagement event that was well attended by our school community.”

St. Thomas More Senior CFS Poverty Escape Room Attendee

"I think the poverty escape room was very impactful. While it was fun, we realized that we have never had to struggle with such poverty. The experience opened our eyes to the fact that every situation is different and that poverty is real. The whole experience reminded me that we don't all have the same amount of privilege. The escape room impacted my views." 

Michael Hill 21st Century Programs Attendee

"Working and collaborating with the 21st Century Discovery Program is the highlight of each summer in the Black Hills. The staff are highly motivated, caring, and supportive of all of our efforts. Their guidance on how best to serve their children has increased our impact beyond our highest wishes. Each year, the staff helps to coordinate our events, offers guidance, inspiration, and truly cares for each child."

Ashleigh Families First - Family Stressors Attendee

“I would just like to say this program is amazing. They come in and work on educational and sensory things. It helps my son out so much and he loves having her come.” 

Tiffany Families First - Family Stressors Attendee

“Great activities for my son and me. Also helps me to learn better skills as a parent. We like her because she explains things in a way that we can understand.”

Recent Happenings

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

    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.
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    Malachi Nelson

  • From Uncertainty to Impact: Central High School’s Tutoring Club Earns Statewide Recognition

    Central High's tutoring club grew from uncertain beginnings to a thriving program where students like Aleah Thompson find academic support and leadership opportunities.
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    Aleah standing with other tutors

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

    SD SFEC partners with Sean Covel to give 7,000 first-graders his new book. Join virtual launch Oct 17 for this literacy and family engagement initiative.
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  • BHSSC Opens New Sioux Falls Office, Bringing Teams Together Under One Roof

    BHSSC opens new Sioux Falls office where four divisions collaborate under one roof, strengthening services and accessibility for eastern South Dakota communities.
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  • Inspiring the Next Generation of Teachers: CFS Partners with Educators Rising South Dakota

    Community and Family Services partners with Educators Rising SD to teach high school students exploring education careers the importance of family engagement in building effective classrooms.
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