May 2023 Newsletter

New Executive Director

The board of directors of River City Domestic Violence Center and River City Family Connections is pleased to announce the hiring of Cassie Nagel as our next Executive Director. Cassie has over six years of experience advocating to create safer, more equitable, and trauma-informed communities. Cassie most recently was employed by the Children’s Home Society of South Dakota as an Education and Public Awareness Specialist. Cassie makes her home in Yankton along with her two children, Mylee (16) and Michael (13).

Welcome, Cassie!

May Day Basket Deliveries

Pathways Homeless Shelter

Roger's Family Pharmacy

Hydro

During the month of April, River City Domestic Violence Center observed Sexual Assault Awareness Month as well as Child Abuse Awareness Month. Our culminating activity in which we spread awareness was with May baskets! The May baskets helped us not only empower community members with knowledge pertaining to interpersonal violence but also spread kindess to some of our community supporters! Scroll to read more about how we engaged with the community this month!

Sexual Assault Awareness and Child Abuse Awareness Month

EMERGE is a dedicated group of professionals who meet quarterly to address sexual assault and investigate how, as a community, we can work together to prevent sexual assaults from happening and continue to support survivors who have experienced sexual assault. EMERGE includes members from Ability Building Services, River City Domestic Violence Center, River City Family Connections, Yankton Police Department, Lewis & Clark Behavioral Health, Dept. of Corrections, Court Services, EMS, Federal Bureau of Prisons, Dept. of Social Services, Mount Marty University, Yankton County States Attorney's Office and Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.

Pictured below is some of the EMERGE team dressed in BLUE

to show support of Child Abuse Awareness Month.

Angel Shot Campaign

If you are aware of an establishment that does not currently participate in the Angel Shot campaign, feel free to reach out to us! We'd be happy to contact them about hanging the Angel Shot posters.

RCDVC and the Emerge team continue their partnership with local bar owners to bring the Angel Shot campaign to Yankton. The posters are featured at local establishments that serve alcohol. Date Rape Drug Detector coasters are also available at many of the establishments.

Volunteer of the Month

Tom Kurtenbach, RSVP Volunteer Project Coordinator at United Way and Volunteer Services of Greater Yankton, presented April's Volunteer of the Month Award to Heidi Hassing.

"Heidi Hassing, volunteer at River City Domestic Violence Center and River City Family Connections, mentors children affected by sexual assault and domestic violence. These children are secondary survivors as a result of trauma from which their parent is healing. Heidi provides a consistent, positive influence for these children while their mothers attend weekly support group. Heidi inspires not only the children but also the staff with her consistency and willingness to volunteer. She gives HOPE to the mothers attending group so they can focus on their healing journey.

In recognition of April being Sexual Assault Awareness Month, it is fitting that we recognize the value of Heidi’s efforts and the value that those who help others who are victims of sexual assault and domestic violence bring to the community through their volunteerism. The victims are better because of it and we all are better because of her efforts. Heidi’s service makes other people feel good and appreciated. Heidi is special. Heidi Hassing embodies the values of United Way by making our community a better place for everyone. Heidi, we are inspired by your dedication and your commitment to serving others and our community. You really express the value that UNITED we can accomplish more than we can alone. To live better we must LIVE UNITED. You represent this in everything you do!

Thank you, Heidi Hassing! It is my privilege to present to you……the United Way & Volunteer Services of Greater Yankton’s April 2023 Volunteer of the Month award. Congratulations!!" -Tom Kurtenbach

Walk a Mile and Family Fun Day 2023

We are excited to announce the date of July 22, 2023 has been set for Walk a Mile in Their Shoes and Family Fun Day! This year will be our 16th annual march against violence! What makes this event special to our hearts is the awareness it brings to the community about domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, child abuse, and how we can be a force for change. Each year businesses and community members rally together to show their support of our mission by walking across the Meridian Bridge in red heels or any red apparel. Please visit our website www.yanktondomesticviolencecenter.com for sign up information!

YOUR participation can make a difference!

Denim Day

Donation Station

Thank You to Our Generous Donors and Partners!

The Dakota Territory Girl Scouts donated 200 boxes of cookies for clients and staff! This was a very welcome - and sweet - surprise! Thank you, Girl Scouts!

The quilters at Dakota Prairie Quilt Guild had an egg-stra special member help deliver April's door hangers! Thank you to their newest member, Ellie! Ellie also sewed one of the door hangers!

The Lincoln Elementary Student Council packed Easter baskets for the kiddos that visit both our shelter and River City Family Connections. What a wonderful way to spread holiday cheer! Thank you, Lincoln Leaders!

River City Family Connections

What's happening at our sister agency?

River City Family Connections visited The Boys and Girls Club. They planted seeds and discussed the needs that seeds have in order to grow. Then, they compared those needs to humans! They discovered that both seeds AND humans both need kindness and patience in order to BLOOM!