In h e r i t a n c e o f Ho p e l L o v e I N C o f t h e B l a c k Hi l l s l We l l F u l l y
DECEMBER 2021
Volume 2. Issue No. 12
MRS. ANONYMOUS Martha Rodriguez creates lasting connection with the community’s abused and neglected children
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DEC. 2021 Volume 2 // Issue No. 12
8
28
SPREADING THE LOVE
GIVING BACK
Bridget Stone is spending retirement helping others better themselves. BY MICHELLE PAWELSKI
14
FULLY WELL Tim Rogers helps troubled youth find the right path. BY MICHELLE PAWELSKI
20
MRS. ANONYMOUS
Martha Rodriguez creates lasting connection with the community’s abused and neglected children. BY MICHELLE PAWELSKI
Five tips to give back this holiday season. BY HELPLINE CENTER
30
CONNECTION AND KINDNESS
Sharon Scudder is committed to helping individuals build their lives. BY SHILOH FRANCIS
34
GIVING HOPE
Madi Fuegen shares story of loss to help others cope. BY MICHELLE PAWELSKI
ELEVATE RAPID CITY N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 1 E C O N O M I C I N D I C AT O R S UNEMPLOYMENT RATE 2.3%
AVERAGE WEEKLY WAGES $ 917
ECONOMY RAPID CITY GROSS SALES $ 751,118,140
BUILDING PERMITS 275
NEW HOUSING UNITS 198
REAL ESTATE
Rapid City metro statistics
ACTIVE LISTINGS 203
Month-over-month increase
MEDIAN LISTING PRICE $ 386,000
Month-over-month decrease
Monthly comparisons, industry analysis and additional economic indicators available on exclusive investor report. elevaterapidcity.com 5
HOPE MOVES THE WORLD I should be a statistic. That’s what I often think at night when I’m alone and falling asleep. Over the years, I’ve realized that it’s a thought that sticks with a lot of people who have come from a place of poverty or crisis. Why am I here and not somebody else? Mother pregnant at fifteen. Grandmother murdered when I was only 8. The list could go on and on. But somehow, I made it, decades later with two degrees and a professional career. Maybe I got lucky. Maybe my parents made just the right number of sacrifices. Maybe it was that one or two mentors along the way. There’s also something to be said for hope. Love and compassion get all the headlines and bestsellers, but I think it’s hope that moves the world. Welcome to this issue of Elevate, where we explore love, compassion, and hope through the stories of the people and organizations in the Black Hills who help those who have been less privileged, less than cared for, and less than elevated. There’s the story of Bridget Stone, who came out of retirement to volunteer at Love INC so she could help people living on the street. And then there’s the story of Tim Rogers, who spends his free time working with troubled youth as part of his role as a board member for WellFully. And finally, our cover story of Martha Rodriquez, Mrs. Anonymous, whose work with abused children through CASA, is rewarded not by money, but by hope and hugs years and years in the future. And that, my friends, seems like a pretty good place to both begin and end any journey. Stay safe and God-speed,
Elevate is a monthly publication produced by Elevate Rapid City. It is the premier business magazine for the Black Hills region telling the stories that make our area unique and vibrant. PO Box 747, Rapid City, SD 57709 605.343.1744 elevaterapidcity.com PRESIDENT & CEO Tom Johnson FINANCE & OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Dana Borowski ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Matt Brunner MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR Shiloh Francis PUBLIC POLICY DIRECTOR Anna Hays SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & INVESTOR RELATIONS DIRECTOR Brandis Knudsen WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT & TALENT ATTRACTION DIRECTOR Samantha McGrath ECOSYSTEM DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Mitch Nachtigall EVENTS & TRAINING MANAGER Rachel Day CREATIVE SERVICES MANAGER Andy Greenman ECOSYSTEM SUPPORT & PROPERTY MANAGER Loni Reichert BUSINESS RECRUITMENT & EXPANSION MANAGER Garth Wadsworth OFFICE MANAGER & HR COORDINATOR Liz Highland INVESTOR RELATIONS COORDINATOR Debbie Leber EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Becky Knox
DESIGN AND LAYOUT Andy Greenman
Tom Johnson, President & CEO
PUBLISHED BY THE RAPID CITY JOURNAL Bill Masterson, Publisher, bill.masterson@bhmginc.com ADVERTISING Eddie Hebron, 605.394.8356 ehebron@amplifieddigitalagency.com PRINTED BY SIMPSONS PRINTING
6 ELEVATE • DECEMBER 2021
COMMENTS
CALENDAR
TUSWECA GALLERY
Nov. 27
He is an incredible artist and advocate for people. Just a well deserved spotlight. - Nora Boesem
Floats strung with thousands of lights sparkle and dazzle more than 30,000 spectators downtown. Learn more at festivaloflightsrc.com.
Fabulous Artist. But much more, a story teller in paint. - Teresa Lawrence
DAVID LUST ACCELERATOR BUILDING
When I graduated from the School of Mines, there was little opportunity to stay in Rapid City. But with investments like this, I hope that the talent generated at Tech and the state of South Dakota as a whole can stay and contribute to the area's growth, development and the prosperity by creating a culture of innovation! - Joel R Hayes
CONNECT
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Festival of Lights
Small Business Saturday
Shop your neighborhood businesses this holiday season.
Dec. 2
Pitbull featuring Iggy Azalea
The global superstar will pull out all of the stops with instantly recognizable smashes. The concert takes place at The Monument, Summit Arena. Purchase tickets at themonument.live.
Dec. 3-31
Christmas Nights of Light at Storybook Island Check out all of your favorite storybook characters dressed up in lights for the holiday season. View schedule at storybookisland.org.
Dec. 3
Clint Black featuring Lisa Hartman Black
The Houston-raised musician has come a long way from the Texas nightclubs. The concert takes place at The Monument, Fine Arts Center. Purchase tickets at themonument.live.
Dec. 4
Kountry Junkin' Christmas Market
Local vendors create a vintage market at the Central States Fairground. Admission is $5 per adult. Children under 12 are free.
Winter Market & Christmas Tree Lighting
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Box Elder welcomes all for free hot chocolate, cupcakes, kid crafts and more during the winter market. Don't forget to dress up for your family photo with Santa Claus.
Dec. 8,10-11
Rapid City Rush vs. Kansas City Mavericks
The Rapid City Rush ECHL hockey team is back in action. Purchase tickets at www.rapidcityrush.com.
Dec. 15-19
Lakota Nation Invitational 45th Anniversary
The most unique basketball tournament in the world takes place at The Monument. Learn more at lakotanationinvitational.com. elevaterapidcity.com 7
"WE REALLY WANT TO HELP PEOPLE THAT WANT TO HELP THEMSELVES. THAT IS REALLY IMPORTANT WITH LOVE INC." - BRIDGET STONE
8 ELEVATE • DECEMBER 2021
SPREADING THE Bridget Stone is spending retirement helping others better themselves STORY BY MICHELLE PAWELSKI // PHOTOS BY ANDY GREENMAN
For decades, Bridget Stone worked as a social worker and early invention specialist helping people throughout the Black Hills. “After I retired, I thought ‘What am I going to do?’,” she said, “I’ve always tried to help my fellow man in my job so how am I going to help now?” Bridget knew of the Hope Center so started her outreach there, and four years ago became involved with the local Love INC organization. “I heard the term Love INC, but I didn’t know what it was,” she said. When a friend asked her to a Love INC luncheon that she discovered all the resources the organization provided for the community. “They talked about the need for volunteers and there were so many ways to give and that really got me going.” Love INC or Love In the Name of Christ is a church-based ministry started in 1977 in Michigan. The founding vision was to partner with local churches in providing outreach and resources to assist those in the community needing support. Love INC of the Black Hills began in 2001 and has added programs ever since.
"AFTER I RETIRED, I THOUGHT ‘WHAT AM I GOING TO DO?' I’VE ALWAYS TRIED TO HELP MY FELLOW MAN IN MY JOB SO HOW AM I GOING TO HELP NOW." - BRIDGET STONE
elevaterapidcity.com 9
"Bridget brings all the assets we look for in a volunteer, gentle spirit, willing to jump in wherever we need her along with being an encourager." - SHERYL HATCH, OPERATIONS MANAGER AT LOVE INC OF THE BLACK HILLS
The variety of volunteer opportunities is what first attracted Bridget to Love INC, and since joining she has been involved in nearly every aspect of the organization. Bridget first volunteered with Intake, helping people apply for assistance. Two years ago, she joined the RISE team, a sustainable social enterprise that offers restored, used, and new furniture and décor. Every Thursday, Bridget, spends three hours refurbishing donated furniture which is displayed and sold at the RISE store. Volunteers and those receiving assistance from Love INC complete all the restoration. The organization requires participants to volunteer two times for at least three hours. “We really want to help people that want to
help themselves. That is really important with Love INC,” Bridget said. All the money from sales at the RISE store supports the Love INC programs. Some individuals and families she speaks with during intake are the same she volunteers with on Thursdays. “You get to know them better and when you are visiting with the participants you get to be a friend to them. There are a few families I have connected with on a more permanent basis.” Bridget also helps with Life INC where she cares for children while families take classes on a variety of subjects including parenting, finances, and nutrition. “Bridget brings all the assets we look for in a volunteer, gentle spirit, willing to
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"THERE ARE SOME PEOPLE BOTH (AT LOVE INC) AND AT THE HOPE CENTER THAT TOUCH YOUR HEART. THEY ARE JUST REALLY TRYING HARD TO BETTER THEMSELVES." - BRIDGET STONE
elevaterapidcity.com 11
jump in wherever we need her along with being an encourager,” according to Sheryl Hatch, operations manager at Love INC of the Black Hills. “She comes with no judgment just love for those she is serving. We are privileged to have Bridget serving with us.” Bridget continues her work with the Hope Center and many times sees the same people she helps at Love INC. “There are some people both (at Love INC) and at the Hope Center that touch your heart. They are just really trying hard to better themselves.” With so many people in need and so many wonderful organizations, Bridget wishes she had more time to give. “It is just so rewarding. You get more out of it than you give. I enjoy it and it makes me feel like I am doing something useful and contributing.” To volunteer or donate visit loveinconline.com. ▤
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"I’M JUST ONE SMALL PIECE OF THE BIG PUZZLE." - TIM ROGERS
14 ELEVATE • DECEMBER 2021
FULLY WELL Tim Rogers helps troubled youth find the right path STORY BY MICHELLE PAWELSKI PHOTOS BY ANDY GREENMAN
When asked to join the board of directors at WellFully, Tim Rogers immediately said yes with one stipulation — he would get to be involved directly and plan activities. Since joining the board two years ago, Tim has done just that taking participants kayaking, hiking, to baseball games, to big game feeds, and Christmas tree hunting. He even introduced some to the art of making S’mores, something many had never had before. “It was an easy decision,” Tim said of joining the WellFully organization. "I’ve been on other boards where you are totally hands-off, so this has been fun, all the interactions with the participants.” elevaterapidcity.com 15
"YOU SEE THE TRANSFORMATION OF THESE KIDS FROM THE FIRST TIME THEY ENTER THE PROGRAM AND EVEN AFTER A FEW WEEKS WHEN THEY ARE CLEAN." - TIM ROGERS
In only two years on the board, Tim has had a huge influence on the WellFully youth. “He’s more than a board member, he is intricately involved in the mission we have in helping these kids,” said Rich Cartney, WellFully chief operations officer and Tim’s childhood friend. WellFully is the only organization in western South Dakota providing inpatient drug rehabilitation and residential behavioral healthcare for adolescents in crisis. Since 1990, the organization has served boys and girls between the ages of 9 and 17 who have significant mental health, substance abuse, and behavioral challenges. WellFully provides three different inpatient programs, according to Burke Eilers, chief executive officer, a co-ed addiction recovery, a co-ed behavioral unit, and a girls’ psychiatric residential treatment facility. The hope is to add a crisis center for suicide within a few months, he added. WellFully also has an outpatient after-school program where youth come for two hours, three days a week, and provides resources and support even after someone graduates from the program. “We want kids to know that we are here for the long game,” Burke said. “We really push the point that we believe in you and know you
16 ELEVATE • DECEMBER 2021
will do good, but life throws you curves and if you run into one you can always come back.” Burke said during group discussions they always start with talking about Lakota values and generosity, they discuss the importance of money versus time. Tim is giving of his time and that is important to the kids, Burke said. Prior to joining the board, Tim was asked by Rich to talk with the youth about the significance of making the right choices. “We both grew up poor on the North side of town,” Rich said. “Tim told the kids that there is
"THERE IS ALWAYS A HUGE OPPORTUNITY TO GO THE BAD PATH, BUT FORTUNATELY I CHOSE THIS PATH." - TIM ROGERS
another way, that there is hope.” Both Tim and Rich know of friends and family members who went down the wrong path. “Growing up then and even now there are constant bad influences,” Tim said. “You can go either one way or another and there is always a huge opportunity to go the bad path, but fortunately I chose this path.” During that first talk, Tim, director of environmental services for Black Hills Energy, connected with the youth. And since then, has continued to impact those he interacts with. “You see the transformation of these kids from the first time they enter the program and even after a few weeks when they are clean.” Tim’s daughter Mikayla, who is pursuing her Doctor of Music at Florida State University, has also been involved with organizations joining in kayaking with the kids and playing Christmas music for them one year.
elevaterapidcity.com 17 elevaterapidcity.com 17
ADVENTURES WITH WELLFULLY
Many of the youth at WellFully have been abused and neglected and have never experienced an actual Christmas, eaten at a restaurant, or gone out for ice cream - simple things that most people take for granted. “Many of the kids come through here have never experienced dignity. They’ve never experienced people caring about them. We are showing them and introducing them through Tim and others that the world is not all a bad place,” Rich said. “This place touches so many people and we couldn’t do what we do without people like Tim.” Tim believes he is making a difference in the lives of the youth at WellFully, however, it is the entire organization working together that helps lead the youth to live successful lives. “I’m just one small piece of the big puzzle.” ▤
warm and bright. From cozy nights by the fire to gathering ‘round the glowing tree, we’re grateful to fuel the memories you create this holiday season. © 283929_21
18 ELEVATE • DECEMBER 2021
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Martha Rodriguez creates lasting connection with the community’s abused and neglected children STORY BY MICHELLE PAWELSKI PHOTOS BY ANDY GREENMAN
20 ELEVATE • DECEMBER 2021
MARTHA RODRIGUEZ AND VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR BAILEY PEDEN, STAND OUTSIDE THE SEVENTH CIRCUIT CASA IN RAPID CITY.
elevaterapidcity.com 21
Martha Rodriguez’s son once asked if she was anonymous. “There are a lot of volunteers and donations from this anonymous,” he said. It was a valid question. The mother of four and grandmother of eight has spent much of her life giving her time, talents, and resources to make life better for others. It is something she believes every human being should do. “Volunteering is the best thing you can do for your mind, spirit and soul…it gives you a sense of inner peace.” 22 ELEVATE • DECEMBER 2021
"KIDS ARE GIVEN THE SHORT STICK AND IN THE CASE OF CASA THEY NEED SOMEONE TO STAND UP FOR THEM." - MARTHA RODRIGUEZ
While Martha has volunteered for several organizations, one holds a special place in her heart. For four years, she has served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for Rapid City advocating for nine children during that time. “I’ve always been around kids and love it. Kids are given the short stick and in the case of CASA they need someone to stand up for them.” CASA was founded in 1977 by David Soukup, a Seattle judge who became concerned by how quickly
decisions concerning the lives of abused and neglected children were being made with little information from the child. Bailey Peden, Martha’s volunteer coordinator, said volunteers spend time with the child, building relationships, providing consistency, and reporting back to the judge their observations and the needs of the child. Martha takes that job seriously. She provides a non-judgmental, nourishing safe place where the needs of the child come first, Bailey said. “Martha brings a total, utter commitment. When she says she is going to do something she does it,” said Bailey. “We get to write it in the court report, but I know if Martha could, she would scream at the top of her lungs to make sure these kids are in the situation they need to be in to thrive.” CASA of Rapid City serves kids from Pennington, Custer, and Fall River counties. Currently, there are nearly 400 children in the state’s custody that are waiting for an advocate. “That is the gap we are trying to fill now,” Bailey said. These are children that have been taken from their parent or guardian because of abuse and neglect. The children are in the state’s custody and live in one of a variety of placements including foster, group, or kinship homes. Once a case is open, the parents or guardians have a year to make changes to get their kids back. “We have some cases that close quickly and others that take years,” Bailey said. Martha is currently on two cases, one since January 2019. The child, in this case, has been in five foster homes, had five attorneys, four advocates, three judges, and countless social workers. Martha has been the child’s constant. “In my opinion, everybody in this world who eats, lives, and breathes should want to help these kids, any kid, because they are our future. There is nothing more rewarding than this. Every child deserves a step up and a break.” Martha’s other case is on the path toward adoption. CASA has a rigorous background check and interview process to make sure the volunteer will advocate for the best interest of the child. “The job as advocates is to meet the kids where they are at see what they need, see what we can do to help them grow, and just be consistent,” elevaterapidcity.com 23
Bailey said. “We have a huge demographic of volunteers. We just ask the volunteers to show up, be committed, consistent and reliable for the child.” CASA asks advocates to make some sort of contact with their child once a week whether it is writing a letter, text message, phone call or visit. Martha has helped with homework, taught children to shop for groceries and cook a meal, taken them hiking and to help with volunteering at another local organization. One of her children wanted to be a scientist so Martha arranged a tour of the Sanford Lab, and one of her sibling groups wanted to learn their Lakota language so she took them to classes. “It’s not that hard and the reward is way beyond.” Bailey said another CASA volunteer helped teach their child to drive and another helped shop for apartments. “It’s really about teaching life skills,” Martha said. “Let’s make these kids productive and feel valued… therefore they can use that value for something productive. They are way smarter than we give them credit for. They can survive, but it’s just not how we would want our child to learn to survive.” Even after a case has closed, Martha has maintained a relationship with her CASA
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CASA VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR BAILEY PEDEN AND MARTHA RODRIGUEZ ENJOY THE FALL WEATHER.
"YOU MAKE RAPID CITY BETTER AND WHAT A GREAT, GREAT THING TO DO. WE ARE ALREADY A SHINING STAR THIS JUST MAKES US A BRIGHTER STAR." - MARTHA RODRIGUEZ
TO BECOME A PART OF CASA OF RAPID CITY GO TO CASAOFRAPIDCITY.ORG AND CLICK ON VOLUNTEER
children. “I’ve run into my former CASA kids, and they’ll come up and give me a hug and say ‘Miss Martha.’” Despite the outcome of the case, reunification, adoption, or foster home, the child still needs an advocate. “You are not finished with them right away,” Martha said. “What does this do to the child …you have to work with all of that.” The memories and bonds created stay long after the paperwork is filed. “These are lifelong connections that you are making with kids that may have not had that opportunity if they did not have an advocate,” said Bailey. Despite not having direct contact with the children, Bailey said working with the volunteers and hearing the stories of resilience has been amazing. “You read what they’ve been through, and they are still just kids. They are still growing and becoming independent people. You can learn a lot by watching someone make it through a hard time especially when they are so little.” Martha’s passion for the CASA program and the children she serves has spread throughout her family with all four of her children becoming advocates and one granddaughter who is looking into volunteering. Martha, who has lived with her husband, a retired Air Force pilot, in Rapid City for more than 30 years, said volunteering not only helps those you serve but also makes the community a better place. She loves Rapid City and wants all those in the community to feel welcomed and valued. “Volunteering not only helps the person or people you are serving, you make Rapid City better and what a great, great thing to do. We are already a shining star this just makes us a brighter star.” ▤
elevaterapidcity.com 27
5
THE HELPLINE CENTER PRESENTS
DELIVER FOOD OR HELP SERVE A MEAL ON OR AROUND THE HOLIDAYS
WAYS TO GIVE BACK THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
GIVE MONETARY DONATIONS TO A LOCAL NONPROFIT
SHOW LOVE TO A PERSON WITH A DISABILITY, A FAMILY, OR CHILD BY PURCHASING GIFTS TO BRIGHTEN THEIR HOLIDAY
DONATE FOOD AND/OR NEW OR GENTLY USED TOYS AND CLOTHING
For a list of giving, volunteer, holiday events, and assistance go to helplinecenter.org/holidayguides
28 ELEVATE • DECEMBER 2021
GIVE YOUR TIME TO LOCAL ADVOCACY CENTERS FOR CHILDREN AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SHELTERS
elevaterapidcity.com 29
CONNECTIONS AND KINDNESS Sharon Scudder is committed to helping individuals build their lives STORY BY SHILOH FRANCIS
"WHEN YOU GIVE SOMEONE A HOME YOU GIVE THEM A PLATFORM TO BUILD THEIR LIVES."
- SHARON SCUDDER
30 ELEVATE • DECEMBER 2021
PHOTOS BY ANDY GREENMAN
One day a young woman walked into Sharon Scudder’s office. She had come from the shelter, no longer safe in her home after being beaten. It was difficult for her to communicate as she had a disability. Because of that, many people had ignored or overlooked her. But not Sharon. She listened, saw her needs, and ultimately was able to help her find a home. Twenty years later, that woman still remembers the kindness she was shown and thanks Sharon for not just giving her a home, but a new lease on life. It’s those moments of connections that keep Sharon involved. “If I can make a difference, even with just a smile, it’s worth it to give my time,” she explained, with a smile of course. Involved is an understatement as she has a resume of more than three pages summarizing the boards and organizations she is involved with. A common theme in Sharon’s work and volunteer efforts has been in housing. She started as a tenant service officer in 1976 for Pennington County Housing and spent more than 20 years in the field. Today, she continues to share her insight and make connections on the South Dakota Housing Board.
"IF I CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE, EVEN WITH JUST A SMILE, IT’S WORTH IT TO GIVE MY TIME." - SHARON SCUDDER
elevaterapidcity.com 31
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32 ELEVATE • DECEMBER 2021
"YOU NEVER KNOW WHO YOU’RE GOING TO MEET AND THE IMPACT THEY COULD HAVE ON YOUR LIFE. IT RETURNS TO YOU TEN-FOLD." - SHARON SCUDDER
“I saw the good housing does for people,” she reflected. “When you give someone a home you give them a platform to build their lives.” As a dedicated problem-solver, Sharon didn’t just work in housing, she made it a mission to understand as much as she could. Realizing an obstacle many homeless people face when trying to apply for jobs is a lack of address, Sharon learned more about the Hope Center and the critical role they play in serving as a mailing address for people. She laughed, “Honestly I volunteer because I’m selfish. It makes me feel worthy.” Her love of volunteer work is also why Sharon has been actively involved with Kiwanis. She spends evenings crafting homemade cards which she mails across the globe through the organization. She is even
developing a new Kiwanis club in town, the 321. This club will be geared toward young professionals. “We know people don’t have a lot of time to give, but they still want to. This is a simple model of three hours each month. Two in service, one in a meeting.” Whether it’s something as simple as giving someone a smile, or the more than thirty hours a week she does volunteering, Sharon has touched the lives of countless people in the region. She said it best when asked why people should volunteer: “Volunteering makes you whole. You never know who you’re going to meet and the impact they could have on your life. It returns to you ten-fold.” ▤
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"I CAN USE WHAT I’VE GONE THROUGH TO GIVE HOPE TO ANOTHER FAMILY. I AM STILL ANGRY, BUT IT’S HELPED ME FEEL MORE OK WITH IT." - MADI FUEGEN
34 ELEVATE • DECEMBER 2021
GIVING
HOPE
Madi Fuegen shares story of loss to help others cope
STORY BY MICHELLE PAWELSKI // PHOTO BY ANDY GREENMAN
In January 2020, Madi Fuegen traveled to Orlando to participate in her first official volunteer retreat with Inheritance of Hope, a national organization whose mission is to inspire hope in young families facing the loss of a parent. The trip was a year after her dad died of cancer. “I was so nervous to go and do this on my own,” said the 24-year-old. “I didn’t know anyone but took this leap of faith.” That trip changed her life. “I got to share my story with this family that I served from Boston. The mother came up to me at the end of the retreat and she said, ‘you gave me so much hope that my kids are going to be OK.’ I just started crying.” Inheritance of Hope was founded in 2007 by a couple with young children searching for resources to help them
navigate the mother’s terminal illness. They found nothing so decided to create their own and share with other families. “Their slogan is Every Family Deserves a Legacy, and they bring these families together that are fighting similar battles,” she said. Madi’s first encounter with the organization came years prior to her Legacy Retreat in 2020. Her dad Lance was diagnosed with neuroendocrine carcinoma in 2012. A family at their church, whose father also had a terminal illness, referred the Fuegens to the organization after participating in a retreat themselves. “In November 2015, we got to go to New York City with our family on a retreat. I got to meet young adults who were going through similar situations.” Madi has many wonderful memories elevaterapidcity.com 35
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36 ELEVATE • DECEMBER 2021
TECHNOLOGIES
"YOU CAN GO TO THIS GROUP, TELL THEM WHAT YOU ARE FEELING, AND THEY ARE VALIDATED AND MAKE SENSE." - MADI FUEGEN
MADI JOINS THE CAO FAMILY AT MAGIC KINGDOM DURING HER FIRST OFFICIAL VOLUNTEER RETREAT FOR INHERITANCE OF HOPE IN 2020.
from their trip to the Big Apple, however, she did not gain as much out of the experience as she now wishes. “When they told us we were going on this retreat to New York City, I was like ‘Oh my gosh. We don’t need to be a part of this. My dad is not that sick.’” Madi and her brother Steele didn’t realize how sick their dad was. “He had such a positive attitude and was always gracious to everyone he met. He woke up every day and chose the good in everything even though he knew he was dying. I think that is why I didn’t know my dad was so sick. He didn’t want us to be the kids with the sick parent.” It was after volunteering for South Dakota State University’s State A Thon, a nationwide dance marathon that raises money for the Children’s Miracle Network, that Madi realized her passion. “I just fell in love with nonprofit fundraising and connecting with the families. I could feel the fire inside of me. I knew there was a reason why I went through what I went through with my dad and I wanted to be able to share it.” She immediately contacted Inheritance of Hope. Since the 2020 Legacy Retreat, Madi has increased her service with the organization. While COVID-19 halted the in-person retreats, it opened new opportunities for more consistent connections. Inheritance of Hope created Hope@Home, weekly Zoom discussions for people of all ages dealing with a variety of challenges. Madi helps facilitate the kids’, ages 7 – 12, group and helps host the young adults' group. “It’s a time for those respective groups to get together, discuss what they are feeling and what is going on in their lives.” While
elevaterapidcity.com 37
Madi has not physically met those in the Hope@ Home meetings, she feels a strong connection to them. “Ever since COVID hit, and we’ve been able to connect every week it has created a solid foundation of friends that I have that understand when I am having a hard day, missing my dad… those little triggers that other people may not get. You can go to this group, tell them what you are feeling, and they are validated and make sense.” Madi, who works full time at Black Hills Harley Davidson and is also earning her Master of Education in Administration of Student Affairs, hopes to be involved with Inheritance of Hope long term. She is excited to volunteer with another Legacy Retreat in March and aspires one day to be on staff with the organization. — December 13 marks three years since Madi lost her dad. She hasn’t yet decided what she will do that day, maybe eat nachos and watch football, a favorite activity of her dad’s. But she will connect with her Inheritance of Hope peer group. “After my dad passed away, I was angry. I didn’t understand why it was happening. Given these opportunities made me realize I can use what I’ve gone through to give hope to another family. I am still angry, but it’s helped me feel more OK with it.” ▤
38 ELEVATE • DECEMBER 2021
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elevaterapidcity.com 39
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