Hope took a major step forward for South Dakota families on April 12, 2024, with the groundbreaking for a new Children’s Services Campus in Sioux Falls! It was a joyful day, as several hundred people, including donors, families, business leaders, and dignitaries—turned out to celebrate. Front and center with shovels in hand were several children supported by LifeScape. Special guests were U.S. Senator John Thune, South Dakota Lt. Governor Larry Rhoden, Sioux Falls Mayor Paul Ten Haken, and donors Dave and Christine Billion.
The construction crew spent the summer preparing the land for the building and utilities. Now, the walls are going up!
At the LifeScape Foundation, we are focused on raising the remaining funds to finish the project. The total project cost is $98.3 million, and we have just $3 million yet to raise!
We invite you to join us on this Journey of Hope–a commitment to future generations of children in our community and beyond.
Gifts to the project can be made here, or by contacting the Foundation office at (605) 444-9800 or [email protected].
The highlight of the summer of 2024 was the huge success of the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce Community Appeals Fund Drive, which was from April 1st to July 31st. The goal was to raise $1.8 million from Sioux Falls businesses for the playground at our new site.
Thanks to the hard work of our three campaign chairs – Jason Herrboldt (First Bank & Trust), Dave Rozenboom (First PREMIER Bank), and Jay Soukup (Stifel)—with 30+ individual solicitors—the drive raised $2.2 million!
Those dollars will build the active space of the main playground. It will be an accessible space in an outdoor courtyard setting, providing safety without fencing. It will include water jet play, accessible swings and slides, an in-ground trampoline, and other fun play options.
Three additional courtyards and a terrace are being further funded by individual donors.
The 200,000 square foot building is being built on ten acres of land on North Career Avenue and West 34th Street North. The larger capacity facility will relieve wait lists of children needing services.
It will include a 69-bed children’s residential area, a 25% larger specialty school, an 18-bed pediatric rehabilitation hospital, expanded inpatient and intensive outpatient therapy space, gymnasium, pool, therapy pool, visitation space. and some administrative offices.
The general contractor is Henry Carlson Construction, with design by Koch Hazard Architects and HDR Engineering.
Completion of the 30-month project is expected in Fall 2026. Move-in for children, services, and staff will then commence, and we plan to be settled by December 2026!
A buyer is being sought for the current 26th Street Hospital & School property, with proceeds applied to the fundraising total.
LifeScape’s two outpatient centers will remain at their current locations, as will Adult Services.
We are continuing our schedule to improve and replace homes for the adults we support, with the fifth new-construction home opening in 2025. We have also upgraded day program areas at our Adult Services location at 51st Street and Western Ave. in Sioux Falls.
Tech visionary Steve Jobs believed that we’re all here “to put a ding in the universe.” He understood the power of the individual to change the world for good, in large and small ways. The Journey of Hope will make that impact—providing hope for children and families for generations to come. We hope you’ll join us.
