Did you know...
28% of children in SD are being raised in single parent homes, an increase of 30% since the year 2000.
Research has found that children living with a single parent are 3 times more likely than children living with both parents to be a victim of a violent crime and are at increased risk for low measures of academic achievement.
In 2009, 201 children were born to single teens in Minnehaha County, 90% of these teens will raise their children.
One in 43 American children has a parent in prison. Children of prisoners face: low self-esteem, anger, depression, withdrawal from friends/family, feelings of abandonment, diminished academic performance.
According to locally completed survey: 22.6% of middle school students reported using alcohol at least once in their life. 22.7% of high school students reported using marijuana at least once in their lifetime. 56.3% of elementary students reported being bullied in the past 30 days.
A local survey of mentees in surrounding communities found: 20% said their parents rarely or never help them with homework. 15% said they had no adult they could turn to if they were really upset about something. 20% said they had no adult in their lives who helped them feel better about themselves when they struggle with things.
1 in 7 young people between ages 10 and 18 will run away. 75% of runaways are female. 46% of runaway and homeless youth report being physically abused and 38% reported being emotionally abused.
Your Gift in Action...
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sioux Empire provides youth who are at-risk for low achievement socially, emotionally, and economically with a mentor who is able to provide support, guidance, and friendship – thereby helping the youth to become confident, competent and caring individuals. Mentor Mom provides support to young mothers. Last year, 211 mentor matches and 83 mentor mom matches were made or maintained. Studies show that Adult Littles are more likely than non-alumni to be engaged in their community, 27% more likely to have received a four-year degree, and 39% more likely to have current household incomes of $75,000 or higher.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sioux Empire’s Amachi program provided 138 children of prisoners with a mentor last year.
Carroll Institute’s Project Awareness focuses on the reduction and prevention of substance abuse and bullying for grades 3-12. Last year, 1,596 classroom presentations were made to 13,575 students within 11 school districts.
Lutheran Social Services’ School-Based Mentoring provides elementary and middle school students with positive adult role models. Last year, 1,472 volunteer mentors provided 44,160 hours of service. A recent report shows that after the first year with a mentor, mentees show improved outcomes in attitudes toward school, academic performance, and behavior. An evaluation of the local rural mentor program has found for students who have been matched with a mentor for at least four months: 68% have shown improved grades, 56% have shown improved attendance, 98% have show improvement in social competence.
Volunteers of America, Dakotas’ Bowden Youth Center is a neighborhood drop-in center that offers educational, artistic, musical, cultural and creative opportunities for youth ages 8 to 20 years. The center averages 70-80 youth in attendance in each day.
Volunteers of America, Dakotas’ Outreach Services in Brandon connects with individuals and resources in Brandon. Offers counseling, family crisis intervention, medical equipment closet, and more. Last year, 42 people received mental health or chemical dependency services.
Volunteers of America, Dakota’s Street Outreach takes resources directly to at-risk youth and Family Crisis Intervention provides a 24/7 immediate intervention program to families who are in crisis. Last year, 10,389 contacts were made with 3,463 individuals.