DakotAbilities

01/13/2026

Cooking class at DakotAbilities is about more than following a recipe—it’s a hands-on opportunity to build independence, confidence, and life skills in a fun, social setting. From practicing kitchen safety and measuring ingredients to teamwork and trying new foods, each class supports learning that carries well beyond the kitchen. Along the way, there’s plenty of laughter, creativity, and pride in every finished dish.

Pictured is the preparations and beginnings of a delicious Rosca de Reyes: a traditional sweet bread eaten to celebrate Día de Reyes!

01/13/2026

At DakotAbilities, physical and occupational therapy open doors to more experiences. Our website says it best: these therapies provide more than just movement—they build confidence, strength, and balance while encouraging people supported to reach beyond what they thought was possible (https://www.dakotabilities.org/services/physical-therapy).

Here is one of those incredible achievements in real time: Bethany completed her 699th lap around the halls of Longfellow this morning. The excitement she brings to this milestone—along with stopping to say hello to everyone she passes—creates an energy that is impossible not to smile along with.

What a way to start the week. Happy Monday!

01/12/2026

January 14th is quickly approaching! If you find yourself shopping at any Sioux Falls Hy-Vee this week, keep an eye out for our logo and donation box. 🍎🥕🥦🍞🥫

Together, we create a warm and welcoming community enriching the lives of those we support.

We’re honored to be part of Hy-Vee’s Operation Helpful Smiles—a community program that turns everyday grocery trips into meaningful impact.

From January 14–20, shoppers at Sioux Falls Hy-Vee stores can round up their purchase at checkout, with every dollar donated supporting our mission at DakotAbilities. Thanks to Hy-Vee and its program sponsors, all customer donations are matched up to $1,000 for the week—and this year, an additional outside donor will match contributions as well, doubling the impact even further.

It’s an easy way to give, and every round-up helps strengthen our Sioux Falls community. Thank you, Hy-Vee, for 20 years of giving back—and thank you to every shopper who chooses to participate. , we create a warm and welcoming community enriching the lives of those we support.

01/09/2026

Community involvement and independence look like this.

Susan takes great pride in her role at The Foster Network - The Closet, where she organizes clothing with care and purpose. This individualized task allows her to contribute in a meaningful way, build independence, and stay connected to her community—and she does an excellent job!

As you head into the weekend, we encourage you to get involved, give back, and uplift those around you, just as Susan is doing here. Enjoy your weekend and the power of community in action.

01/08/2026

Strong leadership matters—both within our organization and across our community. We are thankful for Nathan Stallinga’s leadership at DakotAbilities and his continued commitment to meaningful civic engagement.

This morning, Executive Director Nathan Stallinga served as moderator for the Good Morning Sioux Falls Legislative Preview, an annual event that brings together local state legislators and community leaders to discuss issues impacting South Dakota’s business community. As chair of the Chamber’s Issues Management Council, Nathan helped guide an informed conversation as we look ahead to the 101st Legislative Session.

01/07/2026

Our Music Therapy classes, held each Wednesday, offer more than music—they provide a meaningful outlet for expression, connection, and growth for the people we support. These sessions create a consistent, welcoming space where individuals can engage at their own pace, build confidence, and experience a sense of belonging.

Music therapy plays an important role in emotional well-being, communication, and self-expression. For many, these classes are a highlight of the week and an opportunity to feel seen, supported, and joyful in a way that words alone cannot provide. Therapy Services of South Dakota, LLC South Dakota Arts Council

01/07/2026

We’re honored to be part of Hy-Vee’s Operation Helpful Smiles—a community program that turns everyday grocery trips into meaningful impact.

From January 14–20, shoppers at Sioux Falls Hy-Vee stores can round up their purchase at checkout, with every dollar donated supporting our mission at DakotAbilities. Thanks to Hy-Vee and its program sponsors, all customer donations are matched up to $1,000 for the week—and this year, an additional outside donor will match contributions as well, doubling the impact even further.

It’s an easy way to give, and every round-up helps strengthen our Sioux Falls community. Thank you, Hy-Vee, for 20 years of giving back—and thank you to every shopper who chooses to participate. , we create a warm and welcoming community enriching the lives of those we support.

01/06/2026

“Ordinary actions. Extraordinary difference.”

Volunteering with DakotAbilities doesn’t require special skills — just an open heart. By showing up, you help reveal hidden strengths, build meaningful connections, and grow in empathy and understanding. That connection doesn’t just brighten someone else’s day; it can change yours, too.

🤲 Want to experience it for yourself? Read more and consider joining the mission:

01/05/2026

Construction update!🚧🏗

Walls and roofs are complete on our two new twin homes. These properties will replace a decades-old 16-person residence built in the 1980s.

Specifically designed for individuals with complex medical needs who require on-site nursing care, these new twin homes will provide safe, comfortable living arrangements that preserve privacy and dignity by reducing the number of roommates and shared spaces.

Want to learn more about this exciting development? Click here: https://www.dakotabilities.org/services/expanding-housing-to-meet-community-needs

01/02/2026

We’re honored to be selected by Pomegranate Market as one of the organizations kicking off their giving program in 2026. Support like this strengthens opportunities for engagement, growth, and inclusion across Sioux Falls. We’re grateful to Pomegranate Market and to everyone who chooses to give back in ways that uplift our local community.

, we create a warm and welcoming community enriching the lives of those we support!

Starting in January, we have three new organizations that you can now donate towards. For every bag you bring in, we will donate 5¢ to the organization you choose. Our new organizations are DakotAbilities, Feeding South Dakota, and HorsePower.

Plus, you can now donate at our downtown location when bringing your bags there!

Thank you to our customers who helped raise $188.40 for Sioux Falls Cares, $167.40 for Reach Literacy, and $259.90 for The Banquet Sioux Falls!

01/02/2026

Please join us in celebrating our December Living the Mission Award recipient: Heidi Loof, our Director of Residential Services.

Nominated by her peers, Heidi exemplifies above-and-beyond dedication, compassion, and leadership. Her open-door management style, commitment to empowering teams, and tireless advocacy for the people we support truly bring our mission to life: Together, we create a warm and welcoming community enriching the lives of those we support.

We are equally grateful for all of our December nominees—your passion and care do not go unnoticed!

👉 Learn more about Heidi's nomination and what’s happening at DakotAbilities by visiting our News & Events page: https://www.dakotabilities.org/news-events/december-living-the-mission-award

12/31/2025

As this year comes to a close, we are reminded that none of this work happens alone. The relationships we share, the families who trust us, and the community members who stand beside us make everything we do possible.

Because of your support, adults with disabilities are surrounded by care, opportunity, and belonging. Together, we help create lives filled with purpose, connection, and dignity, every single day.

While we reflect on the year behind us and look ahead, we are deeply thankful for those who believe in this work and walk alongside us. If you are able, please consider making a year-end gift to DakotAbilities. Your support helps ensure adults with disabilities continue to have the relationships, resources, and community they deserve.

Thank you for being part of who we are and what we do! Together, we create a warm and welcoming community enriching the lives of those we support: https://www.dakotabilities.org/get-involved/donate

https://youtu.be/4iCiU328-U8?si=3EeBvHos2GQihHjh

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.