About

Our Story

Mission Statement

The mission of the Helpline Center is making lives better by giving support, offering hope and creating connections all day, every day. We fulfill our mission through the following core service areas: 211 Helpline, 988 Lifeline, Volunteer Connections, Suicide Grief Support, Mental Health Services.

History

In 1974, Fern Chamberlain founded our agency with a vision of connecting people to critical resources and promoting volunteerism. Over the next 25 years our agency grew to became known as the Helpline Center offering support 24 hours a day across the entire state of South Dakota. It was also the first location west of the Mississippi River to begin 211 service in 2001. The Helpline Center serves thousands of people every year by connecting individuals to resources and support, providing referrals, building community volunteers, offering hope to individuals with thoughts of suicide and supporting families bereaved by suicide loss. Their team supports over 100,000 people each year. The Helpline Center is the only entity in the state accredited by Inform USA and the only organization in the state that provides a certified crisis line through the American Association of Suicidology.

“I felt overwhelmed after losing my job and facing eviction, but 211 helped me take it one step at a time. Now I have a plan for a housing, daycare for my children so I can focus on my new job and finally a feeling of hopefulness.”

– Michele B.

“I was so worried about my son as something has been off for a while but after calling 988, I was given the tools on how to talk to him and help him speak openly about his struggles. I had no idea just how much he was going through.”

– Dan H.

FAQ

What is the Helpline Center?

The Helpline Center is a nonprofit organization in South Dakota that connects people to support, resources and hope through 24/7 services, including crisis support, information and referrals, and community programs.

What services does the Helpline Center provide?

Key services include the 211 Helpline, 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, Volunteer Connections and suicide grief support programs.

Is the Helpline Center available 24/7?

Yes, many services including 211 and 988 are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What is 211?

211 is a free, confidential helpline that connects South Dakotans to local resources such as food, housing, financial assistance, transportation and more. You can call, text or email help@helplinecenter.org.

What is 988?

988 is the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline that provides free and confidential emotional support, crisis intervention, and connection to local mental health professionals. You can call, text or chat 988.

Can I contact 211 or 988 on behalf of a loved one?

Yes, if you know someone in need but they don’t feel comfortable making the call, you can call to gather resources and information on their behalf.

Do I have to be in a crisis to call 988?

No, you do not. You can contact 988 for mental health related topics, substance use concerns or general emotional support.

What happens when I call, text or chat 988?

You are connected with a trained 988 counselor at the Helpline Center who will listen, provide short term counseling, offer support and connect you as needed to local behavioral health resources. They may end the call by asking if it’s ok to follow up to ensure you’re getting the help you need.

Will they call law enforcement if I contact 988?

Over 98% of crisis calls are stabilized and do not require further action, thus requiring fewer interventions by law enforcement.

Who can use the Helpline Center?

Anyone can use the Helpline Center’s free services—there are no restrictions based on age, income or background.

Does the Helpline Center offer grief support for suicide survivors?

Yes, they provide free support services and resources for individuals and families who have lost a loved one to suicide.

What is the Peer Support Program?

Peer Support connects individuals with trained specialists who have lived experience and can help with recovery, goal setting and emotional support.

What is the Volunteer Connections program?

Volunteer Connections helps match community members with volunteer opportunities at nonprofit organizations in the Black Hills, Brookings, Sioux Falls, and Yankton communities. The agency offers volunteer recruitment assistance plus support for volunteer managers. The program also oversees the Mentoring Together initiative in three Sioux Falls elementary schools.

How does the Helpline Center support communities?

The agency partners with nonprofits, government agencies, schools, and businesses to provide support programs, trainings, resources and marketing materials.

What programs serve youth?

The Volunteer Connections program has SALSA (Serve and Learn Student Association) in the Sioux Falls area. The Helpline Center also works with high schoolers across the state through its Hope Squad program, where trained students support at-risk peers and connect them to help.

What other support programs does the Helpline Center offer?

The Helpline Centeroffers additional support programs such as Older Adult Outreach, Transition to Success, Child Care Helpline, Substance Use Care Coordination, Nonprofit Exchange, Helpline Center Network of Care and more.