News & Events
Helpline Center’s news and events are the critical link between great community and the programs Helpline Center is involved in.
The Child Care Resources page from the Helpline Center highlights the importance of finding quality care for children and supports families throughout that process. Choosing child care is a major decision, and this program is designed to make it easier by connecting families with trusted providers and helpful information. Through a partnership with the South Dakota Department of Social Services and the Early Childhood Enrichment system, the Helpline Center offers a reliable and accessible resource for families statewide.
At the core of the program is the Child Care Helpline, a resource and referral service that helps families explore child care options that fit their needs. Families can search an easy-to-use online database of providers or connect directly with a Child Care Specialist for personalized assistance. By offering multiple ways to get support (including an online search tool and dialing 211) the Helpline Center ensures that families can quickly and conveniently find the care they are looking for.
This service goes beyond simply listing providers. It helps guide families through the decision-making process with confidence. By offering expert support and access to vetted resources, the Child Care Helpline empowers parents and caregivers to make informed choices. Ultimately, the program helps strengthen families and communities by ensuring children are connected with safe, nurturing, and appropriate care environments.
South Dakota is part of America 250, a nonpartisan initiative working to engage every American in commemorating the 250th anniversary of our country. This ongoing effort, from now through July 4, 2026, is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead toward the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond.
The Helpline Center is proud to be a partner in SD’s America’s 250th. To view America’s 250th South Dakota events and activities, visit the Historical Society events calendar HERE.
Filter by Event Category and select America’s 250th.
Click HERE for more information
Journey Beyond Loss: A Symposium for Suicide Loss Survivors
The 2026 Helpline Open will take place on Monday, July 13 at Willow Run Golf Course in Sioux Falls for the Helpline Open. All the funds raised from the event will support the suicide prevention and crisis support programs offered through the Helpline Center.
Click here for more details.
South Dakota Mental Health Poster Contest
(Ages 12–18)
We are proud to sponsor a statewide poster contest for South Dakota youth ages 12–18 who want to share their creativity and make a positive impact in their communities.
Selected artwork will be displayed across South Dakota, giving young artists the opportunity to have their voices seen and their messages shared statewide.
Poster Themes
Posters must represent one of the following themes:
- Empowerment
- Inspiration
- Connection
- Prevention
All skill levels are encouraged to participate. Whether you’re an experienced artist or just love to create, this contest is open to any youth living in South Dakota.
Submission Deadline
All entries must be submitted no later than March 15, 2026.
Have questions?
Call 211 or email training@helplinecenter.org for more information.
Click HERE to enter!
Saturday, June 6, 2026
Fawick Park (downtown Sioux Falls)
9:00am – Program with Guest Speakers Dodi & Brian Young; Rememberance Ceremony
9:30am – 1.5 Mile Walk on the bike path
Hope Is Just a Step Away.
Every life lost to suicide was one too many. Behind every statistic was a name, a face, and a story that ended too soon. The Step Forward to Prevent Suicide walk is more than a community event—it is a movement of compassion, awareness, and action. When we come together, we break the silence that keeps people suffering in the dark. This year’s Step Forward to Prevent Suicide Walk marks the 15th year and will take place on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 9:00am at Fawick Park in Sioux Falls. We hope you’ll join us as we continue walking together toward awareness, healing, and hope.
Click here for more details.
The Helpline Center is sponsoring a contest for Black Hills area youth aged 12-18 interested in creating original art for a chance to be part of a coloring book to help uplift and empower Black Hills youth.
Click HERE to enter!
Eligibility
- Submissions must be from youth between the ages of 12-18.
- Submission entry MUST reside in the black hills area.
- The design should clearly reflect positive mental health themes such as:
- Hope
- Support
- Self-care
- Friendship
- Asking for Help
- Kindness to self and others
Questions? Call 211 or email training@helplinecenter.org
The Spirit of Volunteerism is a well‑attended annual celebration that brings together community leaders, nonprofits, businesses, and supporters to honor the volunteers who make a lasting difference. Each year, students, individuals, and groups are recognized for their dedication, generosity, and service—their collective efforts strengthening and connecting communities across the Sioux Empire and the Black Hills.
Join us this spring as we gather in a spirit of gratitude and celebration to uplift these remarkable individuals. This inspiring event is a chance to publicly thank our volunteers, highlight their impact, and ensure they feel truly seen and appreciated for the heart they bring to our community.
Wednesday, April 8, 2026 (SIOUX FALLS)
Sioux Falls Convention Center
Tuesday, April 14, 2026 (BLACK HILLS)
DoubleTree by Hilton, Rapid City
At Terry Redlin, Cleveland, and Anne Sullivan elementary schools, too many students are waiting for a mentor. At the start of the 2025-2026 school year, there were more than 1,000 mentors serving Sioux Falls school district students, yet only about 50 were matched in these three schools combined.
- Who We Are: A collaborative initiative between the Helpline Center, Teammates, LSS, and the Sioux Falls School District to increase mentoring at three Sioux Falls elementary schools.
- What: Mentors are supportive adults who meet with their mentee one-on-one to play games, make crafts, and be a listening ear.
- Where: Anne Sullivan, Cleveland, and Terry Redlin elementary schools
- When: Meet with your mentee weekly for about 40 minutes during lunch, recess, or after school.
Click here for all the details…
South Dakota Day of Giving is on #GivingTuesday, December 2, 2025. It’s the one day of the year where nonprofits like the Helpline Center come together to raise funds, build awareness, and have a little fun along the way. Whether this is your first Day of Giving or you’re a seasoned vet, you don’t want to miss out on all that the Day has to offer.
This special day is about more than donations—it’s about community. Every gift, no matter the size, helps us continue providing critical services like 211, volunteer connections, and mental health support to thousands of South Dakotans. When you give, you’re not just supporting a program—you’re helping someone find hope in their hardest moment.
We invite you to join us in spreading the word! Share our social media posts, tell your friends, and encourage others to give. Together, we can make a powerful impact and show what South Dakota can accomplish when we unite for good. Your involvement—whether through giving or sharing—truly makes a difference.
Let’s make this #GivingTuesday unforgettable. Click here to donate online to the Helpline Center and learn more about how your contribution changes lives. Thank you for being part of this movement of generosity!
