News & Events
Helpline Center’s news and events are the critical link between great community and the programs Helpline Center is involved in.
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.
We encourage people to put together a team or register as an individual as we continue to step forward to prevent suicide and support those bereaved by loss. If you’re not able to attend the event but wish to donate, that’s great as well! Funds raised through the walk will benefit the Helpline Center’s suicide awareness and prevention programs and services. For those interested in joining the planning committee, volunteering at the event, or asking general questions, please email donate@helplinecenter.org or call 605-274-1420.
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
Tickets On Sale: February 3, 2026 | Reservation Deadline: March 31, 2026
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!
An Easy-to-Use Platform For Childcare
Quality child care provides our children with safe and loving environments to grow, learn, and thrive.
To support providers and families, the Helpline Center provides a free, easy-to-use platform for childcare provider listings and family searching.
For Providers:
Each provider has a profile in the system allowing you to post all the options you have to offer, including current openings.
For Families:
The Childcare Helpline also gives families options to search for openings based on important variables, such as proximity to work and availability.
To learn more, update your profile, or search for childcare, click here.
Join the Helpline Center for an unforgettable Family Volunteer Day Celebration!
Prepare for a delightful mix of family fun and volunteer activities that will bring smiles to everyone.
When: Saturday, November 22. 9am-12pm
Where: Sioux Falls and Rapid City
Contact: 605.274.8794 or vol@helplinecenter.org
learn more and sign up here: https://volunteer.helplinecenter.org/need/index?s=1&need_init_id=13985
Join the Helpline Center and Habitat for Humanity in the nation’s largest annual day of service. We will be completing projects to serve the Sioux Empire and Black Hills communities. Participants will take part in meaningful, hands-on projects that uplift neighborhoods, support families, and build stronger communities.
Sign up to serve: https://volunteer.helplinecenter.org/need/index?s=1&need_init_id=13963
The Helpline Center is partnering with the United Way for the Huron Day of Caring. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, August 12th, 2025. A variety of projects will be available to be completed that day, and participants can register as groups or individuals.
Some projects will be available at other times if this day does not work for you or the group.
To register by phone, call 211. Contact the United Way at (605) 352-3537 or by email at uwhuronsd@gmail.com with any questions or concerns.
