Dakota Hospital Foundation awards $15,000 to three local grant recipients:

• Vermillion Fastpitch Softball - $1,500
• SESDAC, Inc - $8,500
• Gayville-Volin School District - $5000.00

Vermillion Fastpitch Softball
“The mission of Vermillion Fastpitch Softball is to promote the welfare of girls ages seven to eighteen by creating, sustaining, and supporting a girls softball program (Vermillion Flamz) in Vermillion, SD. Vermillion Fastpitch Softball plays an important role in ensuring girls have access to exercise opportunities that teach persistence and determination through experiences that allow players to grow physically, socially and emotionally. The purchase of additional equipment will fully engage all players on the teams.” Dr. Daniel Mouriam, President of Vermillion Fastpitch Softball

“Dakota Hospital Foundation is pleased to again provide funding to the Fastpitch Softball Association for the equipment needs for the additional team members. We are excited to be a partner in helping to provide health and wellness opportunities for youth in our community,” John Prescott, DHF board member.

Pictured left to right: (back row): Tom Overby, DHF board member, Veronica Schmidt, Sanford Vermillion administrator/CEO; Ann Emerson; Joe Cleveland; Joni Freidel, DHF board member; Michael Smith, DHF board member (front row): John Prescott, DHF board member; Lisa Ketcham, DHF Vice President; Katie Mourlam; Dan Mourlam, President Fastpitch Softball League; Cindy Benzel, DHF Director.

 

SESDAC, Inc.
The Dakota Hospital Foundation is proud to announce an $8,500 grant awarded to SESDAC, Inc. to support the creation of an Outdoor Sensory Garden at their Cherry Street facility. This new outdoor space will build upon SESDAC’s existing indoor sensory room by offering therapeutic experiences in a natural, inclusive environment.

“The purpose of the SESDAC Sensory Garden is to create an inclusive, accessible space that fosters sensory engagement, community connection, and well-being for individuals of all abilities,” said Ionela Georgescu, Executive Director of SESDAC, Inc. “The measurable outcomes include increased social interaction, enhanced sensory experiences, and improved well-being for participants. The garden will also serve as a long-term sustainable resource, with community involvement in its creation.”

The project aligns with the Dakota Hospital Foundation’s mission to support innovative programs that enhance community health and wellness.

“The Dakota Hospital Foundation is pleased to present this grant to SESDAC for their Outdoor Sensory Garden,” said Lisa Ketcham, Vice President of the Dakota Hospital Foundation Board of Directors. “Their facility already features a remarkable indoor sensory room, and this outdoor addition will expand therapeutic opportunities for individuals of all abilities. This project exemplifies our mission to foster unique and innovative services, support community health and wellness initiatives, and enhance the quality of life for residents, patients, visitors, and staff.”

Construction of the Outdoor Sensory Garden is currently underway and will continue throughout the summer. The Dakota Hospital Foundation looks forward to seeing the progress and the positive impact this project will bring to the community.

Pictured left to right: (back row): Veronica Schmidt, Sanford Vermillion administrator/CEO; Nick Winkler SESDAC HR Director; Michael Smith, DHF board member; Joni Freidel, DHF board member; John Prescott, DHF board member (front row): Nicole Voss, SESDAC Director of Nursing; Ionela Georgescu, Executive Director at SESDAC, Inc.; Lisa Ketcham, DHF board member; Megan O’Neill, SESDAC Director of Services; Cindy Benzel, DHF Director.

Gayville-Volin Porchlight Project
“We look forward to having the outdoor classroom soon because it will bring residents of all ages together to recreate and learn in the outdoors,” Allison Larson, Gayville-Volin Porchlight Committee member.

“The Outdoor Classroom at Gayville-Volin School represents exactly the kind of initiative the Dakota Hospital Foundation is proud to support,” said Andy Howe, Board Member of the Dakota Hospital Foundation. “Projects like this align with our mission to enhance community health and wellness. By providing funding, we help ensure our donors’ contributions have a lasting and widespread impact.”

Pictured left to right: (back row): Veronica Schmidt, Sanford Vermillion Administrator/CEO; Kathy Jorgensen; Maia Achen; MacKenzie Logan; Aliza Westrum, Natalie Selchert; (second row): Lilly Hare, EJ Zaphier, Rebecca Loutch, Colton Wieger and Andy Howe, DHF board member. (front row): Cash Willman, Alison Larson, Vaydyn Bentley, Rodney Powers, Veronica Martin and Cindy Benzel, DHF Director.