Public Affairs Director, Jon Michaels (since 1977), talks to Bob Kolbe about his clock business celebrating 50 years. Also about his history collection of post cards of South Dakota. And then there is his archaeological digs in out houses. And don't forget his long run as Minnehaha County Commissioner.

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Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) talks with Natasha Letcher, Development Director, and Major Geffory Crowell of the Salvation Army in Sioux Falls about their annual fundraising for families and children in need.

You can earn $15.00 an hour as a bell ringer. Registertoring.com

This year's goal is over $350,000 https://give.salvationarmyusa.org/

from their website: https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/siouxfalls

Experts agree that there is no single root cause of all poverty.

Rather, a variety of factors, including hunger, addiction, homelessness, mental illness, unemployment, lack of education, abuse, human trafficking, discrimination and social inequality, can lead to poverty and contribute to its continuation. That's why The Salvation Army offers both short- and long-term assistance and solutions that address the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of individuals and families in order to alleviate the immediate effects of poverty and address the root issues that cause it.

Pathway of Hope

We strive to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty through the Pathway of Hope initiative, offering strengths-based casework to families with children 18 years of age and younger. Services provided include financial counseling and planning, job training and referrals, assistance with housing, and spiritual support. Pathway of Hope works with people where they are, offering practical guidance to help families overcome obstacles and achieve their big-picture goals, one step at a time.

Material assistance

Often it's the smallest things that make the biggest difference: a fan to bring cool relief on a hot day, help paying the electric bill so there's enough money for groceries, or a backpack filled with school supplies so a child is prepared for school. Our material assistance programs provide groceries, clothing and household items, assistance paying for prescription medications and utilities, fans, backpacks and school supplies, and Christmas meal assistance.

Food

Chances are, you know someone who is struggling to put food on the table. Thousands of adults and children in Nebraska, South Dakota and western Iowa are food insecure and don't know where to find their next meal. We address this critical problem by offering multiple food services, including food pantries, lunch and dinnertime community meals, mobile food distribution, and summer lunch programs for school-age children.

Housing

As the saying goes, there's no place like home, but sadly, thousands of displaced families, older adults and veterans in our three-state region are not able to enjoy that basic need. We help those without a home climb out of poverty through permanent supportive housing, transitional housing and emergency shelter, ensuring that adults and children have a safe place to live, grow and thrive.

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From the South Dakota Battleship Memorial:

Historic World War II Impact

Because of the World War II exploits against the Japanese in the South Pacific, this mighty battleship became a legend before she was a year old. She caught the fancy of the American people when her heroics were reported in newspapers under the titles of “Battleship X” and “Old Nameless”. “Old Incredible” would be an equally appropriate name for her.

Life aboard the South Dakota was filled with moments of terror followed by days of restless uncertainty. The men who called the South Dakota their home knew she could take a beating and still get them back to port. They also recognized that their captains were experienced sailors who knew how to handle the mammoth ship through the fiercest of battles and how to weather the mightiest of storms.

Most warships are built for an active career of 20 or 30 years. The USS South Dakota was in commission less than five. In that short lifetime she covered herself with more honors and glory than most ships realize in much longer periods of service. She truly was a legend before she was a year old

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Recorded July, 2023

Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) talks with Craig Severtson of Flandreau, founder, and Sam Gotham, board member, of "Helping Kids Round First Base. How baseball (and softball) has opened the door to help kids in Nicaragua (and other 3rd world countries) with nutrition and even health care.

from their website: helpingkidsroundfirst.org

Life in Nicaragua is difficult, that's why we are here to help

Extreme Poverty

Nicaragua is the poorest country in Central America

Baseball is king

Like youth all around the world, kids grow up dreaming of playing in the big leagues

Lack of Resources

Few resources means few opportunities, and we are here to provide them

"We are training a group of young girls between 7-20 years old, some of them have had issues with domestic violence and drugs. Through softball they have found refuge to improve their lifestyle."

by Yahoska Rivas, Softball Coach

"The project has come to innovate and it has been great for the economy of our families and food security of the children. We are very grateful for the help, even despite the pandemic."

by Claudia Guillén, community resident

"All of the equipment and financial support has made it possible to help kids in Rivas. Without Helping Kids Round First, it wouldn't be possible for my players to reach their dreams."

by Johnny Alvarez - Coach,Working for a Dream Academy

"It's not just the community that benefits from the equipment but also the surrounding communities."

by Emperatrice Velasquez, Pastor of Lutheran Church

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Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) talks with Betsy Schuster, the CEO of Active Generations about Rake the Town and a 100 other activities.

from their website:

Active Generations is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting positive aging for adults. We provide social, physical, educational and outreach programs that enhance our members’ lives and our communities. Our state-of-the-art fitness center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, features the latest equipment and exercise programs to promote life-long health. Over 1,000 Active Generations members volunteer in a variety of ways to assist people throughout our communities. Joining Active Generations is the proactive way to getting the most out of life."

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Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) talks with Dr. Ingram about his books on Lyme Disease

From Amazon:

You can beat Lyme Disease

In this book Dr. Ingram explains what Lyme disease is, how to avoid it, and why it is so difficult to cure with antibiotics alone.

For those who have Lyme disease or who know someone who has it, there is hope. Lyme disease can be cured naturally.

Dr. Ingram himself got Lyme disease and after much research and effort was able to defeat it. He explains the science behind healing, the history and politics of Lyme, as well as how and why natural remedies can eradicate this disease and help rejuvenate weakened cells. Learn how natures healing plants can help you, your loved ones or your patients kick Lyme Disease and live healthy lives!

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