Hometown Healthcare Heroes
May 19, 2022 // South Dakota Fund Grants
“There are so many industries struggling with workforce needs, but we know healthcare has been hit hard. For those in our more rural communities, finding workers can be even more difficult.”
Stephanie Rissler, Hometown Heroes Project Director
The South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) is pleased to partner with the South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations (SDAHO), a not-for-profit organization that serves as the voice for South Dakota’s hospitals and healthcare organizations encompassing the full continuum of care. SDCF awarded the nonprofit a $16,500 South Dakota Fund grant. Funds will assist healthcare facilities and communities across our state who find themselves in a crisis due to a workforce shortage.

“I am excited about lifting this project up and providing workforce help to healthcare communities”, declared Stephanie Rissler, Hometown Heroes Project Director. “There are so many industries struggling with workforce needs, but we know healthcare has been hit hard. For those in our more rural communities, finding workers can be even more difficult. SDAHO’s Hometown Healthcare Heroes Project will promote both healthcare job opportunities and the communities they reside in, across the state. We know the help is needed and we are honored to be able to provide our members this storytelling tool.”
“Every person has a right to quality healthcare regardless of where they choose to live in our state,” stated Ginger Niemann, Senior Program Officer, SDCF. “We are proud to play a small part in enticing healthcare workers to consider rural areas when making their career decisions.”
The Hometown Healthcare Heroes project will produce a video featuring member healthcare facilities, staff, and residents to promote job openings, community, and lifestyle. This campaign will be utilized by healthcare facilities, economic development organizations, and community leadership to grow and sustain rural communities across South Dakota.
To learn more about funding opportunities offered by the SDCF, please visit our website at https://www.sdcommunityfoundation.org/
About this nonprofit
Originally formed in 1926 and located in Sioux Falls, SD, SDAHO is a trusted resource and leading advocate for their members as well as area policymakers. Their mission is to advance healthy communities through a unified voice across the health care continuum. SDAHO goals include expansion of educational opportunities, workforce shortage, and advocacy. Learn more at https://sdaho.org/
About the SDCF
SDCF is a public non-profit organization established in 1987. SDCF, with offices in Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls and Aberdeen administers over 1,100 funds benefiting hundreds of charitable organizations annually. The Foundation distributed nearly $18 million in grants in 2021 which made a tremendous difference in communities statewide. This would not have been possible without the generosity of our donors. If you have a specific cause you would like to support or would prefer to give for the general good of our state, please visit https://sdcommunityfoundation.org/giving to learn more or call 1-800-888-1842.