Youth Center
On January 3, 2018 the Volunteers of America, Dakotas Youth Center officially opened in its new location - the renovated first floor of our administrative building located on our main campus. The new accommodations are complete with updated kitchen and dining facilities, a game and craft room, library, computer lab, full-size gymnasium with a stage, and a large outdoor green space.
The Youth Center is a fully licensed after-school program that serves children ages 7-17. It offers two academic based programs from six local elementary schools and two middle schools, and the majority of the young people served are English as a second language students. We continue to foster many community partnerships, including those with the Optimist Club, Sioux Falls History Club, Sioux Falls Police Department, and Sanford Research. Additionally, the Youth Center offers transportation, ensuring that the location change does not alter accessibility, as well as allowing us to drop off participants safely at their home.
Open Monday-Friday, the Youth Center is a safe place for young people in our community. Our experienced staff serve as role models while forming meaningful relationships and teaching vital social skills. We offer two snacks and an evening meal every day, and our hours are extended in the summer months. Continuing the mission of Volunteers of America, Dakotas to guide people to live healthy and fulfilling lives, the Youth Center remains the only free drop in center in a city of over 100,000. Our new location allows us to serve our community youth at our greatest potential, in the best setting possible.