While state legislators recently approved some funding for domestic violence shelters across South Dakota, including the Wholeness Center, which serves Moody County, organizations report an increasing need for additional support.
Federal funding cuts over the past several years—not just recently—have put critical victim services at risk. These cuts are impacting shelters, crisis hotlines, legal aid, and victim advocacy programs.
Vermillion’s Domestic Violence Safe Options Services recently announced its closure, further underscoring the urgent need for local support.
At the Wholeness Center, Executive Director Destiny Jorenby reports that the organization has served 87 victims in the current fiscal year alone, with numbers rising each year.

With demand for services and supplies growing, the center is now seeking donations, including dish soap, hand soap, laundry pods, scented dryer sheets, and twin- and full-size sheet sets for its emergency shelter.
Residents can drop off donations just inside the front door of The Merc at 111 E. 2nd Avenue in downtown Flandreau or call the Wholeness Center to arrange a drop-off during normal operating hours.
The Moody County Happy Youngsters 4-H Club just wrapped up a donation drive at Maynards in Flandreau.
In addition to material donations, the Wholeness Center is seeking volunteers to help with various tasks, including staffing its 24/7 crisis hotline, assisting clients with transportation, and serving on the Board of Directors. Volunteers receive training to handle crisis calls and are never placed in unsafe situations while covering the hotline.
To continue providing critical services in Moody County, the Wholeness Center relies on local fundraising and volunteer support.
To donate, volunteer, or if you are a local business willing to serve as a collection site, contact the Wholeness Center at 605-997-3535 during office hours or call the 24/7 crisis line at 605-864-1740.
For more information, email nasc@iw.net.