Bright new future for Rapid City Children’s Home Society

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) - Children who have dealt with different levels of trauma now have a new place to call home in Rapid City.

The Children's Home Society is taking over the former National American University campus on Highway 16, and Friday, the home hosted a "demo day" to begin the renovations. The project will take two years and finish in spring 2026.

The new campus will have reception and interview areas for the children who come in, enabling the organization to serve them better.

The renovated campus will have classroom facilities.

The society's development director, Kara Flynn, says the new facilities will significantly improve.

"It's an aging facility. We do have 36 beds licensed there right now, and they're short on space, short on modern facilities, and have ADA issues. Also, we have one-and-one-half bathrooms per 18 students," Flynn said.

The Children's Home Society is home to plenty of initiatives, including Join the Fold, where origami art is infused with encouraging messages.