At Black Hills Works, vocational services focus on employment that works—for individuals, employers, and the community.
What We Do
Black Hills Works supports people with disabilities in finding and keeping jobs. We partner with local employers, provide job coaching, and offer ongoing support so employment is sustainable over time. Employers gain reliable workers. Participants earn real paychecks in real jobs.
2025 by the Numbers
In 2025, vocational services supported employment outcomes across a wide range of industries and workplaces.
- 280 individuals employed
- 36 employer partners
- 184,229 hours worked
- $2.85 million in total wages earned
Participants worked in healthcare, food service, automotive, tourism, federal government roles, manufacturing, and commercial services.
Economic Impact
When people earn wages, those dollars circulate locally—supporting businesses, jobs, and services.
In 2025, wages earned through Black Hills Works employment resulted in an estimated $5.06 million in total economic impact:
- $2,844,496 in direct wages paid
- $796,459 in indirect business spending
- $1,422,248 in induced household spending
These estimates were calculated using RIMS II multipliers from the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Tax Impact
Employment also contributes to local and state revenue through everyday spending.
- $99,557 in local tax revenue
- $82,490 in state tax revenue
- $182,047 total tax impact
Why This Matters
In 2025, employment supported by Black Hills Works helped meet workforce needs, strengthened local businesses, and generated measurable economic and tax impact—while supporting people with disabilities in building stable working lives.
