Celebrating 50+ Years Together

Opportunity Shapes a Lifetime

For more than half a century, nine remarkable people—Dean, Dan, Mike, Gloria, Jeanne, Ordean, Rodney, Todd, and Stephanie—have been part of the Black Hills Works family. Each has contributed to our community, building friendships, pursuing meaningful work, and living full, connected lives.

Their journeys show what’s possible when opportunity and support come together. From the early days of residential and employment programs to today’s creative and diverse options, these individuals have helped shape the growth of Black Hills Works. As we celebrate their milestones, we also honor the staff, families, community members, donors, and sponsors who have stood beside them. Together, they’ve built a place where people of all abilities can thrive and belong.

Now, meet the members of our 50+ Year Club—each with a story that reflects how far we’ve come, and how much community can make possible.

Dean – 1960

Dean joined Black Hills Works in 1960 at age 18, just two years after the organization was founded. He worked in early programs, from the first sawmill to janitorial services at Ellsworth Air Force Base, and has built a life full of friendships, hobbies, and family connections. A quiet and kind presence, Dean enjoys music, painting ceramics, decorating jigsaw puzzles, watching happy movies, singing, and cheering on the Dallas Cowboys. Summers are for fishing and camping with friends, and weekends are spent visiting family. Dean’s journey shows the lasting impact of support, opportunity, and community, and how a life full of potential can unfold over decades.

Dan – 1968

Dan joined Black Hills Works in 1968 at age 20, moving from his family farm in Eureka, South Dakota. Over the years, he lived in several residential settings and built a life filled with meaningful work, including custodial, woodworking, and grocery store jobs. Now retired, Dan enjoys his apartment, daily walks to the gas station for a Diet Coke and candy bar, and time at day services. Known for his signature suspenders, happy personality, and sense of humor—often saying, “You’re a turkey!”—Dan reflects on his journey: “I’ve been here a long time. Everything has changed a lot.”

Mike – 1968

Mike joined Black Hills Works in 1968 at age 19. Mike is affable and warm, with a great sense of humor. Growing up in Pierre, his father worked hard to secure special education classes for him and other children. Over the decades, Mike held custodial jobs at the Federal Building and Ellsworth AFB and lived independently. Now retired, he enjoys his sunny apartment, walks to local restaurants, grilling on the shared patio, and staying connected with his sister and niece. He also spends his time as a working artist at the Suzie Cappa Art Center, sharing his creativity and accomplishments with the community.

Gloria – 1972

Like so many participants, as she approached adulthood, Gloria moved here from another state to access the services offered by Black Hills Works. She joined nearly 100 participants being supported at the time and thrived. Until her retirement, she worked for many years at Monument Health, assembling new baby and other kits for patients. Black Hills Works also provided Gloria a community of friends, helping overcome shyness and come an active member of our community. She has an important message too: “People should be nice to each other.” She certainly lives by this mantra, valuing her community – including you – that includes and values her.

Jeanne – 1975

In the five decades with Black Hills Works, Jeanne has thrived! received employment supports and lived in several residential options. She joined Black Hills Works at a time when there was a significant expansion of work options for participants, and residential supports were also expanding. With adequate residential support to accommodate her healthcare needs, Jeanne enjoyed productive employment for many decades. In retirement she enjoys writing letters to her family and spending time with friends.

Ordean – 1975

50 years ago, at age 29, Ordean’s life changed immeasurably when he left the institution that had been home for nearly his entire life to enjoy the community Black Hills Works had to offer. Ordean’s life story is against the backdrop of the time, when families like Ordean’s trusted the advice of doctors and other professionals to institutionalize their loved ones. The tide was turning, providing long-sought community living opportunities for Ordean and his peers at the time. In own words, Ordean says, “I’ve come a long way. I’ve got a good attitude.” Arriving with just one suitcase, Ordean has since thrived, often appearing on stage for Flutter Productions, evening sharing his life story in the Flutter original, “Journeys.” Nowadays, Ordean is a happy retiree who enjoys church, newspapers, his beloved Vikings and Twins, and getting out and about in the community.

Rodney – 1975

At 18, Rodney wanted what many 18-year-olds crave – independence and a place to call his own. Black Hill Works was the answer, so he moved from Sturgis and the family ranch to his own place at Black Hills Works. He may have left the ranch, but has remained a cowboy-at-heart, participating over the years in SunCatcher Therapeutic Riding Academy and decorating his apartment with western memorabilia. For photos, he often wears a cowboy hat, books, and western shirt. In his younger years, he worked on manufacturing job contracts for many years. Happily retired now, he lives in his own apartment with staff on site for the assistance he needs, along with his girlfriend and other lifelong friends.

Todd – 1975

For 50 years, Todd has called Black Hills Works home. Like Ordean, Todd spent part of his youth at the state institution growing up. Todd’s mother, an educator and advocate, was grateful to Black Hills Works for the option of bringing Todd home. At Black Hills Works, he held a variety of jobs until his retirement. He now volunteers with the Salvation Army as a bell ringer, helps out at the Humane Society, and the Boys Club, and participates in Special Olympics. He remains very close to his mom, visiting home every weekend.

Stephanie – 1976

Early next year, Stephanie will mark her 50^th anniversary of being part of the Black Hills Works family. She moved here from Ohio to secure services and be provided the independence and community involvement she craved. Stephanie is very social, quick with hugs and smiles, and has a great sense of humor. Like others in our 50-year club, she was a valued employee for several employers, including at Ellsworth Air Force Base and (her favorite) as an artist at the Suzie Cappa Art Center. She remains very close to her family and has a lot of friends at Black Hills Works.

Looking Ahead

The lives of Stephanie, Todd, Rodney, Ordean, Jeanne, Gloria, Mike, Dan, and Dean remind us that opportunity grows when people invest in one another. Their 50-year journeys show what can happen when community, care, and connection last a lifetime.

You can help us raise $50,000 to celebrate our 50 years. To make your gift go even further, members of the Black Hills Works board, along with our friends Connie and Jim Green, will match every gift dollar for dollar, up to $25,000, between now and the end of the year. Your support ensures that future participants can build their own stories of growth, independence, and belonging.

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