Opportunities through Community…this is our theme for 2025! Throughout the year, you will learn how people supported by Black Hills Works are connected to our community through the opportunities you make possible. These stories will include the 24 honorees that will be celebrated at our Annual Recognition Gala.
Meet Kai. He grew up in Rapid City and began participating in services at Black Hills Works in 2010. He is involved in our Shared Living program, our community volunteer program, and employment programming.
Do you have a job? If so, where? I work at Safeway and SD Mines bookstore. I also volunteer to assist the SD Mines basketball and football teams. I’ll be starting to volunteer at the Black Hills Humane Society soon.
People who are important to you: My parents, my sister and her family, and April, my Shared Living provider and her family.
What makes you happy: Riding the bus and reading bus schedules, playing with cats and dogs, and exercising at the YMCA.
What you want people to know about you: I like my independence, and I like keeping busy!
Favorite treat: Black cherry ice cream at Armadillo’s.
Favorite activities or hobbies: I really like going out for lunch on Saturdays with my lunch buddy. I also like playing bingo and bowling and swimming with Special Olympics. Watching movies, doing word finds, and listening to music are also favorites.
What is one thing you would like to accomplish in 2025: Volunteering at the Humane Society.
Best part of being part of BHW: Being part of the Shared Living program. I really like my provider and her family.
How are you connected to the community? I am connected through sports.
Congratulations, Kai!
