Breaking the Cycle: Codington County and BSBB Partner to Expand Sober Housing and Re-entry Services
- Steve Jurrens
- Apr 16
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - For individuals leaving incarceration, the first few hours of freedom are often the most precarious. Without a stable place to sleep or a way to get to a job, the path back to the community is frequently blocked by the walls of addiction and homelessness.
In a recent interview with Northeast Radio SD, Angie Collignon of Codington County Community Services and Stacy Hendricks of Brothers & Sisters Behind Bars (BSBB) discussed how a unique partnership is bridging this gap through the “Codington Connects” initiative.
Addressing the Hierarchy of Needs
At the core of the partnership is the understanding that recovery cannot happen in a vacuum. Using funds from a COSSAP (Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Program) grant, the county has focused on increasing access to sober housing.
“If you don’t know what you’re going to eat and where you’re going to sleep at night, you can’t really focus on recovery, getting to your appointments, or transportation,” said Angie Collignon. “Brothers & Sisters Behind Bars was the obvious choice to partner with to help grow and sustain the sober housing they are already doing”.
From Visitation to Vital Resources
BSBB began as a simple mission to visit the incarcerated, but quickly evolved into a comprehensive re-entry program once the founders realized the systemic barriers people face upon release.
Today, the organization provides 100% of its services for free, including:
· Sober Housing: A men’s house (recently expanded from 3 to 6 beds) and a women’s house (5 beds).
· Transportation & Accountability: Transit support and wellness center passes to encourage a healthy lifestyle.
· Basic Essentials: Support for cell phones, food, clothing, and obtaining legal identification.
Defining Success Through Data and Empowerment
Stacy Hendricks noted that while the organization is data-driven, their definition of success is deeply personal. “Did we give someone at their point of need an opportunity to have the key resources to make the growth they want to see in their life possible? That’s success to us,” Hendricks said.
The data from the past year supports this philosophy:
· 75% reduction in arrests for those who stayed in the program.
· 67% stable employment rate at the time of discharge.
· Significant positive changes in both alcohol (28%) and drug (55%) use.
The Road Ahead: Seed Money and “April Showers”
BSBB is currently preparing for its next phase of growth. Thanks to a $100,000 donation from Cornerstone Church, the organization has the “seed money” to explore purchasing and owning its own facility rather than renting.
In the immediate term, BSBB is hosting a hygiene drive titled “April Showers Bring May Flowers.” They are seeking donations of feminine hygiene products, toothbrushes, and other basic care items for residents who often arrive at the houses with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
Community members interested in donating or taking a tour of the facilities can reach the office at 605-753-9395 or visit them downtown at 7 and 9 West Kemp.
