Codington Connects: Building a Stronger Community Through Partnership

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - In a community where resources are often available but difficult to find, Codington Connects is stepping in to bridge the gap.

Sara Foust, President of Codington Connects and Director of Codington County Community Services, recently shared the organization’s mission to streamline social services and foster resilience throughout the region.

A Unified Resource Hub

Codington Connects was born from a need for better collaboration among service providers. Today, it boasts partnerships with over 45 agencies.

“Our goal is to create partnerships throughout the community,” Foust explained. “We were created as an effort for social service providers to come together and make it easier for people to find resources.”

The organization serves as a central hub, primarily through its comprehensive website, CodingtonConnects.com. The site offers a “one-stop shop” for residents seeking help with housing, child care, and food security, and an events calendar for family-friendly, sober community activities.

Tackling the Child Care and Housing Crises

Two of the most pressing issues for Codington County are child care and housing. Following the transition of local child care facilities like Little Blessings, Codington Connects is launching a Child Care Survey to re-evaluate local needs.

“We need to find out from parents what their needs are,” said Foust. “Is it still a challenge to find access? Or is it really more around affordability? We want to make sure all children have a quality start to life.”

On the housing front, the organization works alongside the Watertown Development Company (WDC) to focus on emergency and transitional housing.

Foust emphasized that the goal isn’t just a temporary fix but a permanent change: “We want to change lives. We don’t want to just be a handout... we want people to become productive members of our community.”

A Future “Central Building”

Perhaps the most ambitious goal for Codington Connects is to create a physical central location where various agencies can work under one roof. While still in the planning stages, Foust indicated that announcements about a central building may be forthcoming.

“It’s one of those ‘speak it into reality’ things,” she said. “We hope very soon to be able to have some announcements and to talk more about that.”

Upcoming Event: Mystery Dinner Theater

To support these initiatives, Codington Connects is hosting a Mystery Dinner Theater fundraiser at Second Street Station on February 19, 20, and 21.

The event promises an interactive “sibling rivalry” themed show, complete with a three-course meal. Tickets are available at a discounted early-bird rate of $35 through this Sunday, after which they will increase to $40.

“It brings together theater, a lot of improv, and a fun evening,” Foust said. “All the funding goes to support the marketing efforts and promoting our partners.”

How to Get Involved

Residents interested in supporting Codington Connects can visit their website to sign up for their monthly newsletter, explore volunteer opportunities, or register for the upcoming Mystery Dinner.

“If people choose to live in Watertown, we want them to be successful,” Foust concluded. “That happens by making sure people are stably housed, have employment, and can be good parents.”