Codington Connects Highlights Senior Resources and the Power of Volunteering
- Steve Jurrens
- Apr 22
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - In celebration of National Volunteer Week, the latest episode of Codington Connects highlighted the critical resources available to Watertown’s aging population and the dedicated volunteers who make those services possible.
Host Steve Jurens welcomed Sara Foust, Director of Codington Connects, and Krista Ateyo-Gortmaker, Vice President of the Codington Connects Board and Administrator for the SHINE program.
Navigating the Maze of Senior Benefits
Krista Ateyo-Gortmaker, who manages the SHINE (Senior Health Information and Education) program across 28 counties in Northeast South Dakota, explained that her primary mission is to act as a bridge between the government and individuals navigating Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security.
“Our goal through all of this—if I can really tell you what’s in my heart—is that if we help those who need the help most, we will rise the tide for all the ships,” Ateyo-Gortmaker stated. “With SHINE, I don’t work for a company... we work with volunteers who are able to help people with very legitimate questions to make sure they aren’t left with nothing if something catastrophic happens”.
A “Safety Net” for the Community
Sara Foust emphasized how the work of SHINE and Codington Connects ensures that no one in the community is left behind. Foust noted that the organization is currently finalizing local surveys to better direct its volunteer efforts.
“Krista wears a lot of different hats, and we’re really, really fortunate to have her be part of Codington Connects,” Foust said. “She helps us check multiple boxes today—promoting the Resource Fair, celebrating National Volunteer Week, and highlighting the importance of volunteers in supporting our population”.
Ateyo-Gortmaker added that her passion for this work stems from a lifelong commitment to the vulnerable.
“To truly pick someone up that has nothing, that has no hope... to truly pick them up and make their world better is why I’m in this game,” Ateyo-Gortmaker shared. “We don’t turn anybody away”.
