Wholeness Center seeks help to meet growing need

She needs help.
Thats what Tonya Pavlis, new board president for The Wholeness Center, told Flandreau City Council members while requesting a $10,000 subsidy for the local domestic violence shelter.
The Wholeness Center, located in Flandreau, has served thousands of area women, families, and elderly residents since opening in 1984. It can house up to 12 adults and children, plus four infants, with one room wheelchair accessible.
In recent years, the center has served around 140 clients annually, not including the children who often accompany them a number that quickly multiplies the workload.
Executive Director Destiny Jorenby has been running the shelter nearly alone for the past year, writing grants, fundraising, and managing day-to-day operations while keeping rooms ready for those in crisis.
Local support comes from the city, Moody County, the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe, and several state and federal grant programs. But funding cuts have hit hard.
Without additional help, programs that go beyond shelter such as transportation to work or appointments, and rent assistance to help clients get back on their feet could be at risk of being scaled back or cut entirely.
Pavlis reiterated Jorenbys urgent need for more community involvement.
Pavlis has since helped rebuild the shelters board, bringing on Margie Powers as secretary and Kelly Wosje as treasurer, with more members still being sought.
Women supporting women thats what drew me in, Pavlis said. Its about looking out for the least of these, the people who dont have a voice, and supporting them until they do.
The board is working to hire a part-time victim advocate and shelter coordinator. Volunteers are also being sought for maintenance, cleaning, and other needs.
For more information, to donate, or to volunteer, contact Jorenby at The Wholeness Center at 605-997-5594.
If you or someone you know needs help, dial 211 for community resources or 988 for the mental health crisis line.