Mikena VanLiere - EmBe

Donor Spotlight: Meet Jeannie Blackman

Mikena VanLiere2024-04-30T14:48:29-05:00

Jeannie Blackman's roots with EmBe trace back to the very inception of the now-iconic Tribute to Women event, formerly known as the Leaders Luncheon, a testament to her mother Kris Egger's influential role in its planning 50 years ago. Jeannie fondly reminisced about the countless hours she and her sisters spent in the EmBe pool as members of the Snowfox Swim Team, creating enduring memories of camaraderie and teamwork. Transitioning through the years, Jeannie's husband joined the Board of Directors in 2012, the year when men were first welcomed to contribute their perspectives. This shift exemplified EmBe's commitment to [...]

Donor Spotlight: Meet Jeannie BlackmanMikena VanLiere2024-04-30T14:48:29-05:00

Women Spotlight: Meet Colleen Keiser

Mikena VanLiere2024-04-30T14:49:16-05:00

Colleen Keiser's experience with EmBe's Women's Leadership Programs is one of support, enrichment, learning, and growth. Participating in a variety of EmBe women’s programming, Colleen's journey reflects EmBe’s mission to support women, children, and families and the tangible benefits of mentorship. Women to the Workforce: Addressing Everyday Challenges Colleen actively participated in the Women to the Workforce Program. For her, mentorship played a crucial role in tackling the practical challenges of work and life. "Everything was overwhelming at times. Having someone to call and talk through things was nice. My mentor helped with my resume and my elevator speech." [...]

Women Spotlight: Meet Colleen KeiserMikena VanLiere2024-04-30T14:49:16-05:00

Aquatics Spotlight: Meet Andra and Mitch Kellhoff

Mikena VanLiere2024-05-06T13:45:59-05:00

Meet Andra and Micah, mother and son, who have been loyal swim members at the EmBe pool for years. They swim regularly twice a week in the afternoon. The pool has become more than just a place to exercise; it's a sanctuary where they unwind, calm their minds, and navigate the day's challenges. They appreciate the familiar faces at EmBe and being recognized when they come to swim "We know the staff at the front desk, and they know us. Micah arrives by the Sioux Area Metro bus, and when I come in, Marcia at the front desk tells me [...]

Aquatics Spotlight: Meet Andra and Mitch KellhoffMikena VanLiere2024-05-06T13:45:59-05:00

Donor Spotlight: Meet Karen Schreier

Mikena VanLiere2024-05-06T13:46:23-05:00

The EmBe pool has been a staple in Sioux Falls since 1965. For years, it has created a safe space for community members to build confidence and establish lifelong skills for all ages. Karen Schreier utilizes the EmBe pool to swim laps for exercise every day and additionally became a donor after seeing the impact that EmBe makes to assist women and children in the Sioux Falls area. “One of the things that sets EmBe apart from other non-profits in the area is that it focuses on programs that help women and children from birth to old-age to improve and be stronger community members.” At a young age, Karen took early morning swim lessons at her local pool in [...]

Donor Spotlight: Meet Karen SchreierMikena VanLiere2024-05-06T13:46:23-05:00

Summer Fun, Learning, and Experiences Start at EmBe

Mikena VanLiere2024-01-26T16:28:52-06:00

Enrollment for 2024 Summer School Age Care Begins December 18 EmBe, a community-based non-profit providing services, and programming for children, women, and families, announced today open enrollment for 2024 Summer School Age Care at their Harrisburg and EmBe South locations. Enrollment for Community Learning Center Summer Care in the Sioux Falls Public Schools opens January 2, 2024. The summer session offers a variety of experiences, engagement, continuous learning, and adventure. Children develop friendships and new skills with unique learning opportunities and hands-on involvement. They experience a full summer of activities like swimming, sports, reading, and games. EmBe also provides weekly [...]

Summer Fun, Learning, and Experiences Start at EmBeMikena VanLiere2024-01-26T16:28:52-06:00

Childcare Crisis Statement from EmBe CEO Kerri Tietgen: December 2023

Mikena VanLiere2023-12-19T14:11:16-06:00

The recent announcements regarding the closure of licensed centers in Sioux Falls and its surrounding areas have far-reaching implications for families, children, and the local workforce. This underscores the pressing need for quality childcare services, as over 54,000 families in South Dakota depend on them. As a community, we understand the critical role of childcare in supporting the workforce, and we compel our communities and the state to collaborate on solutions that meet the needs of families and children. EmBe has been engaged in meaningful discourse to navigate this challenging situation with a focus on the well-being of children, families, [...]

Childcare Crisis Statement from EmBe CEO Kerri Tietgen: December 2023Mikena VanLiere2023-12-19T14:11:16-06:00

EmBe and LAIC Partner to Enhance Childcare Services in Madison

Mikena VanLiere2023-11-15T15:48:10-06:00

Quality childcare is an integral part of economic development. It is fundamental for an adequate workforce. Lake Area Improvement Corporation (LAIC) has been working diligently to address the issue of childcare in Madison and Lake County. The latest step is a partnership with a renowned expert in childcare and education services. EmBe has been announced as the operator of a new childcare facility planned for construction. It is set to open its doors in 2025. “This is another critical step in the process of addressing the need for childcare in our community,” said LAIC Executive Director Brooke Rollag. “EmBe [...]

EmBe and LAIC Partner to Enhance Childcare Services in MadisonMikena VanLiere2023-11-15T15:48:10-06:00

50th Annual Tribute to Women Recap

Mikena VanLiere2023-11-14T15:13:02-06:00

Donate Now EmBe Announces the 50th Annual Tribute to Women Award Winners Sioux Falls, SD (October 19,2023) – Nine honorees were selected out of 71 nominations for the 50th Annual Tribute to Women Awards at the Washington Pavilion on October 19. As the longest-standing award ceremony honoring women in our region, the historic event honored the impact of women, men, and businesses in the Sioux Empire, and raised funds to sustain the mission of the century-old organization. “In 1974, Tribute to Woman started as a Leader [...]

50th Annual Tribute to Women RecapMikena VanLiere2023-11-14T15:13:02-06:00

Donor Spotlight: Meet Janet Naessig

Mikena VanLiere2024-02-07T11:31:28-06:00

For Janet Naessig, her time with EmBe spans back to when we were still known as the YWCA. She started her time as YWCA Teen Age Program Director in 1957 and then went on to complete her term on the Board of Directors in 2003. Janet’s involvement dates to having chaired the Leader Luncheon, engaging in the Annual Fund Drive, the Santa House Project, the first ladies golf tournament, and much more! Janet has also been a longtime supporter and donor of EmBe. She was the Y’s representative to The Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation during the drive to [...]

Donor Spotlight: Meet Janet NaessigMikena VanLiere2024-02-07T11:31:28-06:00

Youth Spotlight: Cambree Cook

Mikena VanLiere2024-02-07T11:32:32-06:00

EmBe works diligently to help our community’s youth thrive. For Cambree Cook, attending Camp Girl VIP this summer helped her have fun by getting involved, meet new people, and got her out of her comfort zone. Through her great camp experience, she says she’s learned that she can become whatever she wants. Camp Girl VIP is a unique camp experience that helps girls find their voice, recognize the impact they can make on their community and help them explore their power and purpose. "During my time at EmBe's camps, I have made a lot of new friends, and I [...]

Youth Spotlight: Cambree CookMikena VanLiere2024-02-07T11:32:32-06:00

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About Mikena VanLiere