Black Hills Special Services Cooperative (BHSSC) Company Profile
Background
Mission and Vision
Established in 1980, Black Hills Special Services Cooperative (BHSSC) is dedicated to building strong communities by assisting individuals and organizations in reaching their full potential. As a public entity governed by a board of elected school board members from 12 public school districts in western South Dakota, BHSSC emphasizes shared services to enhance life in the region.
Primary Areas of Focus
BHSSC operates across five key divisions:
- Community, Family, & Special Services: Offers support programs tailored to community needs.
- Developmental Disabilities Programs: Provides services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
- Education & Workforce Development: Focuses on educational initiatives and workforce training.
- Health & Human Services: Delivers health-related programs and services.
- Technology & Innovation in Education (TIE): Promotes the integration of technology in educational settings.
Industry Significance
BHSSC plays a pivotal role in South Dakota's educational and social service sectors by providing innovative and comprehensive services in education, training, and employment. Its collaborative approach with public institutions and private organizations underscores its commitment to community development and service excellence.
Key Strategic Focus
Core Objectives
BHSSC aims to:
- Enhance educational outcomes through customized learning models.
- Support individuals with developmental disabilities in achieving personal goals.
- Foster community development via health and human services.
Areas of Specialization
- Customized Learning: Through its TIE division, BHSSC supports the transition of schools toward individualized learning models.
- Developmental Disabilities Support: Provides accredited services for individuals with I/DD, emphasizing person-centered excellence.
Key Technologies Utilized
BHSSC leverages technology to reduce geographic isolation and enhance educational delivery, particularly through its TIE division, which focuses on integrating technology into education.
Primary Markets Targeted
BHSSC primarily serves communities in western South Dakota, collaborating with public school districts and community organizations to deliver its services.
Financials and Funding
Revenue
Estimates of BHSSC's annual revenue vary:
- Approximately $28.5 million.
- Approximately $9.6 million.
Funding History
BHSSC has received significant funding from the Bush Foundation, totaling $7,681,800 across 13 grants from 1989 to 2022. Notable grants include:
- 2022: $900,000 to expand student-centered learning practices through the Learning Pathways program.
- 2018: $1,250,000 to support Rapid City Area Schools in transforming at least five schools toward individualized learning models.
Utilization of Capital
Funds have been allocated to:
- Implement customized learning models in schools.
- Develop trauma-informed career pathways for low-income adult learners.
- Enhance general operations, particularly within the TIE division.
Pipeline Development
Key Initiatives
- Learning Pathways Program: Aims to spread student-centered learning practices across South Dakota.
- Individualized Learning Models: Supports the transformation of schools toward customized learning approaches.
Target Conditions
Focuses on enhancing educational outcomes and supporting individuals with developmental disabilities.
Timelines for Milestones
Programs are typically structured over multi-year terms, with recent grants spanning 24 to 84 months.
Technological Platform and Innovation
Proprietary Technologies
BHSSC's TIE division specializes in integrating technology into education to facilitate customized learning experiences.
Significant Scientific Methods
Utilizes data-driven approaches to assess and implement educational strategies tailored to individual learning needs.
Leadership Team
Key Executives
- Ryan Phillips: Director of Media Services at BHSSC and Founder of Dakota Endurance, LLC.
- Brooke Lusk: Division Director.
- Darbi Hunt: Foster Grandparent Program Director.
- Kelsey Smith: Director of Development and Grants Management.
- Gloria Pluimer: Director at BHSSC.
Professional Backgrounds and Contributions
The leadership team brings diverse expertise in education management, program development, and community services, contributing to BHSSC's mission of community enhancement and individual empowerment.
