Coffee & Conversation with Rotary West

Rotary West is a service club in Sioux Falls whose members seek to make positive changes in their community. They visited us for Coffee & Conversation on Tuesday, September 10, and made a positive and lasting impression on the people we support. Here is what they had to say!

"I normally have coffee with a few colleagues and we rehash last night’s scores or the events of the day. On September 10, however, I walked into a vintage gymnasium right out of Hoosiers, only instead of basketball, the game was BINGO and instead of my same old colleagues, I was heartily welcomed by a group of new friends from DakotAbilities. Prior to Bingo, we had coffee and donuts and got to know our hosts. One new friend told me she loved hugs and pink donuts. She laughed and smiled and was a delightful coffee mate (dare I say even more so than my usual coffee klatch). Another new friend came in late, and exclaimed, “Hold everything! I need a donut! “ Donut and coffee in hand, she then asked if there was a limit to the number of BINGO cards she could play at one time. From the front of the room, a third friend enthusiastically called out the BINGO numbers. He was fond of the microphone and could have introduced the starting lineups had it been a basketball game. A staff member helped me share a donut with my friends and exuded warmth and enthusiasm, a quality I observed in nearly all the staff members I met that day. It was a magical morning and I will recall it fondly each day as I return to my more pedestrian coffee experience.” Matt M, Rotary West member

"Playing Bingo with Toni was a blast! I enjoyed my time learning about DakotAbilites and the wonderful staff who make it such a great place to be for the individuals they support.” - Kim M, Rotary West member

“What an uplifting experience it was visiting DakotAbilities. I enjoyed playing bingo with my partner. I could feel the respect, and joyfulness of everyone. Also, what a wonderfully repurposed Longfellow school building.” - Greg M, Rotary West member

And Jeff V said, “What a fun activity! The people who are supported at DakotAbilities kept me on my toes, pointing out the numbers that I was too slow in marking. I loved their encouraging words and competitive spirit.”

Thank you, Rotary West, for spending time with us, sharing your thoughts, and most importantly, touching the lives of those we support.