Black Hills FCU recently presented a check for $500 to the Black Hills Special Services Cooperative (BHSSC) for the purchase of a wheelchair scale to be used at the Sturgis Main Office School.
The wheelchair scale will immediately benefit at least five students who use a wheelchair for mobility and require regular weight checks. To a child with cognitive disabilities, structure and routine help create environments in which they can thrive. The school's new scale will allow caregivers to monitor the children's weight and nutritional needs without the disruption of transport to another facility during the school day.
"The immediate impact of the scale is the enormous help it offers to five local students and their teachers, in addition to the greater impact into the future as other children with disabilities will realize the benefits as well," said Jessica Schmahl, Sturgis Member Service Center manager. "We are always looking for ways to improve the lives of those in our communities, and especially our children."
Black Hills FCU takes pride in offering support to all in the communities we serve and working with organizations like BHSSC. Headquartered in Sturgis, BHSSC is an education cooperative governed by a board representing the 12 public school districts in Western South Dakota. Their mission is to build stronger communities by helping individuals and organizations reach their full potential.
Donations are made through the Black Hills FCU Charitable Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
left to right: Ronda Feterl, BHSSC assistant director; Shirley Halverson, director of BHSSC developmental disabilities division; Jessica Schmahl, BHFCU Sturgis Member Service Center manager.