DONATIONS ARE TAX EXEMPT
- Family Connections Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
- Donations are tax exempt. EIN 86-1663733 DUNS Number:102474804
History of the organizations beginning
Joe Barb and Lambert Miller, founders of the organization, were inspired to create a nonprofit after witnessing a homeless youth seeking refuge and warmth in a barbershop during a cold winter day.
Joe asked the barber if someone was assisting the young person, the barber said, 'I don't think anyone is looking for this kid, he has no one, and comes in to warm up'. Joe noted that the youth was about the same age as his son.
Determined to help, they discovered a lack of support services available targeted to youth.
Joe immediately resigned from his position to start a nonprofit to provide support to at-risk youth.
Board of Directors
JOE BARB, He/Him/His, Founder, President and Executive Director
JOE BARB, He/Him/His, Founder, President and Executive Director
JOE BARB, He/Him/His, Founder, President and Executive Director
Joe is a Mentor for the Youth Action Board, working with homeless youth aged 13-24 in South Dakota. He collaborates with HUD, service providers, and the state Continuum of Care to address housing needs.
Joe was part of the South Dakota Coordinated Community Plan Team for the Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program, assessing needs and d
Joe is a Mentor for the Youth Action Board, working with homeless youth aged 13-24 in South Dakota. He collaborates with HUD, service providers, and the state Continuum of Care to address housing needs.
Joe was part of the South Dakota Coordinated Community Plan Team for the Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program, assessing needs and developing action steps to combat youth homelessness statewide.
Joe serves as the Vice Chair of the Policy and Advisory Committee for Continuum of Care in South Dakota.
Joe's commitment to community involvement extends to his participation in the Youth Action Board, Youth Task Force Coalition, Chair for Youth Engagement in the Communities That Care initiative, Strategic Leadership Committee Chair for Communications for the Black Hills Coalition for Housing Stability, and President of the Kiwanis Club of the Black Hills Greater Rapid City Area.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Joe is a devoted father to his teenage son.
LAMBERT MILLER, He/Him/His, CoFounder, and Facilities Director
JOE BARB, He/Him/His, Founder, President and Executive Director
JOE BARB, He/Him/His, Founder, President and Executive Director
Lambert possesses extensive expertise in Facilities Management, Operations, Strategic Planning, and Program Management.
Throughout his career, he has held diverse positions in Operations and Productions Management, Maintenance Management, Supply Chain Management, and Facilities Management.
These roles encompassed construction management,
Lambert possesses extensive expertise in Facilities Management, Operations, Strategic Planning, and Program Management.
Throughout his career, he has held diverse positions in Operations and Productions Management, Maintenance Management, Supply Chain Management, and Facilities Management.
These roles encompassed construction management, facilities maintenance engineering, production logistics, safety and risk management, as well as installation and energy conservation. Outside of work,
Lambert spends every free minute devoted to ensuring all of Family Connections Centers Facilites are running smoothly.
Lambert is a devoted family man, having raised two daughters and cherishing his five young grandchildren, consisting of one boy and four girls.
Additionally, he has a profound affection for dogs, particularly the boxer breed. Furthermore, Lambert finds great joy in camping, whether it be in a tent or an RV.
SHERRY SCUDDER, She/Her/Hers, Treasurer
JOE BARB, He/Him/His, Founder, President and Executive Director
SHERRY SCUDDER, She/Her/Hers, Treasurer
Sherry serves community in the following roles:
Neighbor work and Dakota Land Trust, South Dakota Housing Homeless Coalition, South Dakota Housing Development Authority, Continuum of Care, Policy Advisory Committee, Mentor for Youth at the Circle through the Kiwanis Club, Board Member for Action for the Betterment of the Community (ABC) a
Sherry serves community in the following roles:
Neighbor work and Dakota Land Trust, South Dakota Housing Homeless Coalition, South Dakota Housing Development Authority, Continuum of Care, Policy Advisory Committee, Mentor for Youth at the Circle through the Kiwanis Club, Board Member for Action for the Betterment of the Community (ABC) and New Dawn Center prevention of drug and alcohol usage from youth to adults.
Kiwanis International Leadership and Development- educating members to become leaders in Kiwanis and their communities. Past Governor of Minnesota - Dakota's and working with Club to be helpful in serving their communities.
Elevate Rapid City front desk greeter,
Certified Ambassador for Visit Rapid City.
Bailiff for Pennington County 7th Judicial Court System,
Treasurer at Family Connections Center Inc,
Previously 43 years of HUD funded affordable and lower income housing, served on many national boards to advocate housing for the most vulnerable, past Board member for the Housing Trust Fund,
Past City Council Member of 10 years, 4 years as president of the Council, chair of Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Public safety and Finance.
Retired and ready to serve.
Board of Directors
Tyler Read He/Him/His Board Member
MARGO JULIUS, ESQ., She/Her/Hers, Attorney and Board Member
Mary Ann Slanina She/Her/Hers, Board Member
Tyler has worked in multiple avenues of community engagement for over a decade.
Originally a welder in the automotive factories of Michigan, he and his wife, Jenny came to South Dakota to start a family. In 2005, Tyler discovered Art Alley in downtown Rapid City, and using his past experience with graffiti art he began mentoring youth,
Tyler has worked in multiple avenues of community engagement for over a decade.
Originally a welder in the automotive factories of Michigan, he and his wife, Jenny came to South Dakota to start a family. In 2005, Tyler discovered Art Alley in downtown Rapid City, and using his past experience with graffiti art he began mentoring youth, eventually earning a position as the Community Engagement Coordinator for the Rapid City Arts Council.
His work in this field earned him a 2017 Bush Foundation Fellowship.
He left the arts council in 2019 to help his friend Erik Bringswhite establish the nonprofit organization I. Am. Legacy.
He then transitioned to the Art Director for the Waniyetu Wowapi Lakota Youth Arts and Culture Institute, a nationally renowned project of the Cheyenne River Youth Project.
Tyler now serves as the Community Engagement Specialist for the Rapid City Police Department, supporting the youth and families on Rapid City’s North Side.
Tyler is passionate about mental health and wellbeing, hosting the “Heartworkers” support group for people exposed to secondhand trauma in their work. He looks forward to serving Family Connections and is grateful that his two daughters have access to such a valuable resource here in Rapid City.
Mary Ann Slanina She/Her/Hers, Board Member
MARGO JULIUS, ESQ., She/Her/Hers, Attorney and Board Member
Mary Ann Slanina She/Her/Hers, Board Member
Mary Ann Slanina grew up in Lead, SD. She attended Black Hills State College and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary and Special Education.
Upon graduation, Mary Ann was hired to be the ADA coordinator and Student Success Coach at Western Dakota Tech. She taught math and English classes and loved helping students both acad
Mary Ann Slanina grew up in Lead, SD. She attended Black Hills State College and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary and Special Education.
Upon graduation, Mary Ann was hired to be the ADA coordinator and Student Success Coach at Western Dakota Tech. She taught math and English classes and loved helping students both academically and personally.
Mary Ann retired from WDT in 2016. She was retired for one month and then started working for the Youth and Family Services (YFS) Stronger Youth Program as a youth educator where she went into area high schools and teaches classes on how to build healthy relationships skills. She is now the Program Manager for the Stronger Youth Program.
MARGO JULIUS, ESQ., She/Her/Hers, Attorney and Board Member
MARGO JULIUS, ESQ., She/Her/Hers, Attorney and Board Member
MARGO JULIUS, ESQ., She/Her/Hers, Attorney and Board Member
Margo, an attorney in private practice in Rapid City, South Dakota, dedicates her time and expertise to representing the interests of injured individuals in personal injury and worker's compensation cases.
Her true passions lie in serving children and families in need. She has a particular interest in connecting with and assisting the ho
Margo, an attorney in private practice in Rapid City, South Dakota, dedicates her time and expertise to representing the interests of injured individuals in personal injury and worker's compensation cases.
Her true passions lie in serving children and families in need. She has a particular interest in connecting with and assisting the homeless population in the Black Hills area. Margo spent many years on the Board of Directors for Youth and Family Services.
Additionally, Margo is deeply committed to advocating for equal rights. This led her to choose the Family Connections Center as a way to contribute her time, skills, and passions.
Outside of work, Margo enjoys exploring the picturesque Black Hills through hiking. Thanks to her sons' influence, she and her husband have recently developed a fondness for hiking 14ers in Colorado. Despite her fear of heights, Margo takes pride in conquering three of the 58 peaks over 14,000 feet.
In both her professional and personal life, Margo firmly believes in the importance of building connections and nurturing relationships for the well-being of all individuals. She strives to live by the motto, "meet people where they are but do your best not to leave them there."
Board of Directors
Steph Kor She/Her/Hers Board Member Nominee
Steph Kor She/Her/Hers Board Member Nominee
Steph Kor She/Her/Hers Board Member Nominee
Stephanie Kor describes advocacy not only as her profession, but her passion and calling.
She works at Youth and Family Services as a Family Support Coach.
She was previously employed as a Family Services Specialist for the SD Child Protection Division.
She has served as a PTA member at three elementary schools in Rapid City, SD as wel
Stephanie Kor describes advocacy not only as her profession, but her passion and calling.
She works at Youth and Family Services as a Family Support Coach.
She was previously employed as a Family Services Specialist for the SD Child Protection Division.
She has served as a PTA member at three elementary schools in Rapid City, SD as well as holds the position of VP of Advocacy for South Dakota State PTA.
Steph aspires to leave a lasting and sustainable impact on the families and individuals she interacts with through her career, as well as through her volunteer work.
Steph's favorite "job" is being a mother to her young teen daughter Zoe and a wife to her husband, John. In her free time, Steph enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and her fur babies.
Ted Hayward He/Him/His, Board Member
Steph Kor She/Her/Hers Board Member Nominee
Steph Kor She/Her/Hers Board Member Nominee
Ted Hayward, a Missouri native, had a tumultuous childhood, moving frequently among relatives in the Ozarks. Despite the instability, he cherishes the close bonds he shares with his family.
After losing his job as a project manager at Sands Drywall, Ted found himself on the brink of homelessness. This turning point led him to a new path. H
Ted Hayward, a Missouri native, had a tumultuous childhood, moving frequently among relatives in the Ozarks. Despite the instability, he cherishes the close bonds he shares with his family.
After losing his job as a project manager at Sands Drywall, Ted found himself on the brink of homelessness. This turning point led him to a new path. He transitioned to maintenance work in mobile home parks and discovered a newfound faith, getting baptized at 49.
His encounters with the homeless community during his maintenance work opened his eyes and heart. Ted's compassion grew as he listened to their stories, realizing that everyone has a unique journey.
Since 2014, Ted has been actively involved in community outreach, from serving meals out of an old RV to volunteering with various organizations like the Kiwanis Club and the HOPE Center. He co-founded Family Promise of the Black Hills and recently introduced a mobile shower unit to provide bathing facilities for those in need.
Driven by a deep commitment to serving the homeless population in Rapid City, Ted has witnessed the tragic loss of friends to homelessness. Regardless of the reasons behind their struggles – be it job loss, health issues, addiction, or trauma – saying goodbye is always difficult.
When not engaged in community service or working as an independent adjuster, Ted enjoys riding his motorcycles through the Black Hills, capturing moments through photography, and spending quality time with his daughter in Sioux Falls.
Steph Kor She/Her/Hers Board Member Nominee
This could be you... if you are interested in helping move our mission forward, please send an email of interest to joe.barb@familyconnectionscenters.com
Education advisory
Anita Deranleau, She/Her/Hers, McKinney Vento Coordinator, Education Advisory Committee
Rapid City Area Schools McKinney Vento Coordinator.
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. § 11431 et seq.) is a federal law that provides important educational rights and services to PreK-12 children and youth experiencing homelessness.
Family Connections Center Inc Board of Directors works closely with Anita to ensure
Rapid City Area Schools McKinney Vento Coordinator.
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. § 11431 et seq.) is a federal law that provides important educational rights and services to PreK-12 children and youth experiencing homelessness.
Family Connections Center Inc Board of Directors works closely with Anita to ensure all youth served have access to education. Anita serves as an education access advisor to the Board utilizing the McKinney Vento program.