SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Call to Freedom has been recognized for its commitment to helping those impacted by human trafficking.
A total of 75 applications across South Dakota were turned in for this year’s Bush Prize. The award is part of a partnership between the South Dakota Community Foundation and the Bush Foundation where money is given to an organization that demonstrates problem-solving and leadership in their community.
“The Bush Prize is something that we started in ’22 when we were able to make our first awards last year. And the Bush Prize is really an award for nonprofit organizations that are problem solving,” senior program officer for the South Dakota Community Foundation Ginger Niemann said.
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Two nonprofit organizations received awards last year. The prize awards up to 25% of an organization’s previous yearly expenses. This year’s winner, Call to Freedom, has been awarded the maximum amount of $500,000.
Call to Freedom CEO Becky Rasmussen said resources for people impacted by human trafficking is a growing need in South Dakota. Less than one percent of those victims are ever identified.
“We’ve served 61 of the 66 counties in South Dakota, which tells us that there are more within other communities across the state. We’ve been filling that need, but we know that there’s so many more impacted within our communities,” Rasmussen said.
The South Dakota Community Foundation said the decision to select one winner wasn’t easy, but says Call to Freedom’s “compassionate and innovative approach” is “making a profound impact in the lives of those they serve.”
“Just the great work that they’re doing within their community, those that they’re collaborating with, their innovative solutions and patterns that they have implemented within their daily work just really rose to the top for them,” Niemann said.
Call to Freedom said it will use the money to reach more communities and add services to its continuum of care model.
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“The continuum of care model is still evolving,” Rasmussen said. “The needs of a victim that walks to the door looks so different, victimization isn’t always the same. And so, this money is really going to help us to fill in areas that we haven’t been able to address just because of funding, but also to expand.”
Six other organizations were selected as finalists for this year’s Bush Prize. Black Hills Works, Inc., Face it TOGETHER, Inc., LifeScape, Love INC of the Black Hills, One Spirit and Volunteers of American Northern Rockies are receiving $10,000 each.
Click here for information on applying for the 2025 Bush Prize.
