Big Stone City, SD

We are working with low-income people to stretch their income and providing free food from the Senior Box Program.  They receive a box of groceries each month. 

Since starting the Horizon’s program and interacting with a diverse group of citizens I feel that our true understanding of poverty has been awakened.

You know, most of us in Big Stone City are accustomed to “getting by” with what we have, being satisfied just to have enough –even though that isn’t always the case.  We have learned to make do, sacrificing vacation & other pleasures.  Poverty is the lack of what is needed, though not always monetary, a deficiency.

The evidence is apparent in that more and more of our citizens are reaching out, helping others and showing concern.  We are getting to know one another even though we’ve known some for a number of years.  The Horizons program is filling a need most of us didn’t even realize was there.  And, now that it is recognized–we have the power to change, attitudes, lifestyles and to be more compassionate and understanding.  What a blessing!

  Check out this new website:   www.sdbridgetobenefits.org   .  Bridge to Benefits Program — Allows you to easily find which state and federal assistance you may be eligible for in a confidential manner.  It also includes all directions on how to apply for these resources.

  If you don’t have a conputer, you may call Elaine at 862-8636.  Have you income information available when you call and I can check on the computer for you to see which programs you may qualify for.  No confidential information will be asked for. 

This is a program for Senior Citizens aged 60 or over.  It is a USDA food assistance program to improve the health of low-income people by providing them with  FREE food. 

  There are income guidelines which are generous.  Even if you feel you are over the guidelines, apply anyway.

  There is no cost for this program

  If you are interested in any other details or income guidelines, contact Elaine H at (605) 862-8636.  I have applications and will help you fill them out if you like.

    Food boxes are distributed once a month on the 4th Wednesday of each month. 

  Horizons III of Big Stone City in conjunction with National “Make A Difference Day” is sponsoring a FreeCycle:”Winter Clothing Giveaway”.

   To be held on Saturday, October 24th, 2009 from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m, and will be held in the Big Stone School Gym.

  Now is the time to clean out closets and drawers for all types and sizes of winter-warm clothing, including sweaters, coats, jackets, snowsuits, boots, caps, scarves, gloves and mittens and earmuffs.  Any of these items can be dropped off at the Big Stone City office during regular business hours now through Friday, October 23rd.  Then be sure to stop in on Saturday, October 24th from 1 pm to 4 pm at the Big Stone school gym to “SHOP” for yourself or family members.  Everything is FREE at this special event.  Refreshments will be served.

    Horizons is funded by Northwest Area Foundation through SDSU.  

There is a Horizons strategic planning meeting at the Senior Citizens Center on October 8at 6:30 p.m.  We encourage all Big Stone residents to attend this meeting.  We are planning Big Stone’s future and how we can improve our unique little city.  We have a great treasure and want to preserve and improve what we have. 

Flag Day, June 14th, was a beautiful, sunny, inspiring day in Big Stone City.  Many community members joined the Horizons committee in honoring active military and veterans.  Inspiring music was provided by local singers and mobile sound equipment.  Hot Dogs, chips, cake and SDSU ice cream were served.

The new Strategic Plan for the future of Big Stone City was unveiled to the community with great response.  New people signed up for committees and things are moving forward.  For a copy of the Strategic Plan, stop by the City Offices.  

Join in and be a part of Big Stone City Horizons to make a difference in this caring community! 

One of our Horizons III goals was to have a community billboard to post events & happenings of our residents.  This has become a reality.  This is located by the City Office right on Main Street.  It is very eye-pleasing and useful.  We want any of our residents to use it for announcements, events or whatever you want to post.  We want all to take advantage of it. 

The roles we play are new and changing all the time.

We wish more community people would like to be involved in our planning for our goals.