OUTREACH
Community Learning Opportunities
At JTVF, we know that grantmaking alone isn’t enough. Lasting change requires shared understanding, community awareness, and a collective commitment to action.
That’s why we host community education events that help illuminate the lived experiences of low-income families in our region, alongside the work of our grantees.
For some, poverty is an abstract concept; for others, it shapes daily life. These events bring together individuals from across sectors to better understand the barriers many families face—and to explore how we can work together to create lasting, equitable solutions for our community.
Upcoming Events
Poverty Realities in Rapid City
The data presented during poverty awareness workshops is from multiple sources, including the U.S. Census Bureau, Elevate Rapid City, SD Department of Social Services, and SD Housing for the Homeless Consortium. Learn more in the links below.
POVERTY
101
POVERTY
ESCAPE
ROOM
Poverty 101 Sessions explore the dynamics and myths of poverty for attendees from all sectors and fosters a shared understanding of poverty.
The Poverty Escape Room encourages participants to experience barriers, stressors, and realities faced daily by people living in the crisis of poverty.
CLIFF EFFECT
ESCAPE ROOM
COACHES
NETWORK
Navigate the unexpected barriers that come with wage increases and learn how the cliff effect impacts both employees and businesses.
Provides support, networking opportunities and resources for professionals who navigate alongside those who experience poverty.
Poverty 101 Sessions explore the dynamics and myths of poverty for attendees from all sectors and fosters a shared understanding of poverty.
The Poverty Escape Room encourages participants to experience barriers, stressors, and realities faced daily by people living in the crisis of poverty.
Navigate the unexpected barriers that come with wage increases and learn how the cliff effect impacts both employees and businesses.
Provides support, networking opportunities and resources for professionals who navigate alongside those who experience poverty.
Community Learning Stories
JTVF Announces 2026 Community Education Series
The John T. Vucurevich Foundation (JTVF) is pleased to announce its 2026 series of free public education events, including Poverty and Cliff Effect Escape Room experiences. The learning experiences are free and open to the public and intended for community members,...
Commentary: State-funded preschool could slow South Dakota’s prison growth
Take it from Bill Janklow: State-funded preschool could slow South Dakota’s prison growth Originally published in South Dakota SearchlightJanuary 9, 2026 “Do we spend the money when they’re so young so they have the chance to become good productive citizens, or do...
JTVF Partners with Regional Foundations to Support Nonprofits Facing Federal Cuts
Black Hills foundations launch fund for nonprofits facing federal cuts In response to growing strain on regional nonprofits, the Black Hills Area Community Foundation (BHACF) and the John T. Vucurevich Foundation (JTVF) have launched a joint fund, the Sustaining...
“We’re grateful for our partners at Black Hills Special Services Cooperative and Tracey Palecek for helping us bring poverty awareness opportunities to the Rapid City community. Each event is an opportunity for learning and understanding how to lower the barriers many families in our community face and what it takes to create lasting change.”
– Jacqui Dietrich, John T. Vucurevich Foundation President and CEO