This is a paid piece from EmBe.

Simplified: EmBe helps hundreds of women and thousands of children each year through programs promoting education, leadership and empowerment. This holiday season, your donation supports scholarships to make these programs accessible to even more people in the community.

Why it matters

  • EmBe's work spans across four main pillars: Education, Youth, Women's and Aquatics. Each of those pillars is impacted by scholarships funded by the generosity of EmBe's donors in the Sioux Falls community.
  • One in five children in EmBe Education is supported by financial scholarships, and the organization awards more than $435,000 annually across all programs.
  • This Giving Tuesday, EmBe is asking folks to support scholarships within the pillar they resonate with the most, to encourage others to give, and to see the impact of their donations through the stories EmBe shares throughout the year.
    • Your gift has an impact, no matter the size. Every dollar counts and impacts a child, woman or family when you give to one of EmBe’s programs.
  • EmBe's youth programming has impacted nearly 3,400 kids this year, and an additional 450 women – ages 16 to 80 – have benefitted from the organization's Women's Programming.
"We see the ripple effects these programs can have," said Anna Wiederrich, donor engagement and events coordinator with EmBe. “No matter the age of the participant in our programs, they are then empowered to go make a difference in our community.”

Tell me more about EmBe's programs

Here's a breakdown of all of the various services and programs EmBe offers.

Education

EmBe provides childcare for kids who are four weeks old through preschool, and a majority of scholarship funds support filling the gap many families face in affording quality childcare.

  • South Dakota's childcare assistance programs don't always meet the needs of parents in the state – especially those who make too much money to qualify for assistance, but not enough to afford the costs of full-time childcare.

EmBe gives out $400,000 in childcare scholarships each year, and a recurring gift of $250 monthly is enough to provide one child a scholarship.

Those scholarships bring peace of mind to parents like Abigail, a Sioux Falls mom and scholarship recipient who shared her experience with EmBe:

"Knowing (my son) receives such exceptional care and just genuinely adores his caretakers is worth more than its weight in gold," she said. "It’s more than financial assistance ... it’s a reminder that several members of our community truly value children and families."

Aquatics

EmBe serves nearly 900 children in aquatics annually, developing life-long water safety skills, encouraging family fun, and building wellness in the community. In addition, more than 200 individuals receive water safety training through instruction, certification, and review.

  • EmBe's Aquatics Program also provides lifeguard training for many of the lifeguards in town.
  • Additionally, EmBe offers CPR certification.

Women's Programs

EmBe facilitates Women’s Leadership Program that strengthens leadership skills in women helping them meet their personal and professional goals, as well as Making Cent$ Financial Literacy Program and Career Network.

  • EmBe also operates Dress for Success, which connects women with professional clothing, job development/retention programs, resume and interview building skills and ongoing support, at no cost to help them advance their career.  
  • Although some of EmBe Women's Programs are free, it costs EmBe more than $200,000 annually to bring these much needed programs to life.

One key event that supports Women's Programs is The EMBES: A Tribute to Women annual awards event. When it was first started 50+ years ago as a leadership luncheon, founder Sylvia Henkin was told by male colleagues that she'd quickly run out of women to recognize.

This year, EmBe saw a record-breaking number of women nominated for various award categories, Wiederrich said. Those women are going on to become leaders in the community and make an impact.

Youth Programs

EmBe's youth programs include volleyball, taekwondo and Girls on the Run, an after-school confidence-building program that empowers school-aged girls with leadership skills.

One parent shared the following on what EmBe's volleyball and Girls on the Run programs meant for them:

"(My girls) were able to build self-confidence, explore their interests, and connect with other children their age. In addition, the coaches served as wonderful mentors to the girls. Without the scholarships, we wouldn't have been able to take advantage of these wonderful experiences."

Heidi, another Sioux Falls mom, said she saw her daughter build resilience through Girls on the Run, in addition to other important life lessons.

"One of the biggest lessons she took away was how to support her friends and those around her," Heidi said. "She learned what it means to lift others up, cheer them on, and be part of a team. She also learned that giving just a little — a little kindness, a little encouragement, a little effort — can turn into something so much bigger."

How can I support EmBe?

Your donation on Giving Tuesday can support scholarships in any of EmBe's four pillars. Learn more and donate here.

In addition, local restaurateur and The EMBES award winner, Marcela Salas will be donating a portion of the sales at BibiSol on Giving Tuesday (Dec. 2) to support EmBe.

If you are a past EmBe Women’s Leadership Program participant or EmBe Women’s volunteer, check your email for another exciting happy hour private event invitation happening the evening of Giving Tuesday.

"We are deeply grateful for every donor who has supported EmBe and our programs this year," Wiederrich said. "Your contributions to our scholarship funds empower individuals to reach their full potential and create lasting change. No matter the size, your gift strengthens our mission and makes a direct difference in the lives of those we serve."