LSS New Alternatives Marks 10 Years in Rapid City

The program for young adults ages 18 to 20 is holding a ribbon-cutting and open house this Thursday.

Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Brick community building entrance with concrete steps under a cold clear sky, with dry prairie grass in the foreground. — LSS New Alternatives in Rapid City marks 10 years serving 386 young adults ages 18 to 20, with a ribbon-cutting open house Thursday, Nov. 12. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

LSS New Alternatives marked 10 years of serving young adults in Rapid City, having opened in 2016 and served 386 young adults since then. A ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house will be held Thursday, Nov. 12, from 3 to 6 p.m. at 120 Philadelphia St.

Why it matters

The program supports young adults who need additional help as they move toward independent living, many of whom arrive without a strong support system. Its anniversary highlights ongoing local services for this age group in Rapid City.

LSS New Alternatives has served 386 young adults since opening in 2016 and is marking 10 years of operation. The source does not report participant outcomes or annual service volumes.

The players

LSS of South Dakota

LSS of South Dakota is a nonprofit human services organization that operates the New Alternatives program.

Rebecca Kiesow-Knudsen

Rebecca Kiesow-Knudsen is president and CEO of LSS of South Dakota, the nonprofit that runs New Alternatives.

Amber Kemp

Amber Kemp is the director of New Alternatives, the Rapid City program serving young adults ages 18 to 20.

The details

LSS New Alternatives, operated by LSS of South Dakota, offers housing, counseling, case management, medication management, employment assistance, and life skills development to people ages 18 to 20. Amber Kemp directs the program, which gives participants chances to build healthy relationships and connect with adults who offer guidance.

- 2016: New Alternatives program opened in Rapid City.
- Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026: Ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house, 3 to 6 p.m., at 120 Philadelphia St.

Roadmap

Transitional living programs aim to bridge the gap between youth services and full independence for young adults ages 18 to 20. New Alternatives has been one such program in Rapid City since 2016, and its 10-year mark extends that local footprint.

Residents in Rapid City can attend the Thursday, Nov. 12 open house at 120 Philadelphia St. between 3 and 6 p.m. to learn about services available to young adults ages 18 to 20. Families and young adults seeking housing, counseling, or employment help can contact the program during this event.

The takeaway

Young adults who lack a strong support system can benefit from structured programs that combine housing, counseling, and life skills training. Attending open houses like this one is a practical way to learn what local services exist.