Family Connections Center

Family Connections Center 501(c)(3) charity, The Circle, Youth and Young Adult Drop-In and Transitional Housing Center

OUR MISSION
Our mission is to strengthen and empower youth and young adults, to overcome obstacles by providing housing, supportive counseling, community education, and advocacy. OUR VISION
We envision a community where all youth, and young adults, inclusive of all intersecting identities, are supported, equal, and thriving. OUR VALUES
We recognize thriving as a community means all youth, and youn

g adults, inclusive of all intersecting identities, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, race, ethnicity, culture, age, ability status, class, faith, and social characteristics are equal. OUR GOALS
As a nonprofit, we seek to fill gaps in South Dakota, primarily the Rapid City area, as a youth and young adult Drop-In and Transitional Housing Center, with supportive services, prevention, education and community advocacy.

06/11/2026

To our community, partners, funders, and the families we serve:

It is with heavy hearts that the Board of Directors of Family Connections Center shares that the organization is facing a significant governance and operational crisis.

As many are aware, Joseph Barb has resigned from his position as Executive Director. However, despite ongoing efforts by the Board to restore access to financial and administrative systems necessary to govern and operate the organization, significant barriers remain. At this time, the Board does not have the level of access and authority it believes is necessary to responsibly oversee the organization's operations, finances, and legal obligations.

As a result, the Board has been forced to make difficult decisions regarding the continuation of services while we seek additional legal guidance and evaluate the organization's options moving forward. These decisions are being made out of concern for our fiduciary responsibilities, the protection of charitable assets, compliance with grant and funding requirements, and the long-term interests of the individuals and families we serve.

This situation is heartbreaking. Family Connections Center was built through the dedication of staff, volunteers, donors, community partners, and families who believed in its mission. The Board's focus throughout this process has been to preserve services, protect organizational resources, support employees, and ensure that decisions are made responsibly and lawfully.

We understand the uncertainty this creates for clients, staff, funders, and community stakeholders. We share that concern. We are actively seeking legal guidance and exploring all available options to determine the most responsible path forward.

We ask for patience, understanding, and respect for everyone involved as we work through these complex challenges. Additional information will be shared as appropriate and as legal considerations allow.

Most importantly, we remain deeply grateful to the staff members, supporters, community partners, and families whose commitment to this mission has made Family Connections Center what it is today.

For questions or communications regarding this matter, please contact: mailto:[email protected]

The Family Connections Center Board of Directors

04/11/2026

Last month, the board of directors for Family Connections Center (also known as The Circle) was informed about serious allegations against the Family Connections Center Founder, Board President and Executive Director, Joe Barb, regarding misconduct with a former client.

As soon as this board was made aware of these allegations, we notified law enforcement and immediately made efforts to place Mr. Barb on administrative leave in order to launch an unbiased, comprehensive investigation into the claims.

Since the initial claims were brought to us, we have been made aware that there could be more individuals with information that may be relevant to law enforcement. We strongly encourage those people to contact the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office to assist in a thorough, fair investigation. Additionally, the board has created a new email address and phone number for people to confidentially report any pertinent information. Anyone who would like to contact us to share information can do so at mailto:[email protected]. This email is completely separate from any FCC internal communications channels and will not be accessible to the founders. This board is committed to creating a secure channel for the community and will treat any outreach with the care and respect you all deserve.

The allegations recently became the subject of news articles in our area, and have evoked an understandably strong, emotional response from the community. We are painfully aware of the concerns these allegations have caused the families we serve, our staff, and many more in our community. This board and the staff at The Circle have received numerous calls, texts, emails regarding the situation. We’ve also been subject to threats, harassment, and baseless rumors that undermine our ability to carry out the mission of Family Connections Center, and we ask the community for compassion and patience as we support the investigation, and work to regain your trust.

The board and the staff of Family Connections Center continue to focus on our duty to provide essential services to the community. We urge you to provide understanding, compassion, and support as we attempt to maintain stability for those in our care.

03/31/2026

The Board of Directors of the Family Connections Center has recently been made aware of allegations of improper conduct involving written communications between Executive Director and a former client of the Center.
Upon learning of these allegations, the Board immediately placed the executive director on administrative leave pending the outcome of an independent investigation. During this period, he will have no contact with clients or staff of the Center. The executve director is cooperating with the investigation.
At this time, the Board has found no indication that any other staff members were involved in or aware of any misconduct related to the allegations. The independent investigation remains ongoing, and the Board is committed to ensuring it is thorough, impartial, and transparent. The Board has met with Family Connections Center staff, who are understandably deeply affected by this situation. The Board recognizes the emotional toll this is taking and is working to ensure that both clients and staff have access to appropriate mental health support. The Board is also committed to ensuring that Family Connections Center staff have the resources and stability needed to continue providing care and services without interruption.
We know moments like this can be difficult and can shake trust. We want to be clear that the Board is committed to upholding the values of this organization and to doing what is right—especially now.
We understand that many are looking for answers, and we will share updates as soon as we are able to do so responsibly.
The Board remains dedicated to serving the community and maintaining the trust that has been placed in this organization.
In the meantime, our dedicated staff continue to manage daily operations to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of care and services to our clients. The Board sincerely appreciates the professionalism and commitment of our team and the continued support of our community as we work through this challenging matter.

The importance of cooking skills is frequently underestimated, affecting both financial stability and nutritional health...
02/28/2026

The importance of cooking skills is frequently underestimated, affecting both financial stability and nutritional health.

By collaborating with SDSU extension, we equip youth with the knowledge and skills to cook, understand nutritional content, follow recipes, and cultivate positive relationships through social interactions.

https://familyconnectionscenters.com

Not every youth facing housing insecurity has shoes. Several of our employees and board members are part of Kiwanis Clu...
02/15/2026

Not every youth facing housing insecurity has shoes.

Several of our employees and board members are part of Kiwanis Club of the Black Hills Greater Rapid City Area.

Two years ago we partnered with Kiwanis and began writing grants to provide up to 850 pairs of shoes for youth identified as housing insecure engaged with education at Rapid City Area Schools.

This year we expanded that grant to include Douglas Area Schools, and youth referred for housing options at The Circle.

We also added workforce shoes for hospitality for youth seeking new employment.

It’s a great addition to ensure youth are able to start out with basic necessities to thrive.

https://familyconnectionscenters.com

https://kiwanisrapidcity.com

Another great workshop by our partners at LSS in the TOPs REACH program-
02/13/2026

Another great workshop by our partners at LSS in the TOPs REACH program-

This is a great project for youth! Glad to be part of it!
02/13/2026

This is a great project for youth! Glad to be part of it!

One of our valued activities with our LSS partners involves guiding young adults through the process of navigating indep...
01/29/2026

One of our valued activities with our LSS partners involves guiding young adults through the process of navigating independence with decision making .

The '3 C's of Decision Making' methodology is a valuable tool, consisting of:
1. Defining the challenge,
2. Outlining three possible choices, and 3. Assessing the consequences of each choice.

Acquiring these essential skills in decision-making enables youth to thoughtfully evaluate options and make informed choices, rather then make decisions based on impulse and emotions.

https://familyconnectionscenters.com

Address

706 E Monroe Street
Rapid City, SD
57701

Opening Hours

Monday 1pm - 8pm
Tuesday 1pm - 8pm
Wednesday 1pm - 8pm
Thursday 1pm - 8pm
Friday 1pm - 8pm
Saturday 1pm - 8pm

Telephone

+16057160422

Website

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