Waypost

01/06/2026

A few weeks ago, the Waypost staff had the privilege of attending the 7th annual MMIW event. We joined community members in Lake Andes for the awareness walk.

Walking together, sharing a meal, and listening to the stories of this community reminds us of the strength we have when we stand as one. Thank you to everyone who organized this beautiful, necessary event.

29/05/2026

At Waypost, we believe that a strong community thrives when we support one another. 🤝

That’s why our staff was thrilled to participate in this past weekend's Color Run 5K in support of Yankton Area Arts ! It was a colorful, high-energy day dedicated to raising funds to keep art, music, and creativity alive and accessible in our community.

We love investing our time into organizations that enrich the Yankton area, and we’re already looking forward to the next community event! 💙

27/05/2026

☀️ Suns out... rolls out? 🧻

We love summer as much as the next person, but there is one kind of "wipeout" we are trying to avoid here at Waypost.

Right now, our supply shelves are looking a little bare, and we have an urgent need for toilet paper donations. It’s not the most glamorous donation, we know, but it is one of the most essential daily comforts we provide to the survivors in our care.

Help us keep the rolls rolling this summer! Thank you for always standing with our community. 💚

27/05/2026

✨ Employee Spotlight: Kim Wells ✨

Meet Kim, our Finance Director who has been part of Waypost for over six years. While her role focuses on the financial side of things, Kim’s passion for this work runs much deeper—she is driven by the power of education and prevention. She believes that when people understand the signs of unhealthy relationships and know where to turn for help, we can reduce harm not just for individuals, but for families and entire communities.

For Kim, Waypost’s mission is simple but powerful: helping kids have happy, healthy childhoods. That purpose shows up in both big and small moments—like when a child once referred to the visitation center as “Kim’s house,” a place where they felt safe, comfortable, and excited to spend time with their parent.

Over the years, Kim has seen meaningful change in the community, especially as more people begin to recognize that abuse isn’t just physical—it can take many forms. That growing awareness is a key step toward prevention and support.

Looking ahead, Kim is excited about stepping out of the shadows, breaking the mold, and continuing to move this work forward in new and impactful ways. She also shares an important reminder: domestic violence and sexual assault are public health issues that affect entire communities—and they are preventable.

Outside of work, Kim enjoys both coffee and hot tea depending on the day (never iced tea!), and she’s always up for a reality TV binge—whether it’s Love Is Blind, Survivor, or the latest Vanderpump Rules drama ( ). And her favorite place in our service area? Home sweet home. ☕📺

Thank you, Kim, for your dedication and the important role you play in supporting our mission every day! 💜

26/05/2026

Mark your calendars! 📅 United Way's Day of Caring is returning on June 12 & 13.

This amazing community event connects volunteers with local non-profits for hands-on projects that create lasting, positive change. Whether you want to volunteer solo or build a team with your co-workers and family, there is a project out there for you.

Sign up today:
👉

United Way of Greater Yankton is excited to host our annual Day of Caring on Friday, June 12 and Saturday, June 13 — and we want YOU to be part of it!

22/05/2026

Let’s Talk About Supervised Exchanges!

When we think about supervised services, we often focus on the visit itself—but the exchange (the hand-off) is just as important for a child’s peace of mind!

Supervised exchanges (or monitored transfers) ensure that the beginning and end of a visit are stress-free for everyone involved. Here is how they make a difference:

1️⃣ Conflict Prevention: By managing the transfer, we ensure children never have to witness tension between the adults in their lives.

2️⃣ Staggered Arrival Times: Parents arrive and leave at different times, so they never cross paths. This keeps the focus entirely on the child’s transition.

3️⃣ Safe & Neutral Territory: No more stressful meetings in parking lots or driveways. Exchanges happen at professional location where safety is the standard.

4️⃣ Documentation: Trained staff keep an objective record of the exchange, ensuring everyone stays accountable and the process remains transparent.

5️⃣ Supporting Healthy Routines: Predictable, calm transitions help children feel emotionally secure, allowing them to move between households with confidence and ease.

Supervised exchanges aren't just about rules; they are about giving children a "conflict-free zone" so they can simply be kids.

20/05/2026

✨ Employee Spotlight: Beryl ✨
Meet Beryl, our dedicated Occupational Therapist who has been part of Waypost for around 6–7 years. Beryl brings a unique and deeply meaningful perspective to this work, driven by both professional passion and personal experience. After losing a close friend to domestic violence, Beryl is motivated every day to help others regain independence and reconnect with their lives—creating a positive ripple effect that impacts not just individuals, but the entire community.
For Beryl, Waypost’s mission is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves to safely participate in the daily activities that give their life meaning. Through her work, she helps individuals rebuild that connection—supporting both the mind and body in the healing process.
Over the years, Beryl has seen how Waypost creates a powerful cycle of impact: offering compassionate, welcoming support to those in need, who in turn go on to give back to the community. One moment that stood out to her was when occupational therapy services were introduced at the shelter—something that reflects Waypost’s commitment to innovation and truly meeting people where they are.
Looking ahead, Beryl is especially excited about the opportunities connected to the UNMC Pressbook and how it can expand awareness and understanding of this work. She also shares an important message: trauma doesn’t just live in the mind—it exists in the body as well. Healing often requires reconnecting both, and therapies that focus on daily living skills and sensory integration can help people reach goals they may have once thought were out of reach.
Outside of work, Beryl enjoys a good cup of coffee, spending time at local parks, the riverfront, and the library in Yankton—and has a fun obsession with her porch goose and desk duck! ☕🦆
Thank you, Beryl, for your compassion, innovation, and the incredible impact you make every day! 💜

18/05/2026

🧡 May is National Supervised Visitation Awareness Month! 🧡

Every child deserves a safe way to stay connected to their roots. Let’s raise awareness together! 🤝✨

15/05/2026

Supervised Visitation...It’s Not Just What You Think...

Many people assume these services are only for high-conflict or domestic violence situations—but they are for so much more. Supervised visitation is a bridge for any situation where a child needs a safe space to connect, such as:

Rebuilding Bonds: If an aunt or uncle has been away (like recently returning from prison) and hasn’t seen a child in years, these centers provide a gentle way to re-introduce them.

Strengthening Ties: It’s a place for children to get to know estranged family members they might not remember, helping them bond at their own pace.

Safe Transitions: It ensures that a child's emotional well-being comes first while they get to know their family in a supported environment. 🛡️👧👦