A Multi-Decade Legacy of Community Support

Catholic Social Services of Rapid City has provided crucial social services to communities across South Dakota for decades. Our social services offer support, compassion, and support for those in need. We believe in the power of using our passion for social services to fortify the communities we serve, while leading in the light of Christ’s ministry.


What Our Donors Make Possible

Diverse Range of Services

Catholic Social Services of Rapid City offers a diverse range of services and resources ranging from in-person counseling and online counseling (telehealth), to educational workshops, disaster relief services, the Uplifting Parents program and more. As a prominent non-profit organization based in Rapid City, SD, CSS of Rapid City is a beacon of hope for those in need, and a leader in thought, human dignity, and support within the communities we serve.

Supported by our Generous Donors

With the help of our generous donors and supporters, we’re able to do amazing things throughout South Dakota. From offering needed financial assistance to single parent households looking to further their educational careers in our Uplifting Parents program to championing for mental health awareness and suicide prevention, CSS of Rapid City aims to create a better tomorrow for South Dakotans.

Areas of Impact

  • 13,421Individuals served last year in our local communities and throughout SD.
Areas Served
  • 4,937Counseling and mentoring sessions providing essential support in the last year.

Mission Statement

To share in Christ’s ministry of offering hope, promoting individual human dignity and strengthening families and communities, by providing professional social services to people of all faiths in western South Dakota.

Meet Our Leadership Team

  • JAMES T. KINYON

    James T. Kinyon, MS, LPC-MH, LMFT, QMHP

    Executive Director and Counseling Director

    See Jim's Bio

    Jim Kinyon, executive director, earned his Master’s in Counseling from SDSU in 1990. He has been the executive director at Catholic Social Services since 1992. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health (LPC-MH) and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Because of his administrative duties, his counseling time is limited, but his passion for helping marriages is still strong. Jim leads workshops on Marriage as a Mission, Drug and Alcohol Prevention, Boundaries and Conflict Resolution, Personalities in the Workplace, and Poverty and Justice in SD. He also facilitates retreats such as Marriage Matters, Men’s Spirituality, and Reflections on Michelangelo’s Art and Life.

  • Shawn Edwinson, MS

    Uplifting Parents Director

    See Shawn's Bio

    Edwinson's background is in early childhood and parent education/mentorship where she earned a bachelor’s and master’s degrees as an only parent. Shawn has spent a majority of her professional life serving families and children through teaching, relationship-building, and program leadership in early education programs.


    In an educational capacity, Edwinson has taught college level courses in Child Development and Early Childhood Education for 9 years. “I am thrilled to share my experiences in parent mentorship by supporting student-parents in the Uplifting Parents program.”


  • Kelli Whartman, BSW, LSW

    Trinity Pregnancy and Adoption Department Head


  • Kristin Conzet

    Development & Communications Director


  • Neva Zephier, MPH

    Lakota Circles of Hope Director

    See Neva's Bio

    Neva is an enrolled member of the Oglala Sioux Nation. She achieved a Masters in Public Health Administration and Planning from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.


    Having retired in 2020, Neva decided to re-enter the work force and join the Catholic Social Services team as the Director of the Lakota Circles of Hope program.


    With extensive experience in the fields of health and education, Neva brings necessary skills to launching the redesigned and updated LCH curriculum.


    Learn more about the Lakota Circles of Hope Program

  • Lorinda Collings

    Finance & HR Director


View Our Latest Annual Report

View Now

Support our mission and make a difference!

For over 50 years, Catholic Social Services has strengthened families and communities in western South Dakota by offering professional social services. We work with people struggling with life's varied circumstances. Whether problems are large or small, our professional counselors are here to help.

We offer individual, family, marriage and group counseling in Rapid City and our outreach offices. Support Catholic Social Services with your donation today and help us help others!

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