We are happy to feature The Human Service Agency (HSA) as our Agency of the Month for September! As both a Community Support Provider and a Community Behavioral Health Center, HSA is driven by a powerful mission: to provide high quality human services that enable people to develop their fullest potential while maintaining the highest standard of ethical and fiscal responsibility. Each year, HSA touches the lives of more than 2,700 individuals across Watertown, Sisseton, and Milbank.
Founded in 1962 as the Lake Region Mental Health Center, the agency expanded in 1974 to include addiction services and community support provider programs. With these additions, it officially became the Human Service Agency, reflecting its broader commitment to serving the needs of the community.
One surprising aspect of HSA’s service is just how comprehensive its support is. HSA provides a number of services to the community including prevention, outpatient mental health services, outpatient substance abuse services, children, youth, and family services, a transitional residence, a halfway house, a CARE (Comprehensive Assistance with Recovery and Empowerment) program for individuals with severe mental illness, a crisis stabilization center, and community support services for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It is amazing the number of people they have been able to help. They serve a six-county catchment area, including Clark, Deuel, Hamlin, Roberts, and Grant, in addition to Codington County.
When it comes to community connections, HSA wishes more people knew about the efforts of Codington Connects. "I wish the community was more aware of Codington Connects and the supports they offer. I think everyone in our county should know the work Codington Connects is doing."
The work done at HSA is not only essential, but also deeply rewarding. "It is rewarding to be able to serve those in need who may not otherwise receive services. We have a 24/7 crisis line and through this and our crisis stabilization center, we have been able to treat more individuals within our community rather than over an hour away from their home and family for a lengthy hospitalization."
In addition to their services, HSA values their partnerships. "We have a close working relationship with other entities within our community and fostering these relationships is rewarding. We are able to work together to provide better services to our clientele to ensure their needs are met."
A huge thank you to the Human Service Agency for their dedication and being a beacon of support, compassion, and collaboration in our community!