RAPID CITY, S.D. — Youth & Family Services is opening its doors to the community later this week, inviting residents to tour its Child Development Center, meet staff and learn about the programs that serve more than 14,000 children and families each year.

The open house will be held Thursday, July 30, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Youth & Family Services Child Development Center, 120 E. Adams St. Visitors can tour the facility, enjoy refreshments and speak with department leaders about the organization’s services.

Jeremy LeLaCheur of Youth & Family Services said the event gives families an opportunity to see the wide range of programs available, including Early Head Start, Head Start, child care, counseling services and other family support programs. He said many families may not realize the organization offers services that could benefit them, adding that if you have children, there’s a good chance at least one program could help meet your family’s needs.

LeLaCheur said a recent expansion to the facility has allowed the organization to grow its programs and create unique learning spaces, including a large garden room where children learn about plants, gardening and nutrition. He said children are able to see where food comes from and even watch vegetables they help grow become part of meals prepared by the nutrition staff, helping encourage healthy eating habits at an early age.

Not every program is open to every child, LeLaCheur said, explaining that eligibility depends on the specific service. Early Head Start, for example, serves children from birth to age 5, while other programs have different age requirements. He said the open house is a good opportunity for families to learn which programs best fit their children’s needs.

LeLaCheur also said department heads from across the organization will lead tours and answer questions throughout the day. He said one of the things that has stood out during his first year with Youth & Family Services is the staff’s passion for helping children and connecting families with resources, calling it a place where employees are committed to serving the community.

More information is available at Youth & Family Services’ website and Facebook page, where event details are posted.