Codington County Community Services

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Community Services Director
Sara Foust
7 West Kemp
Watertown, SD 57201

Email Community Services
Phone (605)882-6286
Hours of Operation Mon-Fri 9am-4pm

Guidlines PDF

Vision: Codington County Community Services is creating a community that strives to eliminate poverty and build community connections.

Mission: Building a welcoming community and providing hope for everyone

Values:

  • Community
  • Compassion
  • Connection
  • Empowerment
  • Problem Solving

Systems of Care

Codington County Community Services is leading an effort by social service providers to improve social services in our community. The mission is to “Build a system of care through collaboration across agencies, families, and individuals for the purpose to identify and improve social services that meet the needs of Codington County Residents.”

For more information on this effort and a full list of local resources, check out the Codington Connects Web Site. 

For information on local resources, visit the Codington Connects website at https://codingtonconnects.com/

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The Impact Program is a voluntary intensive case management program assisting individuals in Codington County who need help achieving success. They may be involved in the criminal justice system, struggle with alcohol/substance use, or have mental health needs. The goal is to bridge the gap between program participants and community resources to establish support systems for optimal success. A community Health Worker meets with participants to  promote success during their journey of wellbeing. 

SD CARES ACT COVID-19 FUNDING FOR MORTGAGES.

The SD Cares assistance program for rent and utilities has ended. South Dakotans who have been financially impacted by COVID-19 and need help paying their mortgage may be eligible for financial assistance through the Homeowner Assistance Fund. Assistance provided is not a loan and does not have to be paid back. Payment is made directly to the mortgage servicer on the applicant’s behalf.
Potential applicants can visit SD Cares Housing  Assistance to verify eligibility requirements and to begin the application process. Those without internet access can contact the Codington County Community Services Office at 605-882-6286 to apply.

Economic Assistance

Codington County Community Services provides emergency assistance for indigent individuals who are county residents and meet the eligibility criteria, as outlined in the Codington County approved guidelines and state statutes. This program is a resource of last resort which assists individuals who have no other public or private support. The amount of assistance granted is established in the county guidelines. Economic Assistance is not an on-going program, but is designed to address the immediate need. 

For all assistance granted, state statute requires that a lien is placed against the individual. Due to the attachment of a lien, county assistance is provided only when all other resources have been exhausted. The county will assist in making appropriate referrals and can act as an advocate on the individual's behalf. We strive to promote collaborative efforts by ensuring that all individuals and families locate alternative supportive resources that will educate, empower, and assist them in reaching their maximum potential for self sufficiency.

Depending upon funding and eligibility, available emergency services may include shelter, rent, utility bills, medications, emergency transportation, burials, or hospital bills. Economic Assistance is an emergency assistance program. 

Funeral Assistance

Codington County Community Services provides financial assistance for funeral services and burials for qualified individuals. Referrals are made by the funeral home making arrangements. State statute requires that the resources of the individual, as well as their family, are evaluated to determine eligibility for assistance. See the Funeral Screening Form for more information.

Medical Assistance

The county is a resource of last resort and requires that all other resources be exhausted first. Medical Assistance is determined by a formula established in the state statutes. The individual's availability and affordability of health care coverage will be one determining factor of eligibility. All medical services must meet the criteria of medical necessity set by state statute. The county works directly with medical providers and past and current employers in assessing eligibility. The county must approve non-emergency medical procedures prior to the services being performed. The county investigates any potential third-party payee. If the county approves financial assistance, a repayment plan will be established.

Types of assistance provided:

  • Medication
  • Hospital
  • Any other medical need that is referred by a physician