Rapid City, SD (Mitchell Now)— The Abbott House Board of Directors announced they have signed a Letter of Intent to acquire the operations and assets of Wellfully in Rapid City, SD. “By bringing Wellfully under the Abbott House umbrella, we are uniting the strengths of two long-standing organizations to ensure that critical youth mental health and behavioral services in South Dakota remain uninterrupted, stable, and locally led,” Eric Klooz, Abbott House Executive Director, said.
Why this Matters
Since 2013, Abbott House has raised more than $10 million in capital investments and expanded its facilities and services from Mitchell, SD to Rapid City, SD, and Sioux Falls, SD. The need for youth services is growing, not shrinking, Klooz said. To meet that need, providers must be operationally strong and financially resilient. “Joining forces will more than double the number of youth Abbott House currently serves,” Klooz said. “It strengthens our programs and allows us to provide a comprehensive, continuum of services to help youth heal from substance abuse, trauma and other mental health struggles.”
“This partnership is about putting kids first—and we couldn’t be more excited about what’s ahead. By joining forces with Abbott House, we’re ensuring that every young person who walks through our doors has access to the care, stability, and hope they deserve. Together, we can achieve more than either organization could do alone, creating stronger families, healthier communities, and brighter futures for South Dakota’s youth.” Samantha Johnson, WellFully Board President, said.
Ready for the Future
“This acquisition is about smart growth,” Klooz said. “It ensures uninterrupted care for the children and families Wellfully serves, strengthens support for Wellfully staff through a statewide network, and gives donors and partners confidence that their investments are building a strong, lasting future for South Dakota’s youth.”
Abbott House and Wellfully are rooted in a shared mission. For decades Abbott House and Wellfully have been pillars of support for South Dakota’s most vulnerable youth. Today, the organizations take steps to be ready to serve more children than ever before and ensure this foundation remains unbreakable.
About Abbott House and Wellfully
Founded in 1939, Abbott House provides comprehensive psychiatric residential treatment, intensive foster care, and independent living services for more than 225 youth and families across South Dakota annually. Wellfully has been helping children heal since 1990, providing substance abuse, psychiatric residential treatment and crisis care to hundreds of young people in Western South Dakota. Through residential treatment, foster care programs, addiction treatment, crisis care, and independent living services, Abbott House will help even more young people overcome trauma, gain life skills, and find hope for the future. “Together, there will be even more opportunities for young people to overcome life’s challenges and reclaim their youth,” Klooz said.