South Dakota’s “Freedom’s Haven” Leads Charge Addressing Workforce Shortage Through Refugee Support

Описание: Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - In a state grappling with a “bodies gap” in its labor market, a unique initiative is proving that humanitarian efforts and economic solutions can go hand-in-hand. Freedom’s Haven for New Americans, a nonprofit spearheaded by former Lake Area Technical College (LATC) President Emeritus Mike Cartney, is transforming South Dakota’s workforce by integrating refugees and legal immigrants into the local economy.

Speaking at a recent Rotary Club meeting, Cartney outlined the organization’s evolution from a local workforce solution to a statewide network supporting over 800 Ukrainian refugees since the start of the conflict.

Bridging the “Bodies Gap”
South Dakota currently faces a shortage of tens of thousands of workers across various sectors. Cartney emphasizes that the state isn’t just facing a “skills gap,” but a literal lack of people to fill essential roles.

“We don’t just have a skills gap that everybody used to talk about, but we in fact have a bodies gap in South Dakota," Cartney stated. “That’s where we started the New Americans Workforce... to figure out how do we engage new Americans.”

Originally started as a conversation with Rapid City businessman Hanny Shafai to connect industry with Native American tribes, the project shifted gears as the global refugee crisis intensified. Today, Freedom’s Haven operates under the South Dakota Community Foundation and works closely with the Departments of Labor and Tourism to streamline the transition for newcomers.

Overcoming Bureaucratic Hurdles
The path to employment for refugees is often blocked by red tape. Cartney highlighted several victories Freedom’s Haven has secured to accelerate the process:

• Work Permits: Successfully advocated for refugees to begin working on “Day One” rather than waiting the standard 90 days.
• Licensing: Ensuring Ukrainian driver’s licenses are accepted in South Dakota.
• Insurance & Healthcare: Facilitating group car insurance and immediate access to medical support for refugees.
“We try to see what the obstacles are that people are going to hit,” Cartney explained. “The whole immigration system needs to be looked at and maybe reworked... but in the meantime, we’ve set up a network in South Dakota.”

A Cultural and Economic Match
The initiative focuses on more than just paperwork; it’s about cultural alignment. Cartney noted that many immigrants, particularly those from Ukraine, share a strong work ethic and agricultural backgrounds prevalent in South Dakota.

“A lot of times, the immigrants’ work ethic is extremely high, so that matches South Dakota’s,” Cartney said. “A lot of times they’re from a farm background, like the Ukrainians... so that all fits.”

Freedom’s Haven has now grown into a statewide network of approximately 40 members, including businesses such as Valley Queen Cheese and local dairies, as well as several church organizations and sponsor families.

About the Rotary Club of Watertown
The Rotary Club of Watertown has been a cornerstone of local leadership and community service for over a century, recently celebrating its centennial anniversary. Driven by the motto “Service Above Self,” the club brings together business and professional leaders to provide humanitarian service and encourage high ethical standards in all vocations.

The club is deeply invested in the success of the Watertown community, focusing its efforts on:

• Youth Development: Providing annual scholarships to local graduates and supporting literacy through technology and book donations.
• Fighting Hunger: Partnering with local organizations to pack hundreds of meals for the PACH (People Against Childhood Hunger) program, ensuring students have food over weekends.
• Global Impact: Contributing to massive international efforts, from providing clean water access in developing nations to the global push to eradicate polio.

The club meets every Thursday at 12:15 PM at the Elks Club #838, welcoming those who wish to make a difference in Watertown and beyond.
Stay Connected: To see Rotary in action or to learn how you can get involved, visit the Rotary Club of Watertown SD Facebook Page.