Smithfield Foods is donating $400,000 to The Link, an upcoming mental health center in downtown Sioux Falls. The facility will serve as a 24/7 resource for people seeking mental health or addiction services.
Tolcha Mesele is the Senior Manager of Community Development at Smithfield Foods. He says Smithfield has a long history of supporting its communities.
“Over the years, even though the challenges might evolve, Smithfield’s commitment to the community is steadfast.”
Smithfield Foods acquired the former John Morrell plant in 1995. The meatpacking plant has been one of the area’s largest employers for more than a hundred years.
Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken says there’s more space available for The Link than original construction plans anticipated.
“That comes with a cost. And the cost to build out that additional space is approximately 400,000 dollars. So if you want to talk about the impact of the gift, it’s very timely! Because this is gonna allow us to maximize the space and serve even more residents in our communities.”
The Link is a partnership of the City of Sioux Falls, Minnehaha County, Sanford Health, and Avera Health. It’s expected to open in February.
-Contact SDPB reporter Jackie Hendry by email.
