Happy Friday! Megan here.

Weather check: Sunny and warm

This week, I'll introduce you to the "new" Nordic Hall and the creative businesses inside. You'll also get to know a new nonprofit looking to use empathy as medicine in helping immigrants and refugees. Plus, catch a few Super Simplified Stories and, ICYMI, our event guide for all the fall fun happening this weekend.

And now, news:

COMMUNITY

How the 'new' Nordic Hall is bringing creatives together

Simplified: It might look nondescript on the outside, but Nordic Hall – a historic office building on the south side of downtown – is bursting with creative energy. Get to know some of the businesses in the "New" Nordic Hall.

Image by Les Cotton.

Tell me more

When Jeff Gimenez first opened HIFI Hair in Nordic Hall about three and a half years ago, his business was surrounded primarily by offices.

  • Now, he's across the hall from Rose & Eugene Presents' new location, and down the hall from a number of other creatives running businesses from a used clothing shop to an art studio.

The building has a history of holding space for the – sometimes alternative – art scene. In the '90s there were punk rock concerts in the basement. (For more on that, check out local documentary "I Really Get Into It.")

"Nordic Hall is rooted in community at its core – so much history, so much heart," said Sarah Larson, founder of hARTt Studio and wife of Gimenez. "It is a collective of artful, kind-minded hearts working together."

What's the vibe at Nordic Hall today?

COMMUNITY

Meet the new nonprofit using empathy as medicine

Simplified: A Sioux Falls-based nonprofit is looking to create more empathy in the healthcare system by better understanding the experiences of immigrants and refugees.

Why it matters

  • The Community Wellness Exploration Board (CWEB) is a group led by immigrants and refugees with lived experiences. Co-Founder Kuol Malou learned first-hand the challenges of advocating for himself in healthcare when he experienced a pulmonary embolism a few years ago that nearly took his life.
  • CWEB will create a network of partners including researchers, service providers, representatives in the healthcare industry and, of course, immigrants and refugees themselves.
  • The hope is to both better understand the gaps in existing systems that leave immigrants and refugees experiencing negative health outcomes and take steps to bridge those gaps.
"How do medical providers use empathy to connect with their patients to create a way for them to advocate for what they really are there for?" Malou said.

Tell me more

TL;DR

Super Simplified Stories

  • City needs more 911 operators. Metro Communications is looking to hire more people, and they're also looking specifically for folks to process non-emergency calls – a new position just created to help meet the need, Administrator Aimee Chase said.
  • Big money to help women and kids. The Children's Home Society raised more than $460,000 through its recent Caring for Kids banquet event. That includes $50,000 from an anonymous donor in recognition of longtime advocate and emeritus board member Linda Mickelson Graham. Learn more about Linda here.

THIS AND THAT

What I'm falling for this week:

ICYMI

More Simplified Stories

Stuff to do: Sept. 25-Oct. 1
Here’s a look at what’s happening this week in Sioux Falls.
Sioux Falls SimplifiedMegan Raposa
As centers risk closing, council says direct support for childcare a ‘hard sell’
Providers say without direct funding, the ongoing childcare crisis in Sioux Falls will remain an issue. But that’s going to be a “hard sell” for the community, Councilor Curt Soehl noted.
Sioux Falls SimplifiedMegan Raposa
How Spotlight Theatre Company is giving kids space to shine
A Washington Pavilion program designed to give kids an opportunity to be involved in all aspects of theater has a new name, and with it a hope to better communicate the message that theater is for everybody.
Sioux Falls SimplifiedMegan Raposa

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