Welcome to Cardinal Connections

Website Statement of Purpose and Belief

Cardinal Connections was conceived with the belief that positive youth development is a necessary and achievable goal for South Sioux City . We further believe that positive youth development contributes to academic progress and a strong community of law-abiding citizens.

We operate with the understanding that our youth are nurtured by their families, the school experience and the community in which they live.

Cardinal Connections embraces the input from a tri state alliance because our youth do not live with geographical boundaries but rather by a sphere of influence that includes South Sioux City NE , Sioux City IA , and North Sioux City SD and strong partners from each of these communities are the most effective resources for their social, emotional and academic development.

We at Cardinal Connections believe that our children need to have: a safe school environment-- safe from threats outside the school as well as internal threats to safety

• a clear mind, unhampered by the numbing effects of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs,  and violence
• access to mental health for the times when the ability to cope with life challenges becomes overwhelming
• a family or adequate substitute that provides for psychosocial development in early childhood as a foundation for a formal education
• a network of caring adults that link the school, families and community in a united effort to educate the whole child

It is our mission to provide for these needs in a collaborative effort from separate, equal, and independent agencies and individuals.

Our core beliefs and common goal unite us in a mutually respectful collaboration, bound by a shared vision and mission, and dedicated to sharing our talents and assets to this end because it is the right thing to do!

 Cardinal Connections Partners

The cornerstone to the success of Cardinal Connections is the community partners who work collaboratively to address the identified needs of youth and provide opportunities that ensure schools that are safe, drug and violence-free and promote the social, emotional, and academic success of all students.  The Project Director continues to seek out additional partners to address the activities and goals of the initiative, and sustain the initiatives’ efforts after the grant has expired.  Additional input is encouraged from the community of South Sioux City , its businesses, and its citizens.  If you are interested in serving Cardinal Connections as a partner, please call the Cardinal Connections office at 402-412-2883. Translators are available so that all voices of the community may be heard and valued.

 Our Partners include:

AIM

Beyond the Bell

Boys and Girls Home and Family Services

Catholic Charities

Dakota County Attorney's Office

Dakota County Ministerial Alliance

District 16 Probation

Early Head Start

First Presbyterian Church

Girls, Inc.

Head Start

Heartland Counseling

Jackson Recovery

Jesse Marshall Boys Club

Region IV Behavioral Health Specialists, Inc.

Lutheran Services in Iowa

Mary J. Treglia Community House

Nebraska Dept. of Health & Human Services

Prairie Psychological Services

Saint Michael Church

Saint Michael School

S.H.I.P.

Siouxland CARES

Siouxland Community Health Center

City of South Sioux City

South Sioux City Public Library

 South Sioux City Police Department

South Sioux City School District

St. Luke's Hospital

UNL Extension

Waitt Family Foundation

Watchful Eye

YMCA of Siouxland

Cardinal Connections is funded by the United States Departments of Education, Health and Human Services and Justice.