The December 2004 Citizen of the Month belongs to a special couple that have opened up their hearts and home to foster children. As Mayor of Rapid City, I am pleased to present the Citizen of the Month award for December, 2004 to Randy & Nora Boesem.

Randy & Nora Boesem became foster and adoptive parents in October, 2001. They joined the Child Protective Services team in hopes to some day have a family of their own and along the way; they have provided wonderful care to approximately 40 children from birth to 18 years of age. The Boesems have shown great dedication to the children who have lived in their home and they have made a lifetime commitment to three children – Donate, Donavan and Rachel through adoption in January, 2004.

The Boesems are skilled in caring for young children with medical needs, and they have gone out of their way to understand the special needs of the children. They work cooperatively with a variety of professionals and have taken on the challenge of caring for children with attachment issues, various behavior problems and significant abuse and neglect histories. They have provided optimal care to children who truly need a safe, loving home.

Nora is a member of the BH Foster Parent Association Board and participates in the Support Group for Parents of Children with Attachment Issues and is a mentor to other foster families in the community. Both Randy and Nora go above and beyond the call to make sure that the children’s needs are met.

The South Dakota Department of Social Services acknowledges and commends Randy and Nora for their dedication and commitment to children through foster care and adoption. The City of Rapid City adds our community’s appreciation to this special family for their genuine commitment to children.