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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — A South Dakota nonprofit that focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention has made a significant stride in its mission with the award of its first-ever $10,000 counseling grant.
The grant, presented to Patrick Henry Middle School in Sioux Falls at the organization’s inaugural Counseling for Kids event in January, will help strengthen the school’s counseling and therapy programs, providing support for students in need of mental health resources.
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Better South Dakota, formerly known as Long Live MC, is shifting its focus toward offering direct mental health resources in schools across the state. The organization’s latest initiative represents a crucial move to ensure that young people receive the support they need before struggles escalate, according to co-founder Tristan Teichmeier.
“We believe in early intervention,” Teichmeier said. “Our goal is to help schools address counseling needs early on, creating a solid foundation for mental health support before challenges become more severe.”
Patrick Henry Middle School was selected as the first recipient due to a board member’s connection to the school, but moving forward, schools across South Dakota will be invited to apply. This expansion marks a new chapter in Better South Dakota’s broader vision to address mental health at a community level and support the well-being of the next generation.
Founded in 2022 by childhood friend and Dakota Wesleyan University graduate Teichmeier, along with Manny Christopher’s brothers, Denet and Patrick, Better South Dakota began as a tribute to Manny Christopher, a former Roosevelt High School and Dakota Wesleyan University football player who died by suicide in 2021. The nonprofit initially focused on raising awareness about mental health and suicide prevention in his honor.
Teichmeier, who graduated from DWU in 2020 and earned his master’s degree in 2021, teamed up with Manny’s family to establish the nonprofit.
“We wanted to do something meaningful to honor Manny and make a difference in the lives of others,” Teichmeier said.
In December 2024, the organization rebranded to Better South Dakota to reflect its growing statewide mission.
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“The rebrand was an opportunity for us to move beyond just honoring Manny’s memory,” Denet Christopher explained. “Manny wasn’t the only one struggling. We realized that mental health challenges affect everyone, and we wanted to reach a broader audience to make a real difference.”
With the rebrand, Better South Dakota has expanded its focus to not only support individual initiatives but to address systemic mental health needs in schools and communities throughout South Dakota. This shift allows the organization to have a lasting impact by providing tangible resources and building stronger mental health infrastructures in schools.
As part of its growth, Better South Dakota continues to honor Manny Christopher’s legacy through scholarships. Initially, the organization awarded three $500 scholarships annually — one for a Dakota Wesleyan University business major, one for a DWU football player, and one for a basketball player. Today, the nonprofit awards two $2,500 scholarships, maintaining its focus on the areas Manny was passionate about — business and football.
“Seeing our scholarship grow from $1,500 to $5,000 has been incredible,” Teichmeier said. “It shows how much this movement has expanded, and we’re excited to continue helping more students pursue their education and careers.”
In addition to scholarships, the nonprofit has launched a faith program this year to engage churches and religious organizations in conversations about mental health. The program includes quarterly grants of $500 to faith-based groups supporting mental health initiatives. The first recipient in 2025, Good News Church in Sioux Falls, used its grant to send three youth members to a church camp, where they could address their mental health struggles in a supportive environment.
“There’s a big disconnect when it comes to pastors and faith organizations being prepared to handle conversations about suicide,” Teichmeier noted. “We want to help bridge that gap, making sure that faith leaders are equipped to have these important discussions.”
As Better South Dakota continues to expand its impact, it remains focused on the future. The organization’s largest fundraiser, the annual golf tournament, raises funds for these initiatives, while its new Counseling for Kids fundraiser has already proven successful, raising $17,000 in its first year. Proceeds from these events directly support Better South Dakota’s counseling programs, scholarships and faith-based initiatives, ensuring that the organization can continue growing and offering support where it’s needed most.
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For Christopher, the mission is both personal and transformative.
“Manny was the type of guy who would make sure everyone felt valued,” Christopher said. “Through Better South Dakota, we want to make sure his spirit lives on by helping as many people as we can. It’s not just about honoring Manny’s memory, it’s about making real, lasting change in our community.”
Teichmeier, now working in San Francisco, draws inspiration from Silicon Valley’s startup culture.
“Being here has shown me how much potential we have to grow this nonprofit and make it bigger than we ever imagined,” he said. “We’re just getting started.”
Looking ahead, the nonprofit is planning two major events later this year. In August, Better South Dakota will team up with Mitchell native and former NBA player Mike Miller for a basketball fundraiser. By the end of the year, the organization hopes to host a Faithful Leaders Seminar in Sioux Falls, providing faith leaders and pastors with mental health training to better support their congregations.
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