Who We Are

Jenny Schmidt, a native of Rapid City and founder and CEO of Black Hills Advocate LLC had a vision for a Not for Profit specifically designed to embrace and support our community’s financially challenged elders. Through her work with vulnerable adults, she gained a unique perspective on the issues with which seniors in our community struggle, oftentimes in moments of frailty, illness, and vulnerability. BHA was able to help with some pro bono work.

However, they were not able to help everyone who needed services. Because of this, Jenny formed a non-profit 501(c)3 organization to assist people who have needs in specific areas we see repeatedly; dementia care/education, elder angel funds, and service coordination. Jenny gave thought to what a non-profit model would look like and how a non-profit could positively impact members of our local community who are struggling in these areas. Some questions she asked were “How do we help seniors connect with caregiver support, elder services, and information when they need it?” and “What resource can we create to get into the hands of families who are facing new challenges?” and “How do we help the most economically vulnerable people navigate the complexities of a diagnosis without asking them to pay for services they can’t afford?” In the Fall of 2020, a carefully chosen volunteer Board of Directors comprised of local business owners, health care, and community leaders helped to shape and guide the direction of this new company.

These founding members are the reason Sequel has grown exponentially and is quickly becoming a company that empowers our elders to live the next chapter of their story with ease and comfort. Today, Sequel employs an Executive Director and is working every day in our local community to be the solution for elders in times of need.