June’s Citizen of the Month is an extraordinary couple, who have opened their hearts and their home to children in need. We are very pleased to present this Citizen of the Month award to Don and Linda LeFebre.

Don and Linda have been licensed foster parents since December, 1988. During the past fourteen years, they have cared for approximately four hundred foster children, from newborn to nine years of age. Their length of stay has ranged from twelve hours to nine years. Don and Linda have raised five children of their own.

Don is busy self-employed in the construction industry and Linda prefers to remain at home because they strongly believe that foster children need consistency. They often care for as many as six foster children at one time. As you can imagine, their home is very much in demand for placements because of their great reputation among professionals in the community. The love, energy, and commitment needed to be a foster parent is apparent. They attend the monthly meetings and volunteer to help with the countless fundraisers as well as participating in workshops dealing with the care of foster children.

Linda Anderson who nominated the LeFebres notes that many of the children in their care need special medical needs and a typical week would include four days of in-home training and care plus physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists. Linda also works with the hospital and the pediatric and neonatal doctors in order to be properly trained. Many times the doctors will ask for the LeFebres by name because they know the children will get excellent care. Anderson stated, “Don and Linda’s work with infants and young foster children is remarkable.”

Don and Linda have lived in Rapid City since 1972. Four of their children live in Rapid City – Daren LeFebre, Donna Dressen, Darlys Pfeifle, and Dale LeFebre. Their son David LaFebre lives in Wright, Wyoming. They are also blessed with seven grandchildren.