Family Connection Hospitality House was established in 1994 to provide temporary shelter, emergency supplies, services and support to the families of inmates in an ongoing effort to facilitate visitation and strengthen the family bond. The need for such services was observed when women and children, visiting a loved one who was incarcerated at the South Dakota State Penitentiary, were found sleeping in their cars because they could not afford other accommodations. Children's Connection program was started in 1997 to provide group therapy to elementary and middle school children that have a loved one that is incarcerated . This prevention programming helps in breaking the cycle of incarceration.