Our Sponsors

The Benedictine Sisters of Yankton and the Presentation Sisters of Aberdeen opened their first hospitals in South Dakota more than 100 years ago. In September 2000, the two communities of Sisters announced they would strengthen their health ministry by cosponsoring all their formerly independent hospitals, nursing homes and clinics. They also cosponsor Avera, the "service vehicle" for their institutions and for institutions managed by Avera.  

The System Members, three Benedictine Sisters and three Presentation Sisters, represent their respective communities in carrying out sponsorship responsibilities for their combined health ministry, Avera. 

Back row, left to right: Sr. Mary Jaeger, Sr. Joan Reichelt, Sr. Kathryn Easley.  Front row, left to right: Sr. Mildred Busch, Sr. Kathleen Crowley , Sr. Lucille Welbig

As sponsors, the Sisters bring their mission and values to Avera, and nurture those values in Avera caregivers through witness, through orientation and education programs and through retaining the authority of governance. Although many facilities managed by Avera are not Catholic facilities, their trustees, physicians, nurses and other personnel share many of the beliefs and values of the Sisters. The Sisters appreciate and value the religious traditions of all Avera partners.

The Sister-sponsored hospitals and nursing homes are separately incorporated not-for-profit legal entities. The Sisters do not receive any financial benefits from their sponsored institutions or from Avera, and they do not receive free care at Avera hospitals and nursing homes.

Many Sisters are active in the Avera ministry as board members, mission directors and pastoral care workers. In addition to their health ministry, both communities of Sisters work in education, social work and many other ministries. Both communities warmly welcome questions from women who would like to investigate the possibility of becoming a Sister.  Learn more about our sponsors.