August 2008
Dakota Woodlands is the only facility for homeless women and children in Dakota County.
Our mission is to empower homeless women to create stable futures for their families.
Links:
From Our Executive Director:
Reyne Branchaud-Linsk
I can't believe that it's back to school time already. As my son heads off for college more than ever this is a multi-emotional time of year.
We are very busy at Dakota Woodlands getting ready for shcool. This year, we have planned a special treat for the kids living here by throwing a “Back to School Party.” We have had an “End of the School Year Party” for the last eight years, but we are planning a special event to get the kids on track with everything that entails... a good night's sleep, homework done and all. Of course, along with the start of school comes the back to school shopping and although we always get great donations from many individuals and groups, at this time of year, there are some things that we usually need more of including; locks for lockers, 8 ½ x 11 in. legal pads, packs of black and blue medium point pens, thick size dry erase markers and regular two-pocket folders without middle fasteners in plain colors
We always provide a couple new school outfits for children living at Dakota Woodlands, along with a backpack full of supplies. We set up a "store" in a conference room for young school-aged children and parents to pick out a few things for each child. But, for teens, we go out shopping. I know very well, how much they need to pick out their own clothes. So, we will be going to Steve and Barry’s in Burnsville, where no item is priced over $10.98. Other stores that are high on the list are; Kohl’s, Old Navy, T.J. Maxx, and Marshall’s. We are in need of gift cards to all these stores. We also receive athletic shoes for each child through the Shoes for School program.
We wish you all a great start to the school year, but of course, just after a trip to the Minnesota State Fair. Please consider donating a gift card to help us make a kid smile and confident on that first day back to school.
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Volunteer of the Month
Kirsten Hellyer has learned a lot in her short time volunteering at Dakota Woodlands. Kirsten has volunteered since the beginning of July. She has given so much time this summer. She comes in four times a week to work with the kids for four hours a day.
“I always thought homelessness was what it’s like on TV or in movies,” says Kirsten. “But being here I was able to meet people and understand that anyone can become homeless and it doesn’t mean you’re a bad person or that you did something wrong. It’s more about economics.”
Kirsten loves working with the kids and she says the best thing about it is being able to see them grow and develop even in the short time she has been with them. “I’ve definitely developed a relationship with the children and they come to give me a hug when they see me and that is a good feeling,” she says.
Kirsten and her husband, who are expecting their first child in December, just moved to Eagan from Iowa and Kirsten says she found out about Dakota Woodlands from its website while she was looking for places to volunteer. “I was impressed with what I read and I saw there were lots of volunteer opportunities, so I contacted the volunteer coordinator and got started,” she said.
Kirsten was also impressed with what she saw after she started. “The work that is done here is very admirable,” she says. “There are a lot of caring and compassionate people here who are all working toward the same end goal of getting these women back on their feet.”
Thank you Kirsten for choosing Dakota Woodlands to give your time to, we certainly appreciate it.
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Volunteer Opportunities
Thank you so much to all who volunteer to assist us.
As we peek into September and October, we have some specific volunteer needs:
- Kitchen help, especially on Fridays from 1-3. (We get a large delivery on Friday afternoons and need 5-6 extra helpers to unpack things and put them away.)
- Assist with yard work and organizing donations
- Receptionist needed, especially on Saturdays for 2-4 hours
- Childcare needed mornings and evenings for 2-4 hours
- We are in need of volunteers to help with our Flying Home event taking place Saturday evening, October 11, 2008. We need many people to assist with set up the afteroon before the event, check in, clean up and other areas. So, if you and a friend are free, just give us a call.
If you are interested in volunteering for these or other opportunities, please contact Ginni at
651-456-9110 ext. 15 or volunteer@dakotawoodlands.org
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Neighborhood Watch Parties, Tuesday August 5th, to benefit Dakota Woodlands
Thanks to the many freinds who donated paper products, food and funds to benefit Dakota Woodlands. Please keep us in mind for your neighborhood party next year.
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Saturday, October 11, 2008
7:00 to 10:30 p.m.
Ecolab's Schuman Center 655 Lone Oak Drive
Eagan, MN 55121
<click here for address and directions>
Join us for a night of food, drinks, entertainment, silent and live auctions and lots of fun. This is our 3rd annual Flying Home event and it promises to be the best year ever! We have some great artist and celebrity decorated birdhouses along with over 100 fabulous silent and live auction gifts.
Tickets are $50 each and are now available. To get tickets or to learn more about the event, contact Marie at 651-456-9110 ex. 14 or at communication@dakotawoodlands.org
We are also in need of volunteers for this event (see information under volunteer needs, above.)
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Current Needs List:
- Hair brushes and combs
- Toothbrushes
- Shampoo and Conditioner
- Women's Deodorant
- Baby Bassinettes in great shape
- Cribs in great condition, that meet all safety restrictions.
- Diapers in sizes 1 and 2
- Women’s underwear 5-9
- Toilet paper and paper towels
- Garbage bags in 13 or 32 gallon sizes
- Phone cards for resident long distance calling needs in 30 or 60 minutes
- Baby laundry detergent such as Dreft or generic brands
If you have items for the wish list please contact Lara at 651-456-9110 ext. 12 or resource@dakotawoodlands.org
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Mark Your Calendar!
Jensen's Supper Club is hosting a charity lunch event to
benefit Dakota Woodlands.
Where: Jensen's Supper Club
3840 Sibley Memorial Hwy
Eagan, MN 55122
When: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
September 3,4,5, 2008
11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
What: A Charity Fundraiser to benefit Dakota Woodlands
$5.00 Suggested Donation
RSVP: Please call Jensen's at
651-688-7969 to make reservations.
Space is limited, so call now!
This is a great way to have fun, great food, and donate to Dakota Woodlands so
invite your friends and family!
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3430 Wescott Woodlands
Eagan, MN 55123
Phone: 651-456-9110
www.dakotawoodlands.org