August 2009
Dakota Woodlands is the only facility specifically for homeless families in our County.
Links:
From Our Executive Director:
As some families, in the community struggle with poverty, limited funds and issues that might lead to homelessness, this is a particularly stressful time. We know that families try to make ends meet and avoid needing a shelter. But at this time of the year, they worry about the beginning of the school year and need their children to start school on time. The families that come to Dakota Woodlands now are coping with additional stress related to the beginning of the school year. So, we not only provide basic needs and typical supportive services, but we try to have activities that will address these unique stresses. To begin, we make sure there is fun time for the children to end their summer. The Minnesota State Fair gives us free tickets to take our residents to enjoy the many free things the fair has to offer. We have been able to go to a Twins game and we've enjoyed many barbeques in our backyard.
Erin, our part time education coordinator loves this time of year. It's exciting for her to get everyone ready with supplies, outfits and all of the things they will need to be successful with going back to school. Many of the children return to their same school and she helps them to coordinate schedules and transportation. Sometimes they are going to a new school. She likes to help the children and parents with the transitions. She takes them to their new bus stop, sets up a tour of their new school and helps with schedules.
We are so grateful for the many people who assist us this time of the year. Many families shopped for extra supplies to assist our children. The school supplies that are collected through sources like Shepherd of the Valley Church in Apple Valley and United Stationers of Eagan, assist children who move in throughout the school year with the items that they need. We raised funds through our back to school drive to purchase the items that weren't donated. And as you'll read below, Shoes for Students is a great resource for our families.
We wish you and your family fun at the fair and a great start to a new school year.
Thanks for reading our Digest. Thank you for your support of our work.
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Volunteer of the Month
Gail Barta
Our Volunteer of the month is Gail Barta,. Gail gives to Dakota Woodlands in many ways. She is a longtime friend and supporter. Gail has enjoyed a 19 year career with Thomson Reuters, where she is currently a customer service representative and is committed to service excellence.
She recently won the “Amazing People-Amazing Stories” award from the Community Volunteer Council because of her commitment to volunteering in her community and Dakota Woodlands.
For 10 years Gail has donated 10-12 hours a month sorting food and clothing donations, wrapping Christmas gifts for our resident families and helping with our annual “Flying Home” fundraiser.
Her favorite aspect of volunteering is participation in event planning; decorating, set up and clean up. She really contributes to the success of our events.
Gail is from South Dakota . She has a strong work ethic and sticks to her choices in life. She has been married to her husband, Al, for 20 years! (Al also volunteers with us.) When asked about the impact of volunteering, Gail says, “The more I volunteer, the more I want to help others, no matter who they are. I have also become more aware of what I have and what I really don’t need to have. It makes me happy to share my experiences and hope more people could find something they would enjoy doing as much as I do.”
Congratulations, Gail, and thank you for many years of generous service to Dakota Woodlands!
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Partner of the Month
Shoes for Students
Keeping with our Back to School Theme, we want to highlight a program that benefits our children with a very specific school need.
In 2004, Shoes for Students was an idea between friends, as a way to create a ministry which dealt with the tangible needs of children in the area. Their goal was to provide a new pair of athletic shoes to kids whose families would otherwise not be able to afford them. Their hope was that a new pair of shoes could be one thing that would help kids to become excited about starting their new school year. Now five years later, Sharon Larkin is able to provide shoes to hundreds of children who are staying in homeless shelters and domestic violence shelters.
She does this by seeking donated shoes from places like Schuler Shoes (who donates over 100 pairs a year). Sharon goes above and beyond just collecting shoes. She goes to shelters and fits each child individually, so that they can be assured that their pair of shoes will be perfect for them.
We were pleasantly surprised when Sharon later came to Dakota Woodlands as a volunteer through another program and then applied for a receptionist position with us. Now a part time receptionist with us, Sharon has provided new pairs of shoes to hundreds of children including current and former residents of Dakota Woodlands.
When asked why she continues to donate her time to Shoes for Students, year after year Sharon's answer was, “I don’t do it for me; I just do it for those kids.” She says the mission of their program is serving people by demonstrating tangible acts of love which ministers to their physical, spiritual and emotional needs.
Please keep us in mind if you or someone you know would like to assist us in our work. Contact Abby at resource@dakotawoodlands.org or 651-289-3567
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...How to Help...
Volunteer Opportunities
We have opportunities for individuals or small groups to assist us, without a large time commitment
- Do you like to sort and organize items, we'd love to have your help once a week, or a couple hours a month
- Child care support is needed any weekday evening from 6-8 p.m.
- Would your group like to come in to organize a game night, Bingo Event or special meal for our families?
We also need support with our special Flying Home event, on October 10th. There are simple needs such as helping with the birdhouse boutique the night of the event, or cleaning up after the guests have left for the evening. And we always need a few more people on Friday the 9th, the afternoon before the event. There's heavy lifting and decorating needs.
If you are interested in learning more about any of the above opportunities or other ways to assist us, please contact Patty, our Volunteer Coordinator at 651-289-3565 (direct phone number) or email her at volunteer@dakotawoodlands.org.
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It's time to invite your friends to join you for our Flying Home Event
Just reply to this email, order your tickets today... we'll send the number of tickets that you need.
Please join us for
Dakota Woodlands’ 4th Annual Flying Home Event
Saturday October 10, 2009
The event begins at 7:00 p.m.
At Ecolab’s Schuman Center
Eagan, MN
Flying Home is an amazing event which benefits Dakota Woodlands supportive services. The night features our own special type of live and silent auctions with hand painted birdhouses paired with fabulous gift packages. There will be great food, entertainment, an opportunity to learn more about Dakota Woodlands and lots of time to visit with your friends.
Families at Dakota Woodlands are all in flight. They are flying off to better housing, better education, better jobs, and a brighter future for their families. Dakota Woodlands provides basic needs and supportive services to help them “fly” home.
It will truly be a night to remember. Tickets are $50. Just contact Stephanie at hradmin@dakotawoodlands.org and she'll send your tickets today.
For more information, about the event just call us (651) 456-9110.
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Current Needs
We welcome any fresh produce or items from local gardens or Farmers' Markets. Please consider us if you have fresh fruit or vegetables. Just bring your items to Dakota Woodlands.
- We need new underwear for women or children.
- Would your company like to arrange a paper product drive to assist us?
- And, like many non profit organizations, we are in need of financial support. Every amount matters to assist us in meeting the basic needs and supportive services for families. Your donation is tax deductible. You can make a donation through our website....Donate Now or send your donation to us at the address below.
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3430 Wescott Woodlands
Eagan, MN 55123
Phone: 651-456-9110
www.dakotawoodlands.org