July 2007
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
Up-Coming Events
August 7th
August 23rd
October 13, 2007
From Our Executive Director:
Reyne Branchaud-Linsk
Independence Day
Empowering Women to be Self-Sufficient
Life can be overwhelming in the best of circumstances. We all want to be independent, to be able to take care of ourselves and our families; to not have to ask anyone for money, rides or a place to live. Many of the women that come to Dakota Woodlands have relied on friends and family for support and, for whatever reason, that help is no longer available.They need to learn the skills necessary to better care for themselves and their families. But being self-sufficient doesn't mean you never ask for help; it means that you know when you do need help and where to find it.
When our residents leave Dakota Woodlands to move into their own homes, we want them to feel they are capable of handling what comes their way. It's important that they develop a sense of independence and have the confidence to not only deal with the inevitable ups and downs of everyday living, but can also manage a household. This might mean they need help learning to plan healthy meals, how to manage their finances, scheduling inexpensive familiy fun or maybe how to get rides to doctor's appointments.
We collaborate with the University of Minnesota Extension Services to teach nutrition classes and meal preparation. Using a budget, we help them create a menu and a grocery list, how to use coupons and/or store specials and how to cook healthy, economical meals for their familiy. We also stress the importance of sitting down as a family for as many meals as they can and to have regular meal times.
Transportation is often an issue— they may have been depending on friends or family to give them rides or may never have used public transportation before. We help people figure out bus routes and let them know about other transportation services they may be eligible to use, such as getting to medical appointments,etc.
Finding things to do as a family on a limited income can be challenging, but not impossible! Moms may not be aware of the "cheap" entertainment that's available to them in the Metro Area. There are dollar movies, free museum days, free concerts in the park throughout the summer and even scholarships to the YMCA that they can apply to. Maybe their kids haven't been able to participate in school athletics or other extra-curricular activities because of the expense. There is scholarship money available through their school district that they can apply for.
I hope you’re all having a wonderful summer so far! Thank you again for your generous support. Every day we see the changes made in the lives of families who are able to go from no homes to their own homes.
National Night Out
Tuesday, August 7th
August 7th is National Night Out. If you are planning a neighborhood gathering, please consider collecting non-perishable food items for Dakota Woodlands. Extra vegetables from any of your neighbors gardens would be wonderful too! You could also donate funds by taking up a collection at you neighborhood gathering. We have National Night Out donation cans that you can use...all decorated and pretty!
To find out more about how your neighborhood can help Dakota Woodlands, contact:
Lane at 651-456-9110 ext. 12 or email resource@dakotawoodlands.org.
Resident Stories...
Learning Self-Sufficiency
Nneka
Nneka is an 18 year old woman with a 2 year old son, D'Loveantae. After Nneka had her son they lived with her dad for awhile, but that living situation didn't work out and she and "D'Love" ended up living in foster care until Nneka turned 18. In fact, Nneka and her son moved in to Dakota Woodlands on her 18th birthday. "I wasn't sure what to expect when I first came to the shelter," said Nneka, " but it was a lot nicer than I thought it would be. It looks like a really nice hotel!"
Dakota Woodlands may look like a hotel, but residents are not treated like hotel guests. Residents are expected to "do chores" every day, such as helping prepare meals, do dishes or clean . They also attend certain classes and meetings and learn to fill out the necessary paperwork required to qualify for assistance with daycare and rent or medical expenses. If the residents are parents, they are given the opportunity attend parenting classes, are responsible for their children's care and have to make sure all their child(ren)'s paperwork is in order. This was all new for Nneka, and it was overwhelming for her at times.
"I didn't know how to fill out a lot of the forms and I wasn't very good at keeping it all organized," said Nneka. "Sometimes I would forget to fill parts of it out or wouldn't get it done on time. My Family Manager, Abby, would ask me about it and make sure I knew where everything was and that I was getting it in on by the deadline. They wouldn't do it for me, but they helped me deal with it."
Dakota Woodlands will pay for necessary documents if residents or their children don't have them such as a current Driver's License, Birth Certificates, Social Security Cards, etc. You need these to get a job, apply for programs or assistance or just to sign your child up for sports or after school programs— and you need to know where they are. Nneka needed D'Love's Birth Certificate and Social Security Card and was able to get them while living at our shelter. "There's no way I could have gotten all of that together," said Nneka. "Everything I have now is because I had what I needed when I needed it. If Abby hadn't driven me crazy to get it all done, I wouldn't be where I am right now."
Where is Nneka right now? Last week she and D'Love moved into their new apartment in St. Paul...a safe, clean and affordable place that she can call her own. She even had furniture, household supplies and toys for D'Love that she'd gotten at the "Resident's Store" at Dakota Woodlands. Residents have "punch cards" and earn punches by doing chores and extra jobs and spend them at our Resident's Store which is filled with donated home furnishings,
nick -naks, artwork, etc. Nneka had enough punches that she was able to furnish her new apartment right away. "I can't believe this is mine. I never thought I would ever live somewhere like this and I know I can take care of me and my son," said Nneka with a big smile. What a difference from the shy, quiet girl who moved in to Dakota Woodlands in March to this beautiful, self-sufficient mother who is ready to have her independence.
Mark Your Calendars!
Dakota Woodlands
invites you to:
"Sacred Mother" by Laura C.
Pastel on Paper 16x20
"Artists in Residence"
A special exhibit of art created by the residents of Dakota Woodlands,
the only short-term homeless shelter in Dakota County.
an Art Exhibit at the Eagan Art House
Thursday, August 23rd from 6:30-8:30pm
Refreshments will be served!
For more information, contact Carmen at 651-456-9110 ext. 43
Flying Home
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Ecolab's Schuman Center, Eagan
Music, Silent Auction, Hand-painted Birdhouses, refreshments and
new this year: The Birdhouse Boutique, featuring unique bird-related gifts!
for more information, contact Lane: 651-456-9110 ext. 12 or e-mail resource@dakotawoodlands.org
Volunteer Opportunities
Summer
We know that summer means varied schedules, vacations and life is a little less predictable. But, we would be happy to have you come and volunteer with us. We welcome your support once, once in awhile, or regularly. For more information about volunteering at Dakota Woodlands, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at 651-456-9110, ext 15 or e-mail volunteer@dakotawoodlands.org
We could use your help with:
- Childcare
- Sorting Donations
- Playing educational games with school-aged children
- Cleaning and organizing
- Kitchen help: helping to prepare meals and clean-up
More Ideas:
- Perhaps you and your friends would like to prepare Saturday or Sunday Brunch.
- Think of us when your garden’s produce is ready… or when you stop at the Farmer’s Market.
- If your neighbors are having a party or barbecue this summer, consider passing a container to collect change for Dakota Woodlands, or collect paper products or food for us. A special treat would be having you collect perishable foods…like different types of cheese, yogurt or other items.
Current Needs
Wish List
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3430 Wescott Woodlands
Eagan, MN 55123
Phone: 651-456-9110