May 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
We have been busy this last month with spring finally arriving, our kids are just about to finish up school, Mother’s Day, and of course our HOMES event that took place May 10th at St. John Neumann Church in Eagan. It was a spectacular event that brought many new people who were excited to hear about the services Dakota Woodlands provides.
The one-hour event served a wonderful continental breakfast and the guests were able to view our updated informational video and hear from two former residents of Dakota Woodlands. The women shared their experiences with homelessness and perseverance to the crowd of 150 people. Their stories helped our guests to better understand what it’s really like to be homeless and they lifted our spirits when they spoke of how Dakota Woodlands helped them achieve success.
This event was a great opportunity for us to reach out to people who want to learn more about us. We received such a tremendous response from people looking to help us, whether it was through volunteering or giving financially, and we are so lucky to have such great community involvement and support.
Now we look to summer and will enjoy sunshine and outdoor activities. Please remember that Dakota Woodlands always appreciates your support and summer is a great time to get involved. As always, we are available to speak to your group, work, friends or neighbors about homelessness in Dakota County and the care we offer. With our updated DVD we can show you our place, services, highlights from residents’ perspectives and discuss ways you can help.
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Mother’s Day is a big event here at Dakota Woodlands and it was celebrated not only by our HOMES event but also by the generous efforts of Hosanna Lutheran Church in Lakeville which sponsored an event that took our residents to Osaka Seafood Steakhouse in Apple Valley. It was a special and much appreciated escape from the daily stressors that the residents of Dakota Woodlands face.
The Hosanna Lutheran staff, lead by Care Ministries Pastor Pat Moe and accompanied by Violet and Kelly, took the 20 or so women on this fantastic excursion. The women were able to pick a meal valued at up to $23.00. Many chose Japanese-style chicken and shrimp or steak and scallops. The moms were then entertained by the chef who cooked the meal right at tableside. “It was really neat,” said one resident. “The chefs did all kinds of tricks with the food and utensils and they even flipped the food into our mouths.”
All the residents at Dakota Woodlands were invited and they spent nearly three hours at the lavish dinner on the Wednesday before Mother’s Day. Meanwhile, Hosanna also had volunteers come to Dakota Woodlands and watch the children. The kids were treated to pizza and had the chance to make Mother’s Day cards with their picture on it.
Hosanna Lutheran and Pastor Pat have been longtime partners of Dakota Woodlands and although this was the first Mother’s Day dinner the church sponsored, they have done so much for us. The church has also done other holiday dinners for the residents of Dakota Woodlands including a recent Valentine’s Day dinner.
Being homeless is never easy but it is especially difficult during special occasions that are normally spent with family. The mothers here always put their children first and this was an opportunity for them to experience some much deserved pampering. Says one mother who attended the event, “I have never been to any meal like that…”
Thank you Pastor Pat, Violet and friends of Hosanna Lutheran for all you do for us.
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Volunteer of the Month
Debby Evans
Stocking the food supply area in Dakota Woodlands kitchen may not sound like the most glamorous of jobs, but Debby Evans, a volunteer since October 2007, knows it’s the little things that keep this place running as smoothly as it does.
Debby is a faithful volunteer who comes in twice a week for three hours a day. “She is honestly a fantastic volunteer, she is dependable and friendly, and she always has a funny story to tell,” says Cassie our Food Services Coordinator
Giving back to the community is something that Debby had wanted to do for some time and she says she chose to volunteer at Dakota Woodlands because she was impressed by the work it does, and she continues to be.
“This place, to me, is such a beautiful life force and it’s a very vibrant, active place where everyone who works here is here for a reason,” she said.
It’s the people that keep Debby coming back. “I really enjoy the fact that I’m always thanked for what I do and people are not just thankful but they are very friendly,” she says.
As a divorced single mother, Debby says she can relate to the struggles of the women who come here and she has a lot of respect for them. She believes the way in which Dakota Woodlands helps these women is “phenomenal.”
“To take people who need help in many respects and not just shelter them, but teach them life, social and parenting skills. They help them become more independent so that they can better care for themselves and their children. It iis certainly a huge investment in the future,” Debby says.
But the best part she says, is watching the women and children change and progress before her eyes.
“I enjoy watching the transition from distressed parents and children to smiling happy children and moms. It’s wonderful to watch.” she says. “It’s a fascinating process which means something is working.”
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Volunteer Opportunities
Thank you to all of our volunteers. There are always volunteer opportunities at Dakota Woodlands.
Right now, our specific need is for a Wednesday daytime receptionist to answer phones until 2 p.m.
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Current Wish List:
Large size outisde play toys like push toys and riding toys.
Cribs in great condition. Current models that meet safety restrictions.
Baby Monitors (used ones are fine)
We need women and children’s bathing suits of all sizes for exercise days at the Y.
Toilet Paper, Paper Napkins
13 and 32-Gallon Size Garbage Bags
Phone cards for resident long distance calling needs. 30 minutes or 60 minutes.
Baby Laundry Detergent – many babies and kids have very sensitive skin (Dreft or Generic Brands)
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Birdhouse Boutique
Attention artists, art lovers and anyone interested in helping: Dakota Woodlands is looking for items to stock our “Birdhouse Boutique” for our Flying Home event in October. For the boutique we will have smaller items ranging in price from about $10 to $50. Ideas for these items include; art such as mosaics, pottery, photography, paintings and prints.
We are also looking for other craft items like jewelry, candles, soaps, note cards, wine charms, gifts, ornaments, purses, plants and planters, antiques, and any other high-end arts and crafts for our boutique. Bird-themed gifts such as bird baths, bird houses, bird figurines and bird related art are also welcome.
Our deadline is mid September, if you are interested in donating your art/craft or have access to these items please contact Marie at 651-456-9110 ext. 14 or at communication@dakotawoodlands.org.
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Combatting Homelessness
Our 6th annual Spring Softball Tournament to benefit Dakota Woodlands is scheduled for June 28th from 8-3 at Northview Park Fields. Bring your friends and family to watch some co-rec softball and bid on silent auction items. The auction has something for everyone.
3430 Wescott Woodlands
Eagan, MN 55123
Phone: 651-456-9110
www.dakotawoodlands.org