March 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 love Spring! I look forward to not wearing layers of clothing; when it’s not bitter cold outside. I love it when the trees start budding and the sap is running. I love it when tiny crocuses peek up through the snow.
I told you last month that March is Minnesota FoodShare Month. We are so grateful for the people who have collected food for us. Curves for Women just donated over 50 bags of groceries as a part of their annual membership drive that serves as a benefit for us. But, we still have many needs. We are always in need of perishable food and perhaps your neighbors or co-workers would like to help prepare and serve a regular or special meal.
I have to admit that I watch a bit of television. I find it relaxing after a long day’s work. I am very impressed by The Big Give. It is exciting to see people rally and do great things for strangers. Oprah challenges the contestants to “Give Big.” The Big Give is impressive and it challenges people to find ways to give to others. These players say the same thing that our volunteers and donors say… it feels great to give. Little giving matters to us too!! We have business groups that give us copy paper and other office supplies. Perhaps your company would be willing to add paper towels, garbage bags or toilet paper to your monthly order. I think it is exciting that this show is getting people to think about giving.
Below are some stories and exciting upcoming events for Dakota Woodlands.
Thank you for supporting our work.
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Moving Home
Since our last Digest, 10 families moved to safe, affordable housing. Some families stayed one month, several stayed over four months but all left after having met their individualized goals and receiving important supportive services – parenting education, learning to cook for a family on a budget, nutrition for young children, getting special services at school for their children, working on GED or college prep classes, learning how to budget.
When they leave there are lots of tears. They say they felt supported here and they make good friends with each other. They are able to keep those friendships and have someone to call when they are in need of support. Rebecca our follow up coordinator checks in to assure continued success. A woman who lived here 6 years ago says that she still stays in touch with women she met here. She knows she can call them and they will understand when she is having a hard day with the kids. Some join community supportive services with each other.
It is Spring Break this week for many of the children living here. We want them to have fun and relax. On the calendar this week is a craft day – making jewelry and baskets. One day a field trip is planned to the library so anyone who does not have a library card can get one – and there will be a stop on the way back for ice cream. Another day will be board game tournaments.
Spring Break began with Easter Baskets for everyone in the house.
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It’s not too late to assist us with The Feinstein Challenge
We have until April 30th to raise funds that go towards the Feinstein Challenge. We’d love to receive your funds now, any amount is appreciated. You can send a check, drop by with your change, or donate on-line. Every amount matters.
For many years, we have received matching funds through the Feinstein Foundation. Mr. Alan Shawn Feinstein has given $1 million dollars annually to organizations that help to fight hunger in our country. This is a very grass roots effort. Funds that we raise right now are proportionately matched through the Feinstein Foundation. We’ve received tens of thousands of dollars from this fund. When asked why he does this, Mr. Feinstein says, “Because I believe each of us was put here on earth to do what we can to help those in need.” He’s aware that giving is lower in the Spring and this is a special way to motivate others to give at this time.
A special friend to Dakota Woodlands has organized
this unique special event to benefit Dakota Woodlands.
You Are Cordially Invited To:
RHS Realty Apple Valley Office
7741 147th Street
Apple Valley, MN 55124
Thursday April 3, 2008 from 6-9pm
For a Book Signing by Janet Entzel, to introduce her novel
“aka McGuire” available at the signing for $17 (reg. $17 .95+tax)
Additional Information about the book is available on line at: www.akamcguire
A Benefit for Dakota Woodlands will be held in conjunction with this book signing. Ms. Entzel will donate $3 per book sold at the event
to Dakota Woodlands, and additional donations will be accepted at the event. Books will be signed from 6-7 and 8-9. A reading and question and answer period will be from 7-8pm.
We Look Forward to Seeing You!
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Volunteer Opportunities
- Weekend/ and Wednesday morning receptionist
- Childcare in the Evenings
.
If you are interested in helping, please contact Ginni, our Volunteer Coordinator,
Phone: 651-456-9110 or e-mail volunteer@dakotawoodlands.org
Current Wish List:
- We need spring clothes for children, especially size 4-12 for girls and boys.
- Jeans and T-shirts. (We’re not ready for tank tops and shorts yet.)
- We need women and children’s bathing suits of all sizes for exercise days at the Y.
- Paper Towels, Toilet Paper, 13 and 32-Gallon Size Garbage Bags
- Perishable Food Items (Milk, Cheese, Yogurt, Sour Cream)
- Non-Perishable Food Items
- Coffee Table and End Tables for one meeting room
- Perhaps your group, neighbors, class or friends would take up a collection of gift cards or other items that we need. Current gift card needs include local gas stations ($5-10 value each), groceries (any local grocery store) or a special activity…like movie gift cards, pizza, ice cream or another fun event as an activity for our residents.
Please contact Lane at 651-456-9110 ext 12 or email her… resource@dakotawoodlands.org
to discuss any drive or idea that you have to contribute towards our needs.
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It’s time to call and reserve your space
To attend our HOMES event.
This has become a very festive annual event to introduce people to our work.
Sat. May 10th 8:30am-9:30am
Please invite your friends or family to join you/us for an hour at Saint John Neumann Church in Eagan, for breakfast on May 10th.
Some parishioners of Saint John Neumann are helping to sponsor
this event as a way to educate people about our work.
This is appropriately scheduled the Saturday before Mother’s Day. You will hear from mothers who have experienced homelessness right here in our community and lived at Dakota Woodlands for a short time. Hear their stories, challenges and successes.
The event is free to attend. You will learn about ways that you can help us in our work.
To RSVP or for more information, email or call Lane at 651-456-9110 ext. 12
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3430 Wescott Woodlands
Eagan, MN 55123
Phone: 651-456-9110
www.dakotawoodlands.org