November 2010
Dakota Woodlands is the only facility specifically for homeless families in our county.
Dakota Woodlands was awarded the 2009 Minnesota Nonprofit Excellence Award
Links:
From Our Executive Director
Beth Bromen
Hi Everyone,
The Holiday Season in Minnesota is a transforming time. The air stays chilly and snow blankets the landscape. People are more caring and gather for food and family sharing.
For Dakota Woodlands residents however, the holiday time can intensify their concerns about whether or not they can provide for their children at least some of the magic others are experiencing and most importantly, if they will be able to move into their own home in the near future.
The staff and volunteers at Dakota Woodlands work very hard to ensure that those who are here can enjoy the Holiday Season. To ease our residents’ anxiety we depend on the generosity of the community to join us in delivering food, gifts, and entertainment.
As you count your blessings this Thanksgiving, please think of Dakota Woodlands, review the gift suggestions in this issue and give what you can, a gift for others can be truly transforming.
Regards,
-----------------------------------------------------------
A Season to be Thankful
Every day there is something to be thankful for at Dakota Woodlands. It may be your favorite meal being served for lunch in the dining room, a kind moment shared between friends and family, a mother earning her GED, or a family finding their new home. There is joy to be found in each of these moments and many more. The staff of Dakota Woodlands is specifically thankful for the many loyal and hardworking volunteers that help us in our mission, for the residents who work so hard to create stable futures for their families, and for the community’s generous support.
This month the residents were asked to write down what they are thankful for on a paper leaf and hang it on the tree in the playroom window. Each leaf was truly heartfelt and provided insight into our residents. Here is what a few of the leaves shared:
I am thankful for….
-----------------------------------------------------------
Shared Talent
A Dakota Woodlands' Acrostic Poem
One of the many great things about day to day life at Dakota Woodlands is the unique talents, skills and personalities each resident brings to our home. They create an environment filled with creativity, support and friendship. There have been many moments over the years where residents have shared their gifts and talents, but most recently, at a morning meeting, a resident shared an Acrostic Poem about Dakota Woodlands and our staff.
The daily morning meeting is a venue for residents to communicate with each other and staff, organize the day, and share any questions, comments, concerns and most importantly successes. Each meeting is meaningful and productive, but this poem added a little something extra that morning.
Dakota Woodlands
D – is for all the Dirty Diapers that are changed here
A – is for being Angels in disguise
K – is for their Kindness, and Knowing they are always there
O – is for the Opportunities they extend to us all
T – is for allowing us to Transition in a “safe” place
A – is for their Arms wide open to everyone
W – is for the Warm Welcome every one receives when they walk through the doors, no
matter how broken, no matter how poor…
O – is for Overcoming past hurts and moving on to better tomorrows
O – is for the door is always Open
D – is for a safe place to work on Disappointments
L – is for Love, it fills these halls and each of these rooms
A – is for Answers, which hopefully you find here
N – is for…Never give up!
D – is for DISHES!! Plan on doing a lot of them
S – is for life Saver, which is what Dakota Woodlands has been for me
----------------------------------------------------------- Volunteer of the Month
Deke Branchaud-Linsk
As we say good bye to Reyne, who’s retiring next week after being our Executive Director for nearly 13 years, we realize that her commitment to Dakota Woodlands has truly been a family commitment. This month we are pleased to name her husband, Deke Branchaud-Linsk, as our Volunteer of the Month.
Deke has volunteered here for 13 years! Staff and Board Members have come to think of him as one of our trusted volunteers, not just Reyne’s husband. He has done countless things over the years like picking up donations, assembling furniture, assisting with fundraising events, painting walls, and mowing lawns, to name a few. Years ago, Deke operated our pop machine service. He would buy the pop at a discount, fill the machine, and give all of the proceeds to Dakota Woodlands. Residents thought of him as the “pop man”. Deke worked on the Combatting Homelessness Softball Tournament for many years and has been one of our best resources for last minute needs.
As a Principal in Alternative Schools and an educator, we’ve counted on Deke as an educational resource. Deke coordinated various collections of items we needed with his students and would often spend one on one time with a resident teenage boy who simply needed a positive adult role model. A few years back, he was hanging a wall paper border in one of our rooms with a young kid who just needed some one on one time with an adult he could talk to. It was a simple task made special. We thank Deke for the hundreds of tasks made special because of his willingness to help.
To learn about volunteer opportunities, please contact Patty at (651) 456-9110 or volunteer@dakotawoodlands.org.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Current Needs
*Gift Cards (gas stations, grocery stores and more)
*Liquid Laundry Detergent
*Bedroom dressers and chest of drawers (preferably matching sets)
*Digital Camera
*Baby wipes
*Disinfectant wipes
*Tooth Brushes
*Hair Conditioner
*New, medium size stuffed animals
*Baby monitors (new or nearly new)
Contact Abby at resource@dakotawoodlands.org or
(651) 456-9110 to learn more about these needs.
-------------------------------------
Volunteer Needs
Remember us during the holiday season; there are many ways to support our residents and the work of Dakota Woodlands. In December we need help sorting Holiday donations and picking up donations from local organizations.
Volunteers are also needed Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 6 to 8 pm to help in childcare.
If you are interested in volunteering or would like more information, please contact or Volunteer and Holiday Cordinator, Patty at (651) 289-3565 or email her at volunteer@dakotawoodlands.org
----------------------------------------
Find us on Facebook
We invite you to sign in and follow us on Facebook. It is a great way to keep up with what is going on at Dakota Woodlands. Keep an eye out for upcoming activities and events, new pictures, information on ways to help and news about homelessness and poverty. We welcome your feedback and hope you join our network of support.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
3430 Wescott Woodlands, Eagan, MN 55123
Phone: 651-456-9110 www.dakotawoodlands.org.
