April 2010
Dakota Woodlands is the only facility specifically for homeless families in our county.
2009 Minnesota Nonprofit Excellence Award Recipient
Links:
From Our Executive Director
Reyne Branchaud-Linsk
Happy Spring. This month we celebrate Volunteers nationally. As our guests walked in the front door, they were greeted by a sign, shown below, made by the young children staying at Dakota Woodlands. We also gave a small plant as shown in the top corner of our Digest. Volunteers indeed help our community grow.
Enclosed in this issue is also an invitation to our HOMES event. We'd love to have you and friends attend this fun and inspirational one hour event on the Saturday before Mother's Day.
We are excited to be gardening at Dakota Woodlands. We'll be growing our own vegetables for meals. The flowers are already blooming.
Thank you so much for your support of our work. Thank you for reading our Digest.
Best wishes,
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Celebrating Volunteers
This week we join millions of non profit organizations across the United States in recognizing volunteers and thanking them for their service.
We can't do our work without volunteers. They help us everyday.
Families donate items that we need, youth groups conduct food drives, Volunteers plan monthly birthday parties for our residents, students assist with child care, adults tutor our children and adults, people do yard work, decorate bedrooms, prepare meals, serve on our board, help with special events and so much more.
In 2009 we welcomed 1200 volunteers who provided a total of 8,148 hours! That is the equivalent of 4 full time employees. It's heartwarming that so many people want to give their time to assist our residents and our organization.
Our sincere thanks goes to all of our volunteers past and present, for their contributions to Dakota Woodlands.
Thank you everyone!!
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..How to Help...
Volunteer Opportunities
We invite you to assist us ....
- Evening childcare... we have opportunities Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6-8 p.m. to assist with caring for babies, toddlers and school aged children, while moms are in our classes and supportive services.
- Groups to serve meals... would your group like to prepare and serve an evening meal or for a Saturday or Sunday Brunch.
- We're ready to start garden plans. If you'd like to help with our gardens, call us.
- We have a new and exciting way that people can assist us, at the Eagan Fun Fest over the 4th of July Weekend. Please contact Patty to learn how you can help us.
If you are interested in learning about 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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Please call today!
Reserve a seat for our HOMES Event
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Saturday May 8th. 8:30-9:30am
Oak Hills Church
1570 Yankee Doodle Road, Eagan, MN
Enjoy a free continental breakfast
Listen to stories from mothers who have experienced homelessness, stayed at Dakota Woodlands, received our services and are now doing well.
Learn how you can help Dakota Woodlands in their mission
Invite friends and family
The event is free, but you must call to reserve your space by May 1, 2010.
Reply to this email and we'll be happy to take your reservation.
Or contact Abby at 651-456-9110, or
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A message from a resident to others
Before leaving here last week, a resident posted a card to
"All the strong, beautiful women of Dakota Woodlands"
She said "...I will always remember you for helping me and encouraging me through a rough spot in my life. There is a path meant for you. Always keep hope in your heart and continue forward for there is a light at the end of the tunnel."
Her message is timely and inspirational.
The Spring season is a time of rebirth, renewal and regrowth. During this time of change. All of our residents have an individualized plan and a unique path. Five residents are improving their skills and employability by completing their GED or vocational training and many are working.
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Current Needs
* Sturdy plastic glasses, cereal bowls, spoons and forks for our meals here
* Baby monitors (new and gently used is great)
* Hair conditioner (various types)
* Size 5 diapers
* If you are visiting or hosting a garage sale this spring or summer be on the look-out for cereal bowls, silverware, dinnerware and sets of pots and pans, kitchen towels or bathroom hand towels (in great shape).
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3430 Wescott Woodlands
Eagan, MN 55123
Phone: 651-456-9110
www.dakotawoodlands.org.