the history of dakota woodlands
Dakota Woodlands began as Mary’s Shelter, incorporated as a non-profit 501(c)3 human service organization on November 25, 1981, located in West St. Paul, MN. Mary’s Shelter served single pregnant women 14 years and older (eventually 11 years and older) until 1993 when the Shelter was licensed to add residential care for single homeless women and homeless women with children. In 1995 Mary’s Shelter discontinued maternity services and focused on their homeless programming.
Also in 1995 Mary’s Shelter relocated to its present site in Eagan, MN and began making plans for renovation which was completed in 2000 when the Board of Directors decided to change the name to Dakota Woodlands.
Also in 1995 Mary’s Shelter relocated to its present site in Eagan, MN and began making plans for renovation which was completed in 2000 when the Board of Directors decided to change the name to Dakota Woodlands.
Board of Directors
The Board members of Dakota Woodlands are the fiduciaries who steer the organization towards a sustainable future by adopting sound, ethical, and legal governance and financial management policies, as well as making sure the nonprofit has adequate resources to advance its mission.

Steve Zweber, Chair is Director at Thomson Reuters - Core Publishing Solutions in Eagan, MN. He joined Thomson Reuters in 2001 after completing his BS at UW-Wisconsin Stout in Industrial Management, and more recently earned his MBA from Augsburg University. Steve is proud of the longstanding community partnership that Thomson Reuters has established with Dakota Woodlands and is excited to carry the support forward. Steve is married and has three children; his family is part of the Lakeville community.
Dakota Woodlands, 3430 Wescott Woodlands, Eagan, MN 55123 | Telephone: 651-456-9110 | www.dakotawoodlands.org