2009 Annual Report
Our Mission The mission of Volunteers of America–Minnesota is to provide opportunities which will make a significant, lasting impact in the lives of our program participants, and to elicit community support for our program participants. We pursue this mission by empowering our program participants with the motivation, education, support and competencies necessary for age- and disability- appropriate independence and self-reliance. We strengthen communities by fostering within them the readiness to support their citizens in achieving this independence and self-reliance.
Our Vision We envision a society in which all persons are valued and have the assets for achieving self-reliant, independent, fulfilling lives. We envision communities which support families in providing this opportunity to their children. We envision a society which cares for persons with disabilities and for elders, extending to them the needed supports and appropriate opportunities for independence and dignity. We envision a society which fosters self-reliance and a high standard of ethical behavior, in which citizens freely contribute their time, talent and resources for the common good. We envision Volunteers of America–Minnesota effectively serving as a catalyst to realize this vision.
Land O’Lakes employee volunteers completed outdoor projects at our Omegon Residential Treatment Center in Minnetonka including exterior painting, major grounds clean up and landscaping. Cover: Students from Global Academy, a Volunteers of America-Minnesota sponsored charter school, smile for the camera.
Table of Contents Mission Board Members
page 1 3
Message from the President ...........................................................................4 Fiscal 2009 Number of Persons Served .........................................................5 2009 Revenues ................................................................................................. 6 2009 Expenses ................................................................................................... 7 Programs
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Ethan: Voyage from Neglect to Nurture
13-14
Patience: Surmounting Real Nightmares
15-16
Ashton: Soaring Like an Eagle
17-18
Doris: Not a Normal Part of Aging
19-20
Elwood: Discovering the Richness of Community
21-22
Steve: Learning About the Global Community
23-24
Fiscal 2009 Donors
25-30
Pastor Henry Bonner and his wife Kathy were honored with the annual “Foster Care Provider of the Year” award by the Minnesota Council of Child Caring Agencies (MCCCA). The Bonner’s have been licensed foster parents with Volunteers of America-Minnesota for 25 years.
2009 Annual Report
Board of Directors Board Chairs Susan Hayes Vice President and Director Community Grants & Services Lutheran Community Foundation Dan Perinovic Owner and Agent Daniel Perinovic Insurance Agency Gene Washington Manager, Talent Management 3M
Board Members Lin Branson Principal Gray Plant Mooty
Fred Caslavka Chief Financial Officer Landscape Structures, Inc.
Older adults from our DayElders adult day program hosted the opening reception for an exhibit of their artwork and poetry created as a part of the “Voices of the Elders III� project at Intermedia Arts in Minneapolis. Pictured above is Renner Demry with his painting which is symbolic of his life.
Sean McDonnell Principal McDonnell & Co.
Sarah Olson Vice President of Human Resources Science Museum of Minnesota
Don Conley Vice President, Public Affairs (Retired) Honeywell
Lyle Meyer Construction Consultant (Retired)
Bela Osipova, PhD Seismologist (Retired)
Wally Faster Vice President (Retired) Corporate Development General Mills
Ken Moritz Senior Vice President (Retired) Cargill
Dee Kemnitz Vice President, Human Resources (Retired) Carlson Companies, Inc.
Don Nicholson Partner Stonehill Group, LLP
Gabrielle Clark Private Consultant
Ross Kramer Co-Founder and Principal Messerli & Kramer
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Matt Norman Vice President Dale Carnegie
Bill Rieckhoff Realtor Edina Realty Renee Tait Chief Executive Officer Mosaic Builders, Inc. Patricia Venus Senior Director Research and Analytics Optum Health, United Health Group Michael Weber President and Chief Executive Officer Volunteers of America - Minnesota
Message from the President and Board Chairs Volunteers of America is in our 114th year of serving the residents of Minnesota. During these years, we have responded to many challenges and risen to these challenges, offering our program participants opportunities to make long lasting, identifiable differences in their lives. Our communities face many challenges, challenges exacerbated by the economic crisis of the past two years. The severity of the impact of the abuse on our children is staggering. The increased intensity of the mental illness issues our adolescents face is of record proportions. The challenges of urban education are prominent in the news, and the students coming to our schools are familiar first-hand with these challenges. Our senior citizens are among the burgeoning demographics of older adults, over age 85, who want to remain in their own home or apartment even as their health and independence deteriorate. Public correctional facilities are overcrowded, including many individuals who come to our programs anxious for a responsible opportunity to return to the community to make a positive contribution. Our program participants with disabilities continue to seek the stimulation of active participation in their communities. These are the challenges Volunteers of America is responding to every day. This annual report tells the story of a few of the 28,458 program participants our sixty-plus programs served in fiscal 2009. Our companion Program Impact Report (available upon request) reflects in much greater detail the differences these programs have made in the lives of those 28,458 people. We thank many individuals and organizations—for their cooperation, for their support of our program participants, and for their financial support. Our major contributors are listed in this report, and we are proud to publicly recognize and thank them. As we look to the future and all that we are called to do, we appeal for your continued support. The economic crisis is affecting all who provide the financial support for our work— individuals, corporations, foundations, United Way, and government. Our guarantee is that the support you invest in our programs will result in identifiable, long lasting differences in the lives of thousands of our community’s most challenged citizens.
Dan Perinovic Chair, Board of Directors Volunteers of America In Minnesota
Susan Hayes Chair, Board of Directors Volunteers of America of Minnesota
Gene Washington Chair, Board of Directors Volunteers of America Serving Minnesota
Michael Weber President and CEO
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Fiscal 2009 Number of Persons Served Children & Family Services: Avanti Center for Girls ........................................... 80 Bar None Treatment Programs........................... 152 Children’s Case Management ............................ . 105 Children’s Residential Treatment Center ............. 43 Family Prison Visitation ...........................................52 Foster Care ...............................................................72 In-Home Relief ....................................................... 43 Mental Health Clinics ............................................ 968 Omegon Residential Treatment Center ............. 71 Schools: Adult High School Diploma Program .....................323 SALT Leadership High School ............................... 120 Charter School Sponsorship 2,051 Opportunity High School ........................................210 Phoenix High School ............................................. 309 Stonebridge Community Charter School ............. 130 Older Adults: Affordable Housing Services 291 Assisted Living Programs 137 Care Options Network 1,000 Caregiver Support Services 62 Community Centers 1,030 DayElders 72 ElderRide Transportation 308 HighRise Social Services 4,276 Hmong Elder Connections & Hmong DayElders .................................................. 178 Nutrition Services 8,518 Outreach, Information & Referral 464 Protective & Legal Services 1,198 Senior Mental Health Services 1,585 Senior Volunteer Programs 3,098
Corrections: Men’s Residential Center ......................................161 Regional Corrections Center .................................232 Women’s Recovery Center.......................................60 Persons with Special Needs: Columbia Heights Board & Lodge 29 Our HOME 43 Semi-Independent Living Services 90 Supervised Living Residences 51 ................................................................................ Senior & Multi-Family Affordable Housing: Monroe Village 57 Nicollet Towers 425 North Park Plaza 111 Orono Woods 71 Oxbowl Bend 54 Village at Franklin Station 128
Total People Served
28,458
Total Served by Age Group Under age 18 Age 18 to 64 years Age 65 and over Age not available
4,570 5,874 15,094 2,920
Total Number of Scholastic Books Distributed to Children
22,500
Total Volunteers*
8,187
*Includes volunteers in ongoing roles, groups that volunteer in our programs and those who participate in special events such as Thanksgiving Food Drives, Adopt a Family and Operation Backpack.
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2009 Revenues Public Support Misc. Income
United Way
Revenues Government Revenue & Grants
$ 27,778,006
Program Service Fees
9,118,777
21.36
Non-Operating Income
2,084,523
4.88
Miscellaneous Income
1,702,385
3.99
Public Support
1,421,311
3.33
590,306
1.38
United Way Total Revenues
$ 42,695,308
65.06% Program Service Fees
Government Revenue & Grants
100.00% Non-Operating Income
Opportunity High School students spent three days camping at Glendalough State Park (near Battle Lake) to earn Social Studies and Physical Education credits. The students raked the entire camping area at the park in exchange for use of their campsites.
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2009 Expenses Management, General & Fundraising
By Financial Statement Category Children & Youth
$ 12,098,581
28.75%
Elderly
6,653,113
15 .81
Correctional
6,609,905
15.71
Housing: Homeless, Housing for Families & Disabled 4,577,688
10.88
Management, General & Fundraising
4,377,252
10.40
Developmental Disability
3,115,101
7.40
Mental Health
2,385,219
5.67
Health Care
1,389,621
3.30
872,798
2.07
Other: Programatic in MN, Community Enhancement & Auto Enterprises Total Expenses
$ 42,079,278
Developmental Disability
Children & Youth Housing
Elderly
Correctional
Other
Mental Health
Health Care
100.00%
By Program Category Children & Family: Residential Programs
$ 9,294,486
22.09%
Services for Older Adults/Seniors
8,372,776
19.90
Schools & Education Programs
4,653,405
11.06
Affordable Housing Programs 4,577,691
10.88
Management, General & Fundraising
4,377,252
10.40
Correctional Programs
3,582,598
8.51
Services to Persons With Special Needs
3,115,105
7.40
Mental Health Programs
2,005,146
4.77
Children & Family: Non-Residential Programs
1,888,126
4.49
212,693
0.51
Correctional
Other: Community Programs & Events, Auto Enterprises Total Expenses
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$ 42,079,278
100.00%
Management, General & Fundraising Services to Persons with Special Needs
Children & Family Non-Residential
Children & Youth Residential
Affordable Housing
Services for Older Adults/Seniors
Mental Health Schools & Education
Other
Programs for Students Programs for Children and Families The Avanti Center for Girls offers a continuum of shelter, evaluation and treatment services for females, ages 12–18, who exhibit emotional and behavioral problems. The treatment is based on the Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) model and the program is licensed through the Department of Human Services with a certificate for serving Severely Emotionally Disturbed adolescents. Bar None Residential Treatment Services offers a variety of residential treatment and aftercare services, as well as evaluation and shelter options, for at-risk male youth who exhibit emotional and behavioral problems. The program offers specialty units for youth with cognitive challenges and court-ordered adjudicated delinquents, and includes a Severely Emotionally Disturbed (SED) certified program. Children’s Residential Treatment Center (CRTC) offers secure, intensive residential treatment for emotionally disturbed adolescents, ages 11–17, who suffer primary psychiatric challenges such as mood and anxiety disorders, personality disorders, self-destructive behaviors, and eating disorders. Omegon Residential Treatment Center offers intensive treatment services for male and female adolescents, ages 12–17, who are experiencing serious emotional, social and/or behavioral disorders, combined with abuse/dependency on mood-altering chemicals.
Family Treatment Programs • Family Treatment Foster Care offers residential care as well as develops, implements and monitors individualized care plans for emotionally and/or behaviorally disturbed and abused children who cannot safely live with their birth parents. The program also licenses, trains, monitors and supports participating foster home families who provide care for foster children. • Family Prison Visitation and Transportation offers preparation, support and transportation for children to visit their mothers who are incarcerated in federal prison out of state. • In-Home Relief offers temporary, in-home assistance on an hourly or daily basis for Anoka County families who have children with special needs, autism and/or developmental disabilities. • Behavioral and Therapeutic Services and Supports for students of Success Academy are provided through a partnership with Hennepin County and Minneapolis Public Schools. Success Academy provides enriched educational programming, services and supports to at-risk, frequently truant students grades 7–12. • Mental Health Case Management offers coordination of services for families which enable children with severe emotional disturbances to remain at home or adults with severe and persistent mental illness to remain living in their communities. Services include assessment, service planning, referral, monitoring and follow-up with mental health, social, educational, health, vocational, recreational, volunteer, advocacy, transportation and legal services.
Mental Health Clinics offer comprehensive mental health services, including psychotherapy, skill development, psychological testing, pschiatric services and aftercare services for participants of Volunteers of America–Minnesota programs and for children and families in the general community. • Outpatient Program offers diverse, culturally competent, quality mental health services for children, adolescents and their families. Services take place in the clinic offices and are individualized to meet the unique needs of each child and their family. • Home-Based/CTSS Services offer culturally competent, quality mental health services for children and their families who need frequent and intensive interventions. Services take place in a home, community or school setting. • DBT Intensive Outpatient Therapy Program for Adolescents offers coordinated individual and multifamily group therapy services for youth age 15–18 who have severe emotional/behavioral problems, and/or emerging personality disorders and who engage in self-harming behaviors. • Deaf and Hard of Hearing Mental Health Services offers culturally and language specific comprehensive school-based, home-based and outpatient mental health services for deaf, deaf/blind and hard of hearing (DHH) children, adolescents and their families.
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• DHH IMPACT offers deaf, hard of hearing and deafblind children with severe behavioral, emotional and learning problems an intensive therapeutic day program in a culturally and linguistically accessible setting. This program is a collaborative effort of Volunteers of America of Minnesota Mental Health Clinics and the Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf. • Deaf and Hard of Hearing Family Focused Therapeutic Services Program is a prevention program offering parent education, case management and support services for deaf and hard of hearing parents of pre-school age children who are considered at-risk for child abuse and neglect. • Somali and East African Behavioral Health Services Program offers intensive therapeutic, skill building and rehabilitative services to help strengthen the emotional, behavioral and social functioning of Somali and East African youth and their families.
Programs for Students Schools • Stonebridge Community School is a K–5 public charter school that provides a unique combination of challenging international baccalaureate curriculum with an array of support services in a small, supportive school community. • SALT High School (Service Adventure Leadership Team) is a Minneapolis Public Schools specialty school, serving grades 10–12, which features an experiential and environmental themed program that focuses on leadership development and community-based service learning.
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• Opportunity High School is a Minneapolis Public Schools contract alternative school which specializes in meeting the educational needs of English Language Learners. Day and evening classes offer flexibility for students to choose programs that best meet their needs. • Phoenix High School is a Minneapolis Public Schools contract alternative school that focuses on re-engaging students who have struggled in traditional educational settings. In addition to core curriculum classes, the school offers credit recovery options and handson learning opportunities such as canoe building, bicycle repair, and camping trips. • Adult High School Diploma Program offers English Language Learners, age 16 and older, the opportunity to acquire English skills and earn a high school diploma. Charter School Authorizing Program provides oversight and accountability for 15 Minnesota charter schools who provide learning opportunities for students in small, educationally creative settings.
Programs for Seniors, Their Families & Caregivers Volunteers of America–Minnesota senior programs and services endeavor to restore, maintain and promote independence of participants, as well as support their physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Assisted Living offers services necessary for participants to remain in their current home. Services and supports are offered at designated housing facilities, which include congregate dining, medication
set-ups and reminders, assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), comprehensive case management, socialization and activities, housekeeping and laundry, and assistance with travel arrangements. Care Management & Consultation offers objective, multi-dimensional assessments that clarify an older adult’s needs, and is helpful to older adults, their families, attorneys, trust departments, guardians/conservators and other professionals in providing short-term consultation services and ongoing care management, including monitoring and service coordination. Care Options Network offers daily information on available senior service resources, such as skilled nursing facilities and assisted living vacancies, for professionals assisting seniors and their families. Also, the program publishes the SeniorCare GuideBook, the reference tool for the senior care industry, and the Senior Housing Directory for the public. Their website is open to the public at www.careoptionsnetwork.org. Caregiver Support Services offers assistance, information, counseling, legal services, homemaking services, and respite services for family members who are caring for an adult, 60 years of age or older, at home. DayElders offers care and a structured day program at select locations for older adults who typically have limitations of mobility, stamina and/ or cognitive functioning. ElderRide Transportation offers Minneapolis seniors, age 60 and older, transportation to medical appointments, grocery shopping, senior dining, senior center activities and other destinations within the Minneapolis city limits.
Highrise Social Services Program offers case management, information and referral and group services to residents of 40 Minneapolis Public Housing Authority apartment buildings and a Volunteers of America-Minnesota owned building, who are age 60 and older and/or are disabled. Hmong DayElders offers care and a variety of activities for Hmong seniors, age 55 and older, who typically have limitations of mobility, stamina and/or cognitive functioning. Hmong Elder Connections offers positive cultural, educational and social experiences for seniors of the Hmong community to help preserve their physical and emotional health and well-being. M.A.O. Legal Services offers a variety of affordable legal services including assistance with estate planning, wills, powers of attorney, health care directives, guardianship, Medical Assistance issues, real estate matters and more.
Senior Mental Health Services offers age-specific diagnostic and treatment options to address the specialized mental health service needs of older adults living in the metro communities. The program also offers prevention and early intervention services through public education, presentations and discussion groups for seniors in the community, and training workshops for aging and health service providers on mental health issues specific to seniors. Senior Nutrition offers persons age 60 and over nutritional meals including congregate dining and home-delivered meals at 28 sites in Hennepin and Anoka Counties. Senior Partners Care (SPC) helps low to moderate income Minnesotans who are on Medicare obtain treatment from participating healthcare providers who agree to waive Medicare’s copayments and deductibles and accept Medicare payment as payment in full.
Senior Volunteer Programs • RSVP offers persons age 55 and over, rewarding, meaningful and impactful volunteer opportunities to meet their individual skills, interests, schedule and geographic availability. — Pretty Good Players are adults 55 and over who use true stories and original skits to educate the public about aging issues. They perform for schools, churches and community groups reflecting with sensitivity and accuracy the diversity of older Minnesotans, and promoting and supporting vital aging. — Telefriends offers older adults volunteer opportunities to mentor children in grades 2–6 over the telephone. • Experience Corps offers adults over age 50 volunteer opportunities to strengthen the reading skills of children, grades K–3 in urban schools. Stipends are available for those who qualify.
Protective Services offers information and assistance, referral and assessments regarding incapacitated adults who are having difficulty with financial management or personal decisionmaking or who may be in need of a guardian and/or conservator. Residences for Seniors with Developmental Disabilities offers residential community-based care for older adults with developmental disabilities at facilities located in Milaca and Mora. Senior Community Centers: Park ElderCenter and Southwest Center offer older adults a wide range of activities, programs and services including group dining, health and wellness classes, educational workshops, cultural events, volunteer opportunities, social work services, caregiver support services, computer literacy, adult day programs and more.
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Employee volunteers from GE Fleet Capital assisted with our annual Adopt a Family drop-off day event and adopted a total of 180 individuals for holiday gift giving through the program.
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Programs for Persons With Special Needs Columbia Heights Board & Lodge offers housing and supports for adults with a serious and persistent mental illness. The program provides a safe, stable and structured environment for participants as they learn and develop the skills necessary for independent living. Services for Persons With Special Needs offers supportive living services in small residences for adults with developmental disabilities and seeks to promote independence of participants by working with them to enjoy an active, participatory quality of life by fostering opportunities for active community engagement. In-Home Support Services offers individualized services for children and adults with special needs tailored to support their needs in their home, apartment or other community living situation. Our HOME offers a positive living situation for homeless and at-risk families located in central Minnesota. Each family occupies its own apartment and counselors assist in dealing with personal issues and strengthening self-sufficiency.
Affordable Housing Programs Senior and Multi-Family Affordable Housing offers market rate, affordable, and subsidized senior housing in Minneapolis, Orono, Coon Rapids, and New Hope. Rental types and services vary depending on the location and some include assisted living services, social service coordination and senior congregate dining.
Programs for Adult Offenders and Ex-Offenders The Women’s Recovery Center is a licensed chemical dependency residential treatment program for women who are typically referred for intensive treatment for a period of up to 90 days. Individualized program planning incorporates licensed chemical dependency counselors and a staff psychologist and includes programming in response to abuse, violence and homelessness. Programming is individualized
including individual and group therapy, and utilizes best practices tailored for the unique needs of women. Corrections Centers provide services for men and women who have been convicted of felonies and are allowed to complete part of their sentences in a community-based, work-release facility. Case managers assist and monitor residents, while program personnel provide a comprehensive teaching curriculum which incorporates such subjects as job interviewing, resume development, financial and budgeting classes, housing resources, and parent education. Residents establish accounts at banking institutions while returning 25% of their earnings to help pay for housing at the facility. Self help groups such as Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous are available on the premises to support residents who have chemical dependency issues. Residents who are able to meet their goals are provided an option to spend the last 30 days of their program in their own homes, subject to intensive accountability and supervision by program staff.
Programs for Volunteers Senior Volunteer Services connects older adults with volunteer opportunities in their communities in the areas of education, human services, the environment and more. Programs include RSVP, Experience Corps, and Telefriends. Volunteers of America–Minnesota Community Events offers opportunities for individuals and volunteer groups to make a difference in the community. Events include collecting Thanksgiving food for isolated seniors and low-income families; purchasing gifts for low-income children, families and seniors during the year-end holidays; providing backpacks and school supplies for at-risk students at the start of the school year; and completing a variety of hands-on service projects at our sites. 12
Ethan: Voyage from Neglect to Nurture Ethan* recalled the stale odor of the house – one reminiscent of beer, tobacco and weed. The funky smell reminded him of all the times his mother invited friends over to party. The evenings usually started out happy, people laughing. But after most visitors left, things got bad. Really bad. Through the thin walls of his bedroom, Ethan could hear his mother’s muffled cries and her boyfriend’s angry words. Sometimes she would scream. The sounds of breaking glass and furniture being overturned always kept Ethan on edge. He wondered, “Would they kill each other like the said they would? Should he call 9-1-1?” Then there would be silence. The next day Ethan cautiously tip-toed into the living room. Empty beer cans, half eaten bags of chips and overflowing ashtrays littered the room. And there she would be, passed out on the sofa. Sometimes his mother would have bruises and dried blood on her on her face. But one thing was certain, she would sleep all day. Then he went to live with his grandmother. She made sure he went to school each day. But, by the time the bus dropped him off in the afternoon, Grandma was usually fast asleep in the Lazy-Boy with the TV blasting away. She liked beer too. A lot. Ethan was just seven years old and knew that life shouldn’t be this way, but didn’t know how to improve his situation. He had no one he could depend on and no one to nurture him.
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Over time, Ethan became increasingly frustrated and lonely. He developed a variety of emotional problems. He wet the bed, became socially withdrawn and angry. Then, his anger evolved into a variety of serious behavioral troubles. Ethan became destructive to property, assaultive to people, and cruel to animals. After one particularly serious incident at school, Ethan threatened to kill both himself and the staff.
He had no one he could depend on and no one to nurture him. Clearly, Ethan was on the verge of crisis and had a variety of emotional challenges that were preventing him from being successful. That’s when Ethan’s county social worker referred him to Volunteers of AmericaMinnesota’s Family Treatment Foster Care program. The program offers residential care for emotionally and behaviorally disturbed and abused children who cannot safely live with their birth parents. What’s more, the program develops, implements and monitors individualized care plans to help children in foster care become successful. About a year ago, Volunteers of America placed Ethan in the home of Angela, an experienced foster parent who specializes in therapeutic care for children with behavioral and medical challenges. Angela is single and has two birth daughters, as well as three adopted sons with
special needs who were former foster children. Her youngest son is Ethan’s biological brother Jacob who was born with fetal alcohol syndrome and has lived in Angela’s home since birth. Her extended family, including her mother, father and aunts, help care for, nurture and support the children. The children also receive specialized assistance from three personal care attendants. Ethan began receiving mental health services from a psychiatrist and therapist, and started participating in psychiatric day treatment including play therapy. At school, a structured classroom provided Ethan with the support he needed to be secure and successful. Angela’s home quickly became a safe, stable environment where Ethan felt loved. He was eager to participate in the daily schedule and readily complied with Angela’s expectations. Ethan’s emotions stabilized and his behaviors improved. Ethan began to thrive. Today, Ethan is nearly nine and continues to blossom. He loves to draw pictures of Sponge Bob and play outside. When asked about what it’s like to live at Angela’s house, he says, “I like having kids to play with. I like being in a family. I don’t need to be alone. I’m excited about being adopted by Angela too, just like my brother Jacob.” Ethan has finally found his place.
*We have changed the subject’s name and certain details to protect privacy and confidentiality. The individual in the accompanying photo is a model.
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Patience: Surmounting Real Nightmares Patience* could hear their sinister voices cackling as their mysterious shadows cast onto the thin cloth that obscured the window near her cot. She could even smell the pungent perspiration seeping from their bodies into their uniforms. Her frightened eyes were wide as she lay motionless. Patience wondered if she should find a hiding place. The sound of metal on metal confirmed the soldiers were loading their rifles with fresh clips of ammunition. The door burst open. The men rushed toward her and began bludgeoning her with their weapons. Suddenly, she woke up. Patience realized it was same vivid nightmare that kept haunting her night after night. That was the past. She shouldn’t be frightened now, but she was. Patience had come to Minnesota in 2002 at the age of six from a war torn African nation with her stepfather, Samuel. Her mother had immigrated to France with her two brothers and a sister. The circumstances of their separation remain unclear. Life with Samuel was torture. He was an angry man whose temper flared frequently and violently. Patience was typically the victim of his rage and was punished by recurrent beatings. On one occasion, Samuel held a knife to her throat. By the age of seven, Patience had been in and out of a local children’s shelter a total of eight times due to his abuse. Finally, she was removed from Samuel’s home and spent the
next few years living in a series of foster homes. But, Patience’s rage-filled outbursts made it difficult for her to live successfully in any one home for very long. These behavior problems were the result of her traumatic past. She had deep emotional scars. Patience’s anger, frustration and fears caused her to be aggressive, and her temper was explosive. She often lashed out physically and verbally, and had difficulty sleeping due to recurrent nightmares. She trusted no one.
She often lashed out physically and verbally, and had difficulty sleeping due to recurrent nightmares. Then at age 14, a social worker referred Patience to Volunteers of America-Minnesota’s Avanti Center for Girls. Avanti offers shelter, evaluation and treatment services for adolescent females who have emotional and behavioral problems. Over the next year at Avanti, Patience learned how to control her moods. She developed distress tolerance skills to help her deal with past trauma, as well as to survive intense emotions and crises. Patience learned to advocate for herself, set goals and improve her self-esteem. Eventually she was able to trust others. She
began to feel more secure and was able to cultivate healthy relationships. Patience worked diligently toward her emotional, behavioral and daily living goals. She completed mental health and occupational therapy, and led group discussions about African culture and diversity. She held a job in Avanti’s kitchen, kept her room spotless, and helped others with their responsibilities. She was supportive of and respected by the other residents at the Center. Her transformation was so remarkable that Patience was awarded the “Most Improved Resident” at Avanti’s annual Celebrate the Child banquet. Now age 16, Patience is thriving in her new therapeutic foster home and periodically calls Avanti to report her progress. Although she has nightmares occasionally, she feels safe, secure and in control of her emotions. She loves sports and dancing, and is on the A Honor Roll at school. When asked about her experience at Avanti, she says, “I felt like the counselors really helped me develop the skills I need to deal with stress. I learned that I can be myself and feel good about it.”
*We have changed the subject’s name and certain details to protect privacy and confidentiality. The individual in the accompanying photo is a model.
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Ashton: Soaring Like an Eagle For fifteen year old Ashton, school seemed hopeless. Diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and depression, he had attended numerous high schools in Minneapolis and continued to be left out, taunted, and ridiculed by other students. Ashton responded by becoming angry and disruptive. To make things worse, Ashton couldn’t concentrate and was failing all of his courses. He was distressed and felt like a failure. Ashton found hope and new beginnings when he enrolled in Volunteers of America Service Adventure Leadership Team High School (SALT) in Minneapolis. SALT features an experiential and environmental themed program that focuses on leadership development and community-based service learning. Field studies, labs, and experiential/service learning trips are incorporated into all classes. The hands-on, experiential learning combined with the outdoor and environmental activities were just what Aston needed. He began to shine. “I got the one-on-one help I needed, especially with Math,” Ashton reports. “I felt like a better person once I was succeeding. I could really talk to the teachers and I got to know them as people. By developing leadership skills, I was able to interact with other students more easily and I felt more accepted.”
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“I felt like a better person once I was succeeding. I could really talk to the teachers and I got to know them as people.” In addition to educating Ashton, SALT provided him with mentors and inspiration. In fact, Ashton became such an excellent student that he became the first recipient of the
school’s “Soaring Eagle” award. The award recognizes exceptional students who have excelled in leadership development and earned the most credit for experiential/ service learning trips. Today, Ashton is 18 years old, has graduated from our SALT high school, and is preparing to attend Northland College in Ashland, Wisconsin where he plans to major in Outdoor Education and minor in Biology. Ashton notes, “Someday I’d even like to be a teacher for SALT.”
Walking with Buck By Ashton
As I walked through the woods on my way back to camp I saw a deer. I decided to follow the deer through the woods instead of along the path. As I walked into the woods I was mostly paying close attention to the deer in front of me, but all of a sudden I heard a twig break to my left. Slowly I turned to see what it was, knowing that if I made any sudden movements the deer
in front of me would bolt away never to be seen again. To my left was a mother and its fawn. I snapped a few pictures with my camera; as the shutter clicked, the deer turned my way. I then got very intrigued as they all came together and the deer I originally followed, the male, came over and gave the fawn a lick. As they walked through the heavy brush eating grass, I did as well, though I left the grasseating up to the professionals. I tried hard not to be seen, or heard for that matter. When they turned around I stopped moving, hoping they wouldn’t see me. It was as if they were looking through me, trying to see my intentions. Though my intentions were good, they were still wary of me. They paid close attention to me, as did I to them. I went ahead of them trying to get a spot that hopefully they would walk through. I found a spot on a wet moss-covered log about 20 feet ahead, luckily, they came my way. I sat there for almost five minutes before they came by, my pants getting soaked from the moss beneath me. As I sat there thinking about how close they might come to me if I were a tree, I came to wonder if it were better to just leave them be and continue on my journey towards camp. As they came near, I shifted my weight trying to get a good balance on the log so that I didn’t fall off. As they came by, I stepped on a twig. The fawn
galloped a few times then stopped and turned around. I think it was scared to become separated from its parents. I decided to go on my way, walking towards the campsite, I felt a burn in my legs from walking over large stumps and fallen trees trying to find my way. I felt lost. I closed my eyes to try and figure out which direction I had come from. I turned to my right and saw the path. I was walking directly beside the path the whole time, though inside the woods a little. I smelled the air as I was walking back to camp and it smelled as if someone had poured syrup on a big plate of pancakes. My time with the deer was very surreal, almost ethereal. It made my heart beat faster as I went deeper into the woods, away from the trail. I knew not whether I would find the trail again though the experience gave me an inner peace, as if the world was welcoming me into its home.
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Doris: Not a Normal Part of Aging Doris* pulled her boney knees up close to her chest and sat motionless for hours on the floor in the corner of the dark bedroom. Her floral housecoat was twisted loosely around her frail, thin frame. Her heart raced. She had difficulty breathing. Traumatic memories of 52 years of physical and verbal abuse by her now deceased husband filled her head. She felt sick and hadn’t eaten or taken her blood pressure medicine for three days. She was alone, frightened and 19
couldn’t move. For months, she had been afraid of leaving the house, but now even leaving her bedroom was not an option. Soon, her son, who she depended on for nearly everything, would be taking his family on a Caribbean cruise. There would be no one to protect her or rescue her. Doris feared she might die – alone. The sound of the doorbell broke the dull silence barely rousing Doris from a sleepless fog. That’s when, Kathryn found her 78-yearold mother-in-law conscious but unresponsive in the bedroom of her silent house. Kathryn dialed 9-1-1.
Paramedics promptly transported Doris to the hospital. After being rehydrated, Doris became more alert but doctors couldn’t identify any physical reasons for her condition. So after just one day, she was released. At that point, the county crisis center referred Doris to Volunteers of America-Minnesota’s Senior Mental Health Services. The program offers age-specific diagnostic and treatment options that address the specialized mental health service needs of older adults. It’s one of the only local mental health program for seniors that will meet with clients in the comfort of their own homes. Theresa, a Volunteers of America
licensed mental health therapist with experience in treating older persons, visited Doris at home. Theresa reminded Doris of her physician’s findings to reassure her that she was physically healthy. She also reminded Doris that her doctor had instructed her to resume her blood pressure medication so that her physical problems would not further complicate her recovery from the serious but equally treatable mental health symptoms. Then Theresa conducted a comprehensive, diagnostic assessment, and mental health screening. The results revealed that Doris was suffering from a combination of mental health issues which were
preventing her from living her life fully including panic disorder with agoraphobia (an unnatural fear of open spaces), generalized anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Doris was comforted to know that the testing performed by Theresa did not show indications of dementia. This was a relief to Doris because she had been fearful she might have Alzheimer’s disease and that it would jeopardize her ability to function independently. Additionally, Doris was relieved to learn that her anxiety, sense of hopelessness, and other issues were not a normal part of the aging process. Yet, she was hesitant about receiving mental health services because of her generation’s stigma of mental illness. So, Theresa took extra time to educate Doris. She offered her hope and explained that she could get better with a combination of medication and therapy. With Theresa’s skilled encouragement, Doris accepted home-based mental health therapy and the assistance of a geriatric psychiatrist who is a member of the Senior Mental Health Services’ multi-disciplinary team.
Doris was relieved to learn that her anxiety, sense of hopelessness, and other issues were not a normal part of the aging process. Next, Theresa collaborated with Doris’ primary doctor, her psychiatrist, and her family to develop a holistic treatment plan tailored to meet
Doris’ individual needs. Weekly therapy sessions were part of the plan and included individual talk therapy and family therapy. Gradually, Doris became comfortable, confident and trusting of Theresa and the VOA-MN support. Doris’ progress came one step at a time. She started by eating three meals each day and taking her medication regularly. With Theresa’s guidance, Doris practiced relaxation techniques and positive self-talk. She was progressively able to reduce her bad memories, fears and phobias. Over time, Doris started to feel like herself again. Each day, she pushed herself to reengage in the community and reconnect with people and activities that she enjoyed, including baking, playing the piano at church, and exercising with friends at a local senior center. Today, after nearly a year of hard work, Doris meets with her therapist Theresa once every three weeks. While she realizes there is a chance of relapse, Doris can identify the triggers and warning signs, and has developed effective coping skills to prevent that. More importantly, she feels good, is active, and has resumed her role as mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Although Doris’ family will be leaving for the British Isles in a few weeks, she’s no longer worried about being alone.
*We have changed the subject’s name and certain details to protect privacy and confidentiality. The individual in the accompanying photo is a model.
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It was just a few minutes after 3:00 p.m. and the front door of the Princeton South home flew wide open. Laughter and enthusiastic chatter preceded Elwood and his three housemates as they entered their home after a busy day of work at the Mille Lacs County Developmental Achievement Center (DAC). Without delay, the four put away their hats, coats, backpacks and lunch boxes and the cheery conversation continued. Elwood shared exciting highlights of the day and hopeful suggestions for evening activities with Doane the program supervisor of the home.
marital problems, and physical abuse. As a result, the family was not well-accepted by the community and Elwood was mocked and taunted at school. Though his childhood was difficult, Elwood fondly recalls working on his uncle’s farm where he cleaned the barn, pitched bales of hay, fixed fences, milked cows, and fed the chickens and pigs. But when Elwood was 12, his schizophrenia manifested itself in the form of hallucinations, disturbing voices, and poor impulse control. A series of unfortunate incidents followed. His mother was unable to effectively control him and as a result, the state took guardianship in 1958. Elwood spent the next 37 years within the confines of a several state-run mental hospitals.
The Princeton South home is just one of ten Volunteers of AmericaMinnesota residences for adults with developmental disabilities. Each home is located in a traditional residential neighborhood and provides a variety of services with the goal of increasing each residents’ independence and self-reliance, while fostering community engagement.
Elwood came to live at the Princeton home where he readily adapted to an engaging and active community lifestyle.
Elwood: Discovering the Richness of Community
Elwood, age 64, is developmentally disabled, has schizophrenia, and is a resident of the Princeton home. When he was a child, his father worked for the railroad and left Elwood’s mother alone to care for the five children. The family struggled with a variety of serious issues including, limited cognitive skills, financial and
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Then in 1995, as many of the state institutions closed, Elwood came to live at the Princeton home where he readily adapted to an engaging and active community lifestyle. At the Princeton home, Elwood regularly helps staff and the other residents with a variety of household chores. Over time, he has become more self-reliant and needs only
occasional reminders regarding his personal hygiene. In fact, Elwood will often remind staff of when it’s time to take his medication. Elwood is content simply hanging out with his housemates. He enjoys scrapbooking and playing Checkers (although he sometimes changes the rules). Elwood says, “I love coin purses,” and possesses several packed with snapshots of the special people in his life, including his girlfriend, Vera, who lives at the Princeton North home. Elwood is friendly, extremely polite and has a strong work ethic. Each weekday, he works at the DAC from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. where he assembles items such as tape dispensers. After that and on weekends, Elwood says, “I like to get out, go shopping or fishing, and have a snack at McDonalds or Dairy Queen.” He also participates in a variety of leisure activities with his housemates and a friendship-group for individuals with special needs at a local church. Each summer, Elwood attends a camp for individuals with special needs in Central Minnesota. While Elwood still hears voices from time to time, he has learned to verbalize his fears and talk about them with staff before reacting. After spending nearly four decades cut off from the outside world, the Princeton South home has helped Elwood discover self-reliance, quality of life, community, and the comfort of a real home.
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Steve: Learning About the Global Community Steve Bakken wanted to put his undergraduate teaching degree to the test by volunteering. But, could he weave his professional expertise in human resources into the same effort and make it an even more meaningful experience? Could that opportunity also bring him in closer touch with the global community and help him develop professionally? According to Steve, performing volunteer work for an ESL (English as a Second Language) program seemed the perfect fit to accomplish his objectives. “I found Volunteers of AmericaMinnesota and a few other organizations through a Google search,” Steve reports. “I had heard of Volunteers of America, contacted them, and started volunteering as an ESL tutor in the Level 1/Foundations class for their Adult High School Diploma program. Then, after noticing the students were struggling to find employment, I had the idea of conducting a career skills class. The school agreed it would benefit the students. The rest is history.” Now, several times a month for the past year, Steve has stepped away from his job as a talent recruiter for Cargill to teach career skills to students of the Volunteers of America-Minnesota Adult High School Diploma program. Each week, his students, who are mainly immigrants from East African countries, anxiously wait to meet with Steve who teaches them how to complete job applications, helps them improve their resumes, and coaches them on effective interviewing techniques.
“The students need a lot of guidance,” Steve says. “They are easily confused by the legal questions on job applications and need to know little things, like that neatness is important. I help them understand what to expect in an interview, what’s appropriate to discuss, how to dress, and that punctuality is critical.” While Steve doesn’t actually place students in jobs, he hopes what they learn will help them improve their chances of securing meaningful employment. Steve points out that the students’ lack of a high school diploma is a huge obstacle. Steve reports, “These students need jobs for a good, hardworking adult without a high school diploma – and the job market is tough.”
“I learn something new each day I volunteer.” Steve says his volunteer experience at Volunteers of America has been a rich cultural and professional development experience. He explains that because he works for an international company, it’s especially important for him to be able to communicate effectively with the global community and understand people of different cultures at a deeper level. “I learn something new each day I volunteer. The students are very friendly and appreciative to be at the Volunteers of America school. They came to this country with nothing and are trying hard to make it,” Steve points out. “I want to help them succeed.” 24
Fiscal 2009 Donors Volunteers of America–Minnesota gratefully acknowledges the following individuals, families, businesses and foundations for gifts received between July 1, 2008 and June 30, 2009. The support of our donors enables us to continue our important work and makes a lasting impact on the individuals and families we serve.
$1,000 or More
Michael and Patricia Kehoss Barbara King Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America The Helen Gillespie Kolderie and Theodore AXA Foundation Kolderie, Jr. Fund of The Arthur Bell Saint Paul Foundation Bernie Benson Kopp Family Foundation John Berquist Ross E. and Missy Kramer Boston Scientific Jo Ann C. and David P. Bounk Evelyn Ludgate Major League Baseball David Brackett Players Trust Emma Brooks The Minneapolis Foundation Judy Candell Minneapolis Kiwanis Judy M. and Edward Foundation L. Cannon Minnesota Chapter of the Curtis L. Carlson Family Federal Bar Association Foundation Minnesota Medical Christian Community Golf Foundation Association Morcon Wally Cisewski Mortenson Construction City of Minneapolis New Horizon Foods, Inc. Collins Electric Don Nicholson and Don and Janet Conley Lesly Harder Connexus Energy Northeast Bank Ronald and Joan Cornwell Walter T. Nyberg Walter W. and Cecy Faster Peace Maker Foundation James W. and Annie Feil Jay and Rose Phillips Gallup Organization Family Foundation General Mills Foundation Plymouth Congregational Mark and Pam Golenzer Church Jim and Cathy Gray Carl & Eloise Pohlad Larry Hassler Family Foundation Hennepin County Bar Qwest Foundation Foundation The Rapids Fund of The Kathrine Hoien Saint Paul Foundation Home Plate Products RBA, Inc Edward T. Johnson and RBC Foundation - USA Evelyn Strand Trust Ripley Memorial Manley and Mary Johnston Foundation Fund Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi
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Roundy’s Foundation, Inc. James and Dianne Safley St. Luke Presbyterian Church Richard M. Schulze The Mendon F. Schutt Family Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation Sit Investment Associates Foundation 3M Foundation Douglas C. and Lores R. Trask Travelers UCare Minnesota Elaine Villafana Gene and Claudith Washington Michael W. and Carol Weber Evan B. Williams
$500 to $999
Accenture Berwald Roofing Co., Inc. Lindley and Connie Branson Sandra A. Bullock William and Carmelita Ellis Donald A. Fern Kim M. Foley Peter Fritz Mark A. Glaess Jon M. and Janene L. Heidorn Erin R. Hupp Gary and Melody Johnson Collin Kaas Robert and Dorothy Kelly Debra and Charlie McGahey W. Lyle and Jeanne Meyer Cynthia E. Middaugh Minnesota Timberwolves Community Foundation
Michael N. Monson James R. Nelson Matt and Kari Norman Nortech Systems, Inc. Northern Glass & Glazing, Inc. Marcia and David G. Ordos Michael B. and Susan M. Pagh PGN Foundation Donna Pool Kathryn and Richard Pope Princeton United Fund, Inc. William F. and Judith K. Rieckhoff Darrick Hills and Mary Ann Schoenberger Sandy and Jim Sowieja Lynae Steinhagen TCF Foundation Christina Melloh and Michael T’Kach United HealthCare Corp. Update Ltd. Patricia J. Venus and Ronald J. Faber Caroline E. Webster John T. and Joy M. Wetzel James D. and Deborah R. Wilmes
$100 to $499
Dorothee Aeppli John Albers Ameriprise Financial Employee Gift Matching Program Irma L. Anderson Sandra Anderson Guy and Maura Andrews Evelyn Arbo Lawrence W. and Louise Bachman Jennifer Baker Sandie and William W. Baldwin Jr. Stephen Barger and Dr. Lynda Barger David and Louise Barsness Jim Bartholomew
James and Sharon Beckwith Michael and Diane Beddor Delores Behm Constance C. and Duane Bell James E. and Lora J. Bettendorf Cheryl and Greg Bjorklund Shalanna Blades Frank A. and Barbara B. Bonello Susan Borgfelt Brad and Joan Brolsma James C. and Edith L. Broten Carolyn and Robert L. Brower Brownson and Ballou, PLLP Lisa Bugman Mary Lou Burdick Richard Burnham Winifred I. Cahall
John Cairns Laura and Michael Campbell CARAG Caravan Kids Catering Jon A. and Jean M.B. Carlson Jennifer Casello Fred and Wendy Caslavka Joseph J. and Barbara A. Cavanaugh William H. and Donna R. Caverley Shanyn M. Charles Lee and Carol Christensen Chris Clawson Donald J. and Loretta C. Combs Comcast Andrew and Kristin Cook Paul Cossette Nate and Kelly Cote Dr. and Mrs. James L. Craig
Cremation Society, Inc, Lynne M. and Wayne Cullinan Custom Pools Molly D. and Tim Decklever Robert U. and Cyrena M. Dierauer Revs. Emory and Cindy Dively David I. Dornfeld Matt Drawz Nicole M. Driebe David Dudycha Frank Dunbar E & J Rebar, Inc. Ronald and Patricia Eldred Sharol L. Enger Ken Epstein John Erickson John and Kamisha Escoto Cristen Evernham David and Joan Faulise Michael Faulk
James and Cheryl Faulkner Jeffrey L. Fenner Steven and Kelly Fennewald Jim Fishbeck Brigid Fitzgerald John W. Fitzgerald Michael and Karen Franke Donald M. and Arvonne S. Fraser Sharon K. Freier John and Fern Friskey Lester G. and Marianne Gable Hilde Gasiorowicz Gresser Companies, Inc Jason Greves John H. Grierson Louise Griffith Seymour Z. Gross Mary A. Gustafson Sandy Hagen Trudy J. Halla
Students from Global Academy, a Volunteers of America-Minnesota sponsored charter school, received new backpacks through our Operation Backpack campaign. Qwest and its local employees rallied to purchase, stuff and deliver 1,200 new backpacks filled with school supplies for disadvantaged children through the campaign.
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Fiscal 2009 Donors Continued
Students from Volunteers of America-Minnesota Service Adventure Leadership Team (SALT) High School collaborated with students from Edina High School for an environmental project in observance of Earth Day and Global Youth Service Day. Pictured above is SALT student Alex Grigsby-Nakao.
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Barbara Halliday Lisa Harmon Christine Harnack Harris Companies Harold Hebl Charles R. and Emily H. Herrmann Barbara and John Hilbert, Jr. Jeffrey B. Hill Hok Sports Facilities, LLC David I. and Grace Holm Joyce Holmgren Margaret Huber Steve and Mary Hughes Jeana Hutchinson Val Jackson David J. Jenkins Deborah K. Johnson Roberta C. Jones Margaret C. and Michael T. Jorgensen Dr. Charles R. and Sally Jorgensen Paulette A. Joyer Ailie Jungell Dana Kasserman Jeffrey E. and Sandra J. Kast Margaret F. and Kevin J. Keenan Dee H. Kemnitz Victoria and Lloyd O. Kimball Joann F. and David H. Knutson Steven and Kristin Knutson Gretchen Koehn C. Leslie and Margo Kuivanen Mark S. and Janiel Lee Larson Thomas Latzka Donna Laughlin Dr. David C. and Alyce R. Lees Lejeune Steel Company Richard and Arlene Lenarz Kathleen Lewis
John C. and Carol E. Lindberg Kenneth B. and Ruth M. Lippin Judy Sonsalla-Lissick and Greg Lissick Tom and Helen Lockhart Catherine Loose Robert and Wendy Lovegrove Lundberg’s Bobcat Service Todd Lutgen Julie Maday Tom Madsen Craig and Erin K. Maki Brian and Michelle Malcahy Deborah A. Mau Terry Maurer James E. and Vicki L. Mayer Jeanne McDonald Steven S. McDonald Michael P. McGrath Metropolitan Mechanical Contractors Robert and Dorothy Meyer Roger Meyer Sophie Mickelson Lucille Miller MLP Consulting Ken and Margot Moritz Thomas R. and Ann Moskalyk Mulvanco II, LLP Arvin J. and Mary L. Myrdahl Joan G. and Richard M. Niemiec James and Marjorie K. O’Hara Joyce Olinger Sarah Olson Terry L. Olson Thomas Olson Lawrence O’Shaughnessy Ranae Palli Parsons Bernice Paulson Allen and Anitra Payne Suzy Pederson Dr. David Peterson Jean Peterson Earl F. and Bonnie D. Petre
James Pielemeier Prudential Foundation Matching Gifts Program Anita L. Raymond William Reichert John K. and Donna Reid John T. Richter Kathleen Riley Samuel and Stacey Riter Andrea Ritzer William and Mary Rogers Sofia Rudesill Marjorie H. Ryan Laurie Scheppmueller School Business Solutions, Inc. Ed and Judy Schuck Lois M. Schurke Sarah Schwab Gerald A. and Geraldine Seavey Jeffrey, Nancy and Bo Selleck Ed Sheehy William K. Sheffield Edith M. Sherk Richard K. and J. J. Simmons Ronald and Jacqueline Sirany Ginger L. Sisco Bonnie Skelton Bret Smith Carl Sorensen John Sorteberg and Christina M. Kenney Clara R. Speed John and Sharon Spies Sharon L. and John A. Spies Standard Iron & Wire Works Stacia Steinhagen Roger and Lyn Stepaniak Clayton W. and Mavis Strandlie Carol Suggs Summit Fire Protection Craig A. Swanson Franklin and Carol Tappen Clark and Peggy Taylor Justin and Vicki Testerman
Glenn E. and M. Jeanne Theorin Thomson Reuters Roger and Marlys A. Toogood James V. and Sharon L. Toscano Tom Triplett Thomas Turnbull Alice Tuseth U.S. Bancorp Foundation Ulteig Engineers United Way of Greater Milwaukee Martha C. Vetter W. J. Lehrke Co. Laura K. and Richard Wagner Lola Wagner Chuck and Lynn Wallin Maxine Wallin Lillian G. Wallis Rob Webb Geoffrey S. Weber Robert J. Wedl Wedl Placement Services, Inc. Verlyn R. and Janice Wenndt Michelle White Darla Williams Link and Michelle Wilson Teddy and Laura Wong David J. Woods Xcel Energy Foundation We truly appreciate the kindness and generosity of all Volunteers of America– Minnesota donors. Unfortunately, space does not permit us to list gifts under $100 in this annual report. Please visit our website at www.voamn.org to view a complete donor list.
Memorial Gifts
In Memory of Max Allen
• James Hogie In Memory of Hollis Anderson • Troy Roovers In Memory of Marjorie Anderson • Ruth Lindh • Sandra Anderson In Memory of Fathollah Azadegan • Gary Diamond In Memory of Alan Berquist • Duncan Fowler In Memory of Muriel Boardson • Barbara Lindenberg In Memory of Ada Booth • Walter Faster In Memory of Addie Burnett • Laura Campbell In Memory of Bonnie Burns • Anonymous In Memory of Charlotte Enblom • Stanley Anderson • Margaret Filipczak • Russell Gangestad • Mary Henderson • Marjorie Loomis • June Nelson • Nancy Olson • Joan Owens • Jan Seeger • Denise Tromblay In Memory of Tom Filiatrault • Anonymous In Memory of Ronald Haar • Dorothy Aksteter • David Hansing 28
Fiscal 2009 Donors Continued In Memory of Kaisu Hasto • Marlowe Hamerston • John Soholt • John Vetscher In Memory of Richard Laurence Johnson • Sharon Corl In Memory of Larry Jungell • Ailie Jungell • Mary Ann Schoenberger In Memory of Maggie Kisch • Mary Ann Schoenberger In Memory of Steven Knops • Mary Ellen O’Brien In Memory of Mary Krump • Thomas Olson In Memory of Marion Leaders • Mary Banyard • Laura Campbell • Cora Crow • Elaine Decker • Mary Ann Gillespie • Jeana Hutchinson • Lucille Miller • Laverne Mitby • Clara Speed • Sue Wilmarth In Memory of William McDonald • Walter Faster • John Fitzgerald • James Hogie • Jeanne McDonald • Steven McDonald • Ann Moskalyk • John Richter
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In Memory of Angeline Ryan • Marjorie Ryan In Memory of Franklin B. Shaw • James Hogie In Memory of Florence Wallin • Chuck Wallin
In-Kind Gifts
AARP Aveda Robert Bethel Marie Brooks Caring Tree Comcast Cummins Delta Dental of Minnesota Dinex International Inc. Aaron Engle Susan Hayes Leah Heino Terry Hum Deborah Johnson Liberty Carton Company McDonalds Liz Milner Minnesota Orchestra Association Mortenson Construction Newman’s Own Dolly Robidue Scholastic Books St. Paul Linoleum & Carpet Company Staples Foundation for Learning, Inc. Star Tribune SUPERVALU Target Tix for Tots Laura Wagner Whole Foods Market Darla Williams Zuhrah Temple Shrine Club
Meets or exceeds the highest indicators of quality in the social services field.
We have been reviewed by the Minnesota Charities Review Council and are proud to have met its Accountability Standards.
Our Action Team, a group of student volunteers from area high schools, helped prepare the community garden and performed other much needed jobs such as painting and cleaning at our Southwest Center. The Action Team program, administered by Volunteers of America and the Major League Baseball Players Trust, encourages young people throughout the United States to volunteer in their communities.
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Making a Difference. Changing Lives.™ Volunteers of America–Minnesota is a nonprofit organization founded in 1896 which offers a wide variety of services for more than 28,000 children, adolescents and their families, older adults, students, persons with disabilities and special needs, and ex-offenders each year. We are one of the oldest, largest and most comprehensive human service organizations in the state and have more than 60 programs, 900 employees and 8,000 volunteers. We have a rich history of developing innovative programs to meet emerging social issues. We pride ourselves on sponsoring programs which are able to articulate the outcomes achieved in our program participants’ lives. Corporate Support Office 7625 Metro Boulevard Minneapolis, MN 55439 ph. 952.945.4000 fx. 952.945.4100 www.voamn.org