Neighbors, Inc.

from page 1 dozens of volunteers across the four programs that the nonprofit operates. The organization’s oldest programs are the Clothes Closet thrift store and the food shelf. Located on the upper floor of the Neighbors building at 222 Grand Ave. W., the Clothes Closet provides clothing and essential home items for lowto no-cost, based on need. The food shelf, located on the lower level, offers in-person shopping, curbside pick-up, delivery and distribution events. In the past year, it has seen about 2,000 visits per month, a significant increase compared to the 500 it saw during busy months prepandemic. The nonprofit’s newest program is its Financial Empowerment Center, which offers free services to help improve financial wellbeing and security. Additionally, the organization operates a holiday gift assistance program during the wintertime holiday season.

Wambeke is the nonprofit’s sixth executive director. She succeeds Charlie Thompson, who held the position for six years and resigned in January to lead a nonprofit in the state of Washington. The first executive director was Bob Adams, who served from 1975-1995. The organization was founded in 1972 by six local churches with the goal of helping people who needed food and clothing. Today it serves communities in northern Dakota County.

“Dawn’s experience in in the last three years, been on medication for stomach issues, received a new heart valve in April 2022, and has had 25 injections to ease the pain in her knees. Up in the treehouse, she revealed her secret to living a full and active life. It revolves around exercise, a good diet and positive thinking.

“You need strength and balance and confidence,” she said. “If you lose your confidence you’re done.” She also hinted at her faith and said each of us should “leave a little sparkle wherever you go.” It turns out I found the sage advice I was unknowingly seeking that day.

As I was saying goodbye, Mary wanted to show me a swing she hangs from her treehouse tree, and we stepped inside her garage to see it. I barely noticed the swing because there in the garage, parked behind her Schwinn bicycle, was a 1969 Mercury Marquis convertible. Its body had been restored but the ragtop is in rough shape, so it stays down, she told me.

“Do you still take it out?” I asked.

“No, not much anymore” she said. “It’s too hot and attracts too much attention.” nonprofit fundraising and as an executive director made her an excellent choice for the position,” said Neighbors, Inc., board chair Beth Baumann. “The search committee was also impressed by her enthusiasm for our organization and the community we serve.”

For more information about services provided by Neighbors, Inc., call 651455-5000 or visit neighborsmn.org.

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