Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Though officials at 360 Communities are optimistic, the organization is only 29 percent to goal for fiscal donations during March FoodShare, one of the biggest drives of the year.
The folks at 360 Communities are hoping that would-be donors will save the best for last. This month is an important one for the non-profit, which operates a network of food shelves and domestic abuse shelters in Dakota County. March is Minnesota FoodShare month, a statewide drive during which food pantries serving the poor can ante up, thanks to matching funds and food stuffs from the Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches (GMCC). March is more than half gone, but 360 Communities has collected only 29.7 percent of its fiscal target of $60,000. 360 Communities has taken in 24,722 pounds of direct donations, just 35.3 percent of its 70,000 pound goal. Nevertheless, officials at 360 Communities are confident in the generosity of residents …
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Make a difference in local government by volunteering for an advisory board.
Editor's Note: The following is a press release from the Dakota County Board of Commissioners. The Dakota County Board of Commissioners receives advice from a variety of volunteer committees and is inviting its residents to apply for an opportunity to make a difference in local government. Positions are available on the following citizen advisory committees: Dakota–Scott Workforce Investment Board Help oversee the activities of the Workforce Centers in Dakota and Scott counties. In partnership with the Dakota County Board, determine methods and delivery systems to assure the best mix of programs and services for eligible citizens of both counties. The board meets monthly on the third Friday in West St. Paul. Extension Committee Partner …
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Each week we profile an area youth looking for adult mentors through the Kids 'n Kinship program. This week we introduce you to James.
- THE NEIGHBORHOOD FILES
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Sunday, April 29, 2012
First name: James Age: 5 Interests: James enjoys coloring and Thomas the Tank engine. James has had swim lessons and likes to swim, ride bikes and play with toy trucks and cars. He also likes playing Angry Birds on his computer. Personality/Characteristics: James is active and changes his mind quickly, likes to move from activity to activity. He lives with his grandmother. Goals/Dreams: James would like to visit parks with a mentor and particularly likes swinging. Looking For: A positive male role model or couple to look up to and have fun with. For More Information: James is one of almost 50 children waiting for a mentor through Kids ‘n Kinship, a private nonprofit serving Burnsville, Apple Valley, Eagan, Farmington, Lakeville and …
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Patty is one of almost 50 kids waiting for a mentor through Kids 'n Kinship.
First name: Patty Age: 13 Interests: Patty is in seventh grade and likes sports, specifically tennis, softball and soccer. She also likes crafts, country music and photography. Personality: She struggles with grades and homework, and needs a mentor she can look up to and trust. Living situation: Patty lives with her single-parent mother, who hopes a mentor could give her daughter the opportunity to do some more activities. Looking For: A mentor to hang out, go out to eat and watch scary movies with! For More Information: Patty is one of almost 50 children waiting for a mentor through Kids ‘n Kinship, a private nonprofit serving Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Farmington, Lakeville and Rosemount in Dakota County for 39 years. If you're …
Monday, April 2, 2012
Almost 50 kids are waiting for a mentor through the organization.
First name: Samantha Age: 14 Interests: Samantha is athletic and likes softball, basketball, swimming, soccer and mini golf. She also likes cooking, scrapbooking, movies, shopping and games. Personality: She likes school, especially math and writing, and she does well academically, getting As and Bs. She'll start high school in the fall. Living situation: Samantha lives with her single-parent mother. Looking For: A mentor she can look up to and bond with and who can give her the opportunity to participate in activities. She would also like a mentor who is outdoorsy. For More Information: Samantha is one of almost 50 children waiting for a mentor through Kids ‘n Kinship, a private nonprofit serving Burnsville, Apple Valley, Eagan, …
Monday, March 26, 2012
Calvin is one of almost 50 kids waiting for a mentor through Kids 'n Kinship.
First name: Calvin Age: 14 Interests: Calvin has lots of interests, including basketball, the NFL, music, and SportsCenter on TV. Personality: Calvin is smart, witty, curious and respectful. Looking For: A mentor who is interested in sports and who can be a positive person in his life. If you are interested in getting to know a wonderful teen who has many interests, really wants a mentor and is very respectful and eager to learn, Calvin is the match for you! For More Information: Calvin is one of almost 50 children waiting for a mentor through Kids ‘n Kinship, a private nonprofit serving Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Farmington, Lakeville and Rosemount in Dakota County for 39 years. If you're interested in becoming a mentor, you're …
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Dakota County wetland program is seeking volunteers.
- AWARENESS
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Thursday, March 8, 2012
Editor's note: Information from a news release from Paula Liepold, Dakota County Water Resources Office. Pull on a pair of waders, jump in and volunteer to help monitor wetlands in your community. Dakota County is seeking people to help monitor the health of community wetlands through the Wetland Health Evaluation Program (WHEP). Volunteers work with a community-based team to monitor and collect information that is used to help protect area wetlands. A science background or previous monitoring experience is not required. All training and equipment is provided. WHEP volunteers gather data on macroinvertebrates—like beetles and dragonflies—and plants in wetlands. Cities like Burnsville use the data to study wetland health trends to better …
A new study shows 55 percent of teens feel they are more aware of other people's needs as a result of social media sites.
I was one of the first of my friends and family members to jump on the Facebook bandwagon when it was launched for college students in February 2004. It was the talk of the campus. My roommate and I would peruse our pages for hours: chatting, poking, adding friends and checking out the latest gossip. Sadly, I remember the first time you were able to add multiple photos. It was thrilling. These days my use of social media has expanded to include Twitter, however my engagement in the sphere has definitely declined. But, I'm no longer a teenager, and I'm of the generation that remembers the Internet becoming the "new thing." While I may not be as engaged as I once was, this is apparently not the case for most teens. A new study from World …
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Mentor Rose and Mary, or another child, through Kids 'n Kinship.
First name: Rose and Mary Age: 14 and 11 Interests: They have a variety of interests, including swimming, biking, ice skating, hockey, soccer, volleyball, drawing, watching movies and listening to music. Mary is on the dance team at school; Rose loves music. Personality: Rose is outgoing and active; Mary is shy and sweet. Living Situation: They are sisters who want to be matched together. They are bilingual, speaking Spanish at home and English at school. Goals: Mary wants a pony; Rose wants to go to a Christopher Drew concert. Looking For: A mentor family, couple or individual who knows some Spanish would be the best match to communicate effectively with their mom. They have been waiting almost two years for a mentor! For More Information…
Sunday, January 8, 2012
More than 50 kids are waiting for mentors through the organization Kids 'n Kinship.
First name: Raquaza Age: 9 Interests: Raquaza enjoys playing video games, and got a new portable system for Christmas. Mario Brothers is his favorite game. He also likes swimming, baseball and football. Personality: He likes school, and his teacher describes him as bright, happy and friendly. Living Situation: His single-parent mom is a full-time student and is looking for a supportive mentor relationship for her son; Raquaza's dad is not a part of his life. Looking For: A male mentor or a couple who can help him explore his interests. He has been waiting two years! For More Information: Raquaza is one of more than 50 children waiting for a mentor through Kids ‘n Kinship, a private nonprofit serving Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, …
Caitlin Burgess
12:18 pm on Thursday, March 8, 2012
Another question: while teens may be more aware of things happening in the world through social media, does it make them want to make a difference? The survey also showed that 9 out of 10 teen surveyed believed it was important to volunteer. I think it would be interesting to know how many teens actually get out and do so. Anyone have any statistics or other insights? more ›