Meet Nancy Dobson

Meet Nancy Dobson

Clinic Foundation Board Member

“I’ve been on the board since shortly after I retired! I’m a big fan of the Mankato Clinic and all that they do in our community. So, it was an easy ‘YES’ when I was asked to be on the board. We each bring in a unique perspective - and I’m happy to bring mine to the board,” reflects Nancy.

Nancy’s perspective is so important to the board as she grew up in the community and chose to raise her family here. Along with growing a family here, she also grew professionally.

“Professionally I am a physical therapist with a passion and heart for kids. I started Pediatric Therapy Services in 1991 – and over the years it continued to grow to meet the needs of children with a wide range of abilities and challenges,” she explains. “I loved it all – the kids and families we served, helping them achieve meaningful milestones in development, and working alongside my amazing colleagues. A few years ago, as I was starting to think about retirement, PTS became part of the Mankato Clinic. And now I’ve been officially retired for almost two years!”

Retirement for Nancy though, didn’t necessarily mean slowing down.

“My husband Joe and I spend the summers in Elysian at our lake house and working at our ice cream shop Scoops! We have LOTS of grandkids that we love to spend time with. And we also love to travel over the winter months. We’ve hiked and biked many trails across the U.S.,” says Nancy.

Joining the Foundation board was the perfect addition to her retirement lifestyle.

“It is especially rewarding to be a part of approving grants that help the kids/youth in our community. The backpack food program has grown to meet the needs of so many kids. Kids should never have to go hungry,” she says. “I really love the Mankato and the surrounding communities here in southern Minnesota. The last few years have been especially challenging in many ways – and there are some significant needs right here in our community. There is no time better than now for each of us to share our time, talents and treasures with others. It’s really a privilege to be a part of it all.” ■

Our Community

Giving back to the community is part of who we are at the Mankato Clinic. A small, dedicated group of physicians started the Mankato Clinic Foundation in 1965, making it one of the oldest foundations in Minnesota.

Our mission is to encourage and support the health and well-being of the communities we serve through efforts that promote and improve community wellness. In the last 10 years, the Mankato Clinic Foundation has provided more than $1.8 million in scholarships and grants to worthwhile organizations and programs.

During the first quarter of 2023, the Mankato Clinic Foundation awarded $96,125 in community grants to:

• Centenary United Methodist Church Holy Grounds Breakfast ($3,000)

• Connections Ministry Emergency Shelter ($5,000)

• Educare Foundation ($25,000)

• Greater Mankato Area United Way First Steps ($42,125)

• Greater Mankato Area United Way Project Community Connect ($1,000)

• Life-Work Planning Center Women in Transition ($4,000)

• Mankato Youth (MY) Place ($7,500)

• Mankato YWCA Girls on the Run scholarships ($3,000)

• St. Peter North Elementary Kindness Retreat ($3,500)

• Southern MN Crisis Nursery ($2,000)

The foundation receives the majority of its funding from Mankato Clinic physicians, along with giving by Mankato Clinic staff and the greater Mankato community.

If you would like to help build a healthier tomorrow for greater Mankato communities, you can give to the Mankato Clinic Foundation at: Mankato Clinic Foundation 1400 Madison Avenue, Suite 324B Mankato, MN 56001

Grants are awarded on a quarterly basis. The next grant deadline is June 1. To learn more, visit mankatoclinic.com/mankato-clinic-foundation