Soaring
September 2020
Growth * Respect * Choice * Integrity * Fellowship * Learning
ADOPT A HOME FOR OUR VIRTUAL FALL EVENT Our annual Fall fundraiser remains an essential source of revenue for Wingspan. Each year, our homes and programs determine a wish list of needs, and generous sponsors, family & friends, staff, and other donors reach into their heart to support our efforts. With 28 group homes, an In-Home program, and a main campus to support, the needs never end and we have learned to “expect the unexpected.” COVID-19 has changed so many things for everyone, but the one thing that has remained constant is the steadfast generosity in support of our mission. For this, we are very grateful. We are going to miss our morning of food, fun and fellowship at Lake Bde Maka Ska on Saturday, September 19th, but many people have contacted us to let us know they plan to walk in Wingspan’s honor in the month of September. We are all looking for reasons to enjoy fresh air and a change of scene. We would love to see your photos! If you are not connected to a specific Wingspan client’s home, you can make a gift of any size and we will designate it to an area of greatest need. Perhaps a home needs a new van, a set of cupboards, wheelchair-friendly floors, a patio set, new appliances, or furniture. The list is endless. Like your homes, our homes and yards need constant attention. Inside this newsletter you will find a list of wishes. If you would like to be a wish granter, no contribution is too small. We want to thank our sponsors who have stepped up without hesitation: Associated Bank, Donna DeMatteo, Russ and Carol Cox in memory of Jeni, the Eickhoff Family and Dell, Geritom Medical, Inc., the Hamer Family, the Horberg Family, “In Loving Memory of Bob James,” the Landreville Family, the Larson Family, Bill and Nancy McCabe, the Mooney Family, Our House of Minnesota, Inc., Bruce and Barb Smith, the Thames Family: “Papa, Nina, and Progeny,” Jeff and Wendy Thames, David and Jessica Widdifield, and Curt Windingstad.
Empowering Abilities. Nurturing Spirits. Caring for Life.
If you can help, or know someone who would like to make a contribution, a donation envelope is enclosed. You can also make a gift by phone by calling 651.888.3112 or donate online through our website at www.wingspanlife.org. Here are some of the things our staff members suggested: 11th Avenue: A wheelchair ramp ($5,000) and patio furniture 16th Avenue: Yard & garden improvement supplies 17th Street: Pots & pans, dining room chairs, restaurant gift cards for curbside pick-up 29th Ave: Patio furniture and garden supplies 48th Circle: Inflatable pool, plants for the yard, games, restaurant gift cards 91 ½ House: Professional landscaping work to beautify the yard 1250 Hoyt: Lawn furniture, umbrella, hammock 1489 Hoyt: New sofa Aurora House: A library of books (wish granted by Rick and Gail Larson), household supplies Colfax: A new staff desk, 2 recliners, kitchen towels, games, storage containers, gift cards Demont Dining table & chairs, living room furniture, pots & pans, small appliances, interior painting Fairview: BBQ grill wish granted by David & Jessica Widdifield. Need 2 recliners, cushion for deck swing, games, restaurant gift cards, pots & pans Glenpaul: Kitchen items, gift cards, fencing upgrade, patio set, kitchen counter tops, coffee tables, deck stain and upgrades Harmony: Basketball hoop In-Home: Arts & crafts, patio set Oakland: Sofa & chairs, curtains, restaurant gift cards, paint the interior Oliver: Patio furniture Our House Portland: Restaurant gift cards and exercise equipment Our House Dayton: Restaurant gift cards and exercise equipment (wish granted by Bruce & Barb Smith) Plato Office: New windows that open Portland Avenue: New flooring for sun room and kitchen Portland Place: Kitchen cabinets Rainbow Support Group: Funding for snacks, dinners, special outings Sheridan: New oven (granted!) and dishwasher (coming soon) Skillman: Dining room chairs Skycroft: Patio set and paver patio Thomas: Pots & pans (granted!), TV stand, stain for the deck, landscaping Troseth: New deck furniture and staining the deck Wentworth: Elevated garden, dining room table and chairs, sofa, 3 upholstered chairs. York: TV, Dining room set, refrigerator, TV stand, repaint exterior, pots & pans, plates, small appliances
Poet Patti Ponders the Pandemic Although our Spoken Word & Poetry Club had to be suspended this year, Patti from Wentworth House has continued to write. You may recall her original piece about her dog, “Ode to Lily.” Patti has written a new poem to express her candid feelings about the challenging times we are living in and we’d like to share it.
I am Afraid by Patti O. I Am Afraid by Patti O. I love Lily. You are my baby girl. I am afraid of what’s going on in my world and I am afraid of hearing the truth about the Coronavirus I am afraid of what I’m watching on TV daily I am I afraid of our world being in chaos and I am afraid of people talking about this I am I afraid of what’s going on all over the country and am I afraid of just being here on earth I am afraid of being human and letting my feelings out, not holding them back I am afraid of just living life normal and ignoring the possibility of living in a stressful environment I am afraid of being mocked and made fun of because of my fright I am afraid to know who all lost their lives to COVID-19; Amy of Glee Club reminds of life’s emptiness I am afraid to ask questions because I don’t want to hear sad news I am afraid of being stressed, angry, and living on edge and uptight I am afraid to look in the mirror and say to myself, “Is this my world and is this what I want for people?” I am afraid, for this is not what I wish for humanity. I remain afraid
How the Larson Family Stays Connected Rick and Gail are proud of their daughter, Anita, who is a resident at Aurora House. She is making good use of the Wii game system the Larsons bought for the house, and Anita has become a champion bowler. In fact, she recently bowled two perfect 300 score games in a row! Sometimes Anita and her dad compete with one another by playing the game simultaneously while connecting through Zoom. What an innovative way to share family time and have some fun! We hope you are finding safe ways to connect with family and friends.
Donate Now To Made In The Shade 2020
Hands and Hearts in Action Board of Directors Mark Mooney, Chair Angela O’Neil, Vice Chair Roz Allyson, Treasurer LeRoy Bergerson Joe Eickhoff Bill Hamer Preston Koenig Taree Leach-Junkersfeld Bruce Smith John Thames, Chair Emeritus Executive Director Therese Davis Editor Pam Carlson Story Contributors Natt Jaeiba Darolyn Gray
www.wingspanlife.org
David and Jessica Widdifield are long-time donors and volunteers for Wingspan. Jessica’s brother, Peter, is a resident of Fairview House and the family is very active in his life. Though we have had to significantly limit volunteer activities this year, twelve family members gathered a few weeks ago to beautify the yard. They also donated a new barbeque grill for our Made in the Shade campaign. David did some extra work building birdhouses and painting the patio furniture. The whole family joined in painting the deck which is adjacent to Peter’s room—giving him easy access to the outdoors. Thank you to the entire Widdifield/Benson family!
Donate Now To Made In The Shade 2020
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