We've been sharing a lot about how our programs work and how they support the community the last few months. In this month’s newsletter, we want to dig into the reasons why our work is so important and the driving factors of it.
The "Why" Behind Our Work
Like our mission says, we want to support the individuals and families in our community with collaborative programs and resource connection so they can move toward stability. But what does that all mean? Let's break it down, line by line.
"Support individuals and families"
The who is easy to define. It is any individual or family living in the communities we serve within the Twin Cities West Metro. We are all living in the same community together, and we all have constantly evolving needs to be met. As our needs change over time, any community member at any time, may need support accessing the resources required for stability.
That's where the "support" part of our work comes in. When community members call or walk into our office, they know their needs better than anyone else. Our work is to support them in meeting those needs. Sometimes that looks like simply sharing a phone number, or sitting down together and creating a larger plan on how to connect with the right resources.
"Collaborative programs"
Our programs reflect the community needs and gaps in resources that we identify by listening to our community. We create our programs from what the community shares is needed. This most recently happened with our Childcare & Academic Assistance Program. Families and staff in the Hopkins and Minnetonka schools communities shared continued concern over the rising costs of childcare and the need for additional support with tuition.
There were so many families sharing this sentiment, that we realized that an additional resource in our community was needed. We created our Childcare and Academic Assistance Program to help fill the gap and provide childcare tuition and tutoring scholarships. We collaborate with the community, to figure out how to best design and implement our programs.
"Move toward stability"
What does "stability" mean?
When someone connects with our staff members, most likely they are experiencing some sort of emergency, crisis, or instability in their home. Sometimes they are experiencing a challenge in affording basic day-to-day necessities like groceries, rent, or other bills. Other times, they are struggling to find employment. Or, they may have a job, but the hours they work are inconsistent, which makes caring for their children difficult.
Whatever the source of the instability, we want to support community members in building solutions. This takes shape in many ways, but is always centered around the individual and their unique needs.
Stability for ResourceWest participants can look different for each person. It could be less worrying about paying bills, additional resources to care for their family, or feeling safe and healthy.
From the Staff:
Kirsten, Licensed Social Worker
Hello!
My name is Kirsten Anderson. I have been a social worker at community non-profits in the metro for 18 years. I enjoy traveling, walking, board games, and playing with my 2-year-old son.
Over the last 10 years I have been a social worker at ResourceWest. I have been able to notice changing trends in the needs of the community through that time. One of the most significant changes in the past 2 years is the increase in car repair costs. ResourceWest provides car repair grants to participants to support them in maintaining employment and accessing healthcare.
There are fewer bus routes, and the frequency has decreased making it a less viable option for our community members. With housing and food expenses continuously on the rise, people have less money saved for unexpected repairs.
Transportation is important for participants to continue their daily lives, and that is difficult to do without a working and safe vehicle. Adapting our work to the needs of the community, and assisting community members with car repair grants, is at the center of our work.
Volunteer Appreciation Month!
April is National Volunteer Appreciation Month, a time to celebrate people doing extraordinary things through service.
There are so many volunteers at ResourceWest, who support the work and programs we do. Below are some words from some of our wonderful volunteers.
One of our volunteers Kathy Noll, has been volunteering at ResourceWest for many years. She has kindly shared a message about her time with ResourceWest:
I became aware of ResourceWest while employed by the Hopkins School District. When a new family would move into our district, we would always refer them to ResourceWest. I volunteered with ResourceWest when I could while still working, and then on a regular schedule once I retired. I have made so many friends, gotten to know our wonderful participants, and have gained a better understanding and knowledge of other cultures, their traditions, religion, and beliefs. I am forever grateful for the opportunities ResourceWest has presented to me.
Check out this group of volunteers who supported the Gathering to Grow fundraiser!
They are just some of the many volunteers who shared their time with us with greeting guests, making sure performances ran smoothly, and assisting with set-up and clean-up.
We utilize volunteers in all aspects of our work. Without their support, we could not support our vital programs and services.
Thank you to ALL the AMAZING volunteers who give so much time and heart to ResourceWest! We couldn't do this work without you.
The ResourceWest Board of Directors is another group of incredible volunteers, and we are currently looking for committed community members who are passionate about our community and would be interested in serving the organization in this role.
If you or someone you know is interested in applying for ResourceWest’s Board of Directors, click this link for more information about the time commitment and responsibilities.
SpringFest Tickets Available!
Click the button below to celebrate 30 years of ResourceWest and help use raise funds to continue our vital community work!
SpringFest will include a catered dinner, hosted beer and wine, silent and live auctions, games, music, and a program sharing updates on our work and impact.
Tickets are $80 per person. $40 of each purchased ticket is tax-deductible.
Volunteers are needed for SpringFest!
Volunteer opportunities include event set-up, clean-up, and various ways to assist during the event.
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