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Courageous Stories

Highlighting community stories of courage, strength and resiliency

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Three women posing together

Wilder volunteer Asha Boggs creates authentic connection with participants in Healthy Aging programs

Asha Boggs stands out as a volunteer for two Wilder programs for her bright smile and obvious passion for caring for older adults in Saint Paul. The broad focus of Asha’s volunteerism reflects her personal philosophy of care for seniors, which seeks to consider a person’s needs from a holistic perspective.  Read this story »
Male high school student in winter clothes leaning against a sign

“They just want to love you for who you are:” Cretin-Derham Hall volunteers gain valuable lessons from young learners at the Child Development Center

The Wilder Child Development Center strives to recognize and meet the diverse interests and abilities of children and their families. That commitment extends to volunteers. Staff at the center welcome groups and individual volunteers – and as students at Cretin-Derham Hall have learned – there are a variety of projects that volunteers… Read this story »
Three girls in dresses posing together in the 1920s

Donors Craig and Kathy Binger’s connection to Wilder spans a century

It’s no surprise that Craig and Kathy Binger support Wilder’s mission as donors. After all, Craig worked at Wilder for more than 30 years, and he values Wilder’s focus on innovation to meet community needs now and into the future.   “Wilder’s goal isn’t to replicate what other organizations already do well,” Craig says. “Instead, it… Read this story »
Preschool-age boy wearing blue graduation cap and gown

The McKinney family chose the Child Development Center for its diversity and focus on kindergarten readiness in a supportive environment

When Lawrence and Charmaine McKinney started looking for child care for their oldest child, they wanted to find something near their neighborhood. They also wanted an opportunity to interact with a racially and ethnically diverse group of families. Read this story »
Five employees of Van Meter stand together before volunteering at Wilder Meals on Wheels

For Van Meter employees, volunteering for Wilder’s Meals on Wheels program fostered a sense of connection to home and community

Van Meter Inc. is a leading provider of electrical products and services in the Midwest. This 100-percent employee-owned business encourages volunteerism. Read this story »
Heart inside house icon

Direct Housing Assistance helps Wilder participant Jamie stay stable and thriving

Jamie has two young sons and she wants them to have the same stability she had growing up. She wants them to live in the same house throughout their entire childhood. Read this story »
Three people stand side-by-side under a pop-up tent at an outdoor festival. The middle person holds a sign that says I envision a world with no borders -- MN8.

Wilder Research and MN8 conduct the first community needs assessment of the Cambodian community in Minnesota to learn what they need to thrive

MN8 advocates and provides direct services and support for Southeast Asian Minnesotans who are facing detention and/or deportation. Read this story »
Vi Hertog

Wilder donor Vi Hertog’s childhood during the Great Depression inspires a life of giving

Throughout her adult life, Violet Hertog has helped others wherever and however she could. When Violet, better known as Vi, and her late husband John lived in Seattle, she volunteered in food pantries. In cities like Mandan and Jamestown, ND and Duluth, she collected food for people in need. In Woodbury, she volunteered for Meals on… Read this story »