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Courageous Stories
Highlighting community stories of courage, strength and resiliency
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Family Independence Initiative Trusts Families to Know What They Need During COVID-19 Pandemic
As we all navigate new realities and financial stress due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the social and financial supports in our lives are critical. Wilder partners with families to ensure they have access to the tools and resources they need through the Family Independence Initiative (FII). Read this story »
Wilder Volunteer Kate Hu Wins 2020 Sandy Kiernat Award for Dedication to Community Service
Every week, Kate Hu quietly makes a difference at Wilder. For two hours a week, Kate organizes files, updates databases and works on projects that save time and allow staff to focus on programs. In fact, PattiJo Verdeja, a former longtime business manager at Wilder, estimates Kate’s volunteer work has saved the equivalent of two months… Read this story »
Wilder Child Development Center a Reassuring Space for Kids and Families During COVID-19
Any parent or child care provider can tell you that kids thrive on routine and stability. At a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically changed most people’s lives, the Wilder Child Development Center brings welcome routines and a reassuring environment for children – and their parents, too. Read this story »
Wilder Therapists Provide Mental Health Support for Children And Families During COVID-19
When the COVID-19 pandemic began, Wilder therapists were suddenly unable to meet in person with children and families who are experiencing stress and trauma. With balloons, feathers and bubbles, therapists are finding creative ways to help parents remain calm and nurturing during a crisis. Read this story »
Meals on Wheels Rolls with COVID-19 Changes to Continue Serving Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities in Saint Paul
Jack Munsell signed up in February to pack meals for other volunteers to deliver to Wilder Meals on Wheels customers in Saint Paul. Then the novel coronavirus upended life as Minnesotans know it. Read this story »
Wilder School-Based Mental Health Expands Beyond Elementary Schools in Saint Paul
Michael Brooks thinks every school would benefit from an on-site mental health professional. “Every school, nationwide,” says Michael, a school-based therapist with Wilder Community Mental Health and Wellness. “You cannot ignore the fact that life happens. To expect children to go on as if things aren’t happening to them is preposterous… Read this story »
Ywj Siab Lor’s Leadership Blooms with Wilder Youth Leadership Initiative
Ywj Siab Lor is an artist and dancer and a youth mentor in Wilder’s Youth Leadership Initiative who engages with peers and others in a friendly and confident manner. But Ywj Siab, who uses the pronouns they/them/their, wasn’t as talkative at the start of their freshman year of high school. “I was overwhelmed, and I was just terrified of… Read this story »
Longtime Wilder Friends Use Planned Gift to Extend their Commitment to Community
Wilder donor and former board chair Ken Rothchild built his career in mortgage banking and real estate development during the tumultuous 1960s. In a decade known for civil rights, the anti-war movement and social change, Ken worked for and then bought the real estate business his grandfather founded in 1885. At the same time, Ken and his… Read this story »