Mobile Hope Dayton

Dayton Mobile Hope
We have a relationship with the Dayton Mobile Home community. Out of that relationship, we support them with Homework Help/Tutors and English as a Second Language. Many volunteer opportunities are available.

    •    Homework Help / Tutors - Teachers and volunteers are needed to assist students with homework and/or tutor them in their schoolwork
    •    ESL (ELL) Teachers - There are many cultures represented in mobile home communities.  Teaching English helps those newer to the United States to apply for jobs, get ahead, and become more a part of the world around them.

Dayton Mobile Hope received a CRS Rice Bowl Grant
Catholic Relief Services granted Dayton Mobile Hope a $200 grant to use for healthy snacks for the youth coming for homework help after school. We are grateful to receive this on behalf of our friends at Dayton Mobile Hope. If you would like to help with homework help on Tuesday or Thursday please contact Cathy Walters at 612-306-6943.

Mobile Hope Minute

A quick summary of what has been happening at Mobile Hope – Dayton – 12-12-17

CENTRO is up and running!!! We are occupying the space between the park office and the gas station. Thanks to everyone who pitched in to clean and prepare the space. It went from a dirty storage room to a classroom for children as well as adults. A special thanks to park manager Gary for allowing us to use the space and for the carpet and the new door & a special thanks to Clarice for keeping an eye on things, opening the space up when we forget our keys and for her continued support of Mobile Hope Dayton.

Hope House: Because the winter is upon us we will be using Centro until the spring. In order for us to open the Hope House we will need to work with Management to put in 36 footings along with a ramp & stairs.

Homework Help: We started October 10th & average around 20 kids a night. Tuesdays group is being led by Erica Salmon & Sue McAvey. Thursdays group is being led by Jaymee Kjelland & Bill Carrington. Sharon Lucas has been coming on both nights helping with the Computer Lab. We have amazing volunteers who are using our volunteer coordinator, Carol Lyon’s new google-doc. Three Rivers Park District is coming 2 times a month.

Adult Language Classes: Tuesdays class (new for 2017) is led by Sharon Burns, Laura Honeck and Erica Salmon. Wednesday nights class is led by Sharon and JD Burns along with Mike Haasl.

Hennepin County Block Grant: Mobile Hope - Dayton was awarded $18,000 dollars. WOW! This money needs to be used for capitol improvements. This grant will help with the improvements to the new Hope House as well as other things yet to be identified.

Residents Meeting: Our first community meeting was held at Centro 11/11. Approx. 12 residents attended. The goal is to get community involvement from the residents. Cathy & Mike Haasl, along with Giannina from CROSS and Liliana from Hennepin County led the meeting. Here is some feedback:

Great things: Being alive, being healthy & having a job, extra jobs because of construction in the area. Quiet neighborhood, neighborhood watch program (although want to expand it).

Challenges: Stolen bikes. Park admin does little with complaints. Cars drive too fast. Lack of public transportation. Playground needs equipment for younger kids. Frequent rent increases. Would like a large place to gather.

Hope & Dreams: More activities such as Zumba, sewing, cooking, gardening. Help with health insurance. Cultural celebrations that promote integration among residents. Bus shelter.

Coats Drive: The Knights of Columbus partnered with us to continue building relationships with the residents of the Park. Approximately 125 coats were given out and Mary Jo Gruber donated 140 hand-made knitted caps! The feedback was amazing!

Library Cards: We are partnering with Hennepin Country Library. Our Liaisons are Abike Eyo & Nina Shimmin. Adults & kids are learning the benefits of having a library card and we are doing group sign-ups.

ALDI: We have just been approved for a donation of $300.00. We will use this money to purchase healthy snacks for Homework Help. Please patronize our partner.

Next Gen Youth Group: Amanda Svensk from Church of The Open Door & 20 volunteers, had a Christmas Party for approx. 70 teens & kiddos last Wednesday night in the new storm shelter. They were grateful to be inside & to offer more interactive activities. This is an amazing opportunity for the kids to have an organized fun activity during the cold winter months. This is there 2nd year & teens from the Park have been increasingly growing in leadership!

Three Rivers Park District: A family centered event will take place at Dayton Mobile Home Park on Saturday’s December 30, January 13 & February 24 from 1:30 – 2:30.

Contact Cathy Walter at 612-306-6943 or by email at zahler1023@gmail.com.