On behalf of Dakota Communities, we would like to thank all of our current donors for their generosity and support. Here are samples of the kinds of gifts you can make, too.

BETSY PATE

A Legacy for Others

Although Betsy Pate’s verbal abilities were limited as a result of a brain injury suffered at birth, her picture speaks for her. “Always smiling” are the words used to describe her. Despite her disability, Betsy brought a wealth of joy to her family: her mother Karen, father Galen, identical twin sister Kristen, and brother Jonathan, along with all of those who cared for her.

When Betsy was born in1967 with major physical and mental disabilities, there were few resources available to help her or her family cope. Says Karen, “it is indeed frightening to learn that your child is born with disabilities, and it is even more frightening when you learn there are almost no services.”

It was for this reason that Betsy’s parents, with the help of very good friends and other interested parties, established a state-of-the art facility called Dakota's Children, today known as Dakota Communities.

Karen and Galen reflect on the past: “Back then there were few, if any, residential services for children under the age of 16; most children were cared for at home. Initially our objective was to create services; now, it’s about continuously refining our programs to make them better. Facilities for adults, for example, have evolved from a home for 48 to small homes for four to six individuals in residential communities, with gardens and picnic tables just like their neighbors.”

Karen adds that their legacy is about providing DCI with the ability to respond to changes yet to occur. “Who knows what services will look like in the next 30 years,” she points out. “What we considered state-of-the-art in 1973 has evolved dramatically -- the future would probably startle our imaginations today.”

“Our gift is about the progress yet to be. We will continue to support Dakota Communities in a giving manner to ensure that the residential services provided continue to enhance the lives of people with disabilities and give peace of mind to their family members.”

ANDREA NORDMARK

A Legacy of Love

Elvis Presley lives on through the passion in Andrea Nordmark. And if he had met her, he’d have fallen in love with her, too. Andrea likes to say, “I can do it. I’m 37.” Fun-spirited, fun-loving, and always on the go, Andrea can be exhausting. Andrea’s parents knew in the early 1980s that although their time with Andrea was precious and rewarding, the pressure and patience required of them to care for her was becoming overwhelming.

Gary found the answer by helping establish DCI’s Kennelly home in Burnsville, where Andrea has been a resident since she was 15. He says that it has provided an opportunity for the entire family to live their lives optimally. At the home, Andrea enjoys the camaraderie of her housemates and is exposed to a wider range of activities than Gary and his wife Sandy can provide.

Family time is more special, too. When Andrea comes to visit Gary and Sandy, she and Sandy often take a trip to the grocery store where they buy supplies for a baking spree. As a result, says Gary, their family unit has been strengthened.

When Gary and Sandy talk about their Legacy gift to DCI, they see it as an extension of their gratitude for the quality of care provided by DCI. “The services and programs of DCI have been there for us and have made such a wonderful difference in Andrea’s life and in ours,” notes Gary. Adds Sandy, “People need to be responsible for the sake of continuity – both emotionally and financially. We’re just doing our part.”