Volunteers Needed to Help Elderly Caregivers

Dakota County group DARTS looking to help caregivers out.

Can You Help These Caregivers?

An announcement from DARTS says some spouses would like a three- to four-hour break once a week or every-other week.

The Power and the Possibilities of Aging

DARTS and city sponsoring conversation around local housing, in-home services, transportation and health and wellness needs.

Franken Commends DARTS Learning Buddies Program on 15th Anniversary

DARTS is celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Learning Buddies program.

DARTS, a northern Dakota County nonprofit that provides aging resources, got a nod from Sen. Al Franken this week for the 15th anniversary of the intergenerational Learning Buddies program. The DARTS Learning Buddies program places senior-aged volunteers in Dakota County elementary school classrooms to tutor students in a variety of subjects.  "I'm sure those kids will appreciate not only the academic help that you gave them, but also the interest you showed in their growth and their success," says Franken in his message. Learning Buddies volunteers are credited with providing more than $110,000 in volunteer time to schools each year and helping students make significant gains in reading and math scores.  “The DARTS Learning Buddies …

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DARTS Competes for 'Lucky 13' Campbell Mithun Advertising Campaign

Voting through Feb. 25 will determine which of 13 nonprofits will get a boost of new advertising.

DARTS, a northern Dakota County nonprofit dedicated to serving older adults, is hoping to be lucky number 13 in a contest to win a free media campaign. The  “Lucky 13” contest is sponsored by advertising agency Campbell Mithun and Greater Twin Cities United Way. Thirteen nonprofits are competing for the grand prize, which is an advertising campaign developed by a Campbell Mithun intern team (13 interns, of course) this summer. Here’s what DARTS told Campbell Mithun they want to do with the campaign, should they win: "We'd like help with taking full advantage of the e-philanthropy success possible through GiveMN, particularly in engaging our corporate donors and our on-the-front-lines volunteer corps." To vote, visit the Lucky 13 contest …

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Commissioner's Report

Looking Outside County Government May be Next Step for Dakota County Aging Initiative

More buy-in may be necessary to tackle the complexities of an aging population.

Editor's Note: Dakota County Commissioner Tom Egan represents Mendota Heights, Lilydale, Mendota and a portion of Eagan. He was elected to office in 2004 and is now serving his second four-year term. Egan will write regularly to Patch readers about county government. In this report, Egan recaps a recent workshop that dealt with the findings of the Living Longer and Stronger in Dakota County volunteer initiative. Faced with the complexity of the issue made apparent by the study's results, Egan said it's time to regroup and move forward with a more collaborative effort. The County Board views the dynamic of aging as an asset, rather than a liability to our community. In late 2010, following its initial Aging Initiative workshop dealing with …

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Dakota County's DARTS Seeks More Snow Shovelers For Seniors

Outdoor chore volunteers help seniors live independently, but this year volunteer numbers can't meet demand.

Now that cold weather has settled in to stay, winter outdoor enthusiasts can, once more, begin the age-old ritual. First, slip on the long johns. Then, ease on the thick, woolen socks. Of course, pants. Finish with an itchy sweater. Wiggle your extra-cushioned body into some snow pants, a fluffy jacket and clunky boots. Pop on a knit hat, grab some mittens and you're ready to step outside. Then, if you're one of DARTS' outdoor chore volunteers, you follow that exhausting ordeal by marching over to a neighbor's house and shoveling out a sidewalk and drive that isn't even your own. DARTS, a non-profit organization serving senior residents of Dakota County, provides assistance with tasks such as outdoor chores, shopping and homemaking. The …

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