Success Stories

“Upon release from the Shakopee Women’s Correctional Facility, Rochelle enrolled in MIWRC’s Healing Journey Program. Since that time, she has maintained her sobriety and participates regularly in group and one-on-one activities. Rochelle now has a job at the Native American Community Clinic, is completely self sufficient and feels strong in her new life. She recently graduated from the Healing Journey Program, and is going on to help others heal and rebuild their lives. This is the true spirit of Zhoo-way-nah-dig, taking care of one another.”

“Grace is a 19 year old mother of one child. Upon entering the Oshkinigiikwe program, she was using drugs, unemployed, living in an abusive situation. She was also overwhelmed by being a parent and reached out to us for help. Within five months of MIWRC programming, she has stopped using all drugs, learned new parenting skills, found her own apartment, and ended the abusive relationship. She is currently looking for full time work and continues to enjoy learning about her Ojibwe culture, which she credits for helping her turn her life around.”

“When she came to MIWRC for housing services, Ann was homeless and caring for her grandchild. With our help, she is now in stable housing and has applied for financial assistance to start a new business. She credits MIWRC’s Family Housing Specialist with helping her find a safe place for her and her granddaughter to live and dream. ”

“When the Native American Parenting Traditions Revisited (NAPTR) parenting curriculum was piloted at MIWRC recently, all participants demonstrated 100% sobriety during the course. They credited NAPTR with helping them learn where they came from, what their tribal traditions were and how these traditions could help them stay strong.”

“My name is Ashley I am 26 years old and I’m an enrolled member from the Standing Rock Sioux Nation. I’m engaged to my loving fiancée Wayne and we have three Sons and One daughter. I’ve been here in the Twin Cities since March 2009. I relocated here from Bismarck N.D shortly after I received my degree in Nutrition from United Tribes Technical College. Being that my Fiancee was from South Minneapolis and my admiration for the Indian Community I was excited for the move. Times got hard because we didn’t have our own place and jobs didn’t come by easy which made us vulnerable and often stressed. With our good faith and sobriety, I began searching for more support and encouragement and that is when I came across the Minnesota Indians Women’s Resource Center. I was happy to find out that MIWRC was willing to help my family out being we were a two parent family. I appreciated that I could be completely honest with my family’s situation and not have to worry about being discriminated against for being with my Fiancee. Eventually we found jobs and were on the right path to independence but as usual theirs always those obstacles that come up and we had a couple for instance, we had a car but needed car insurance and we found a place to live but didn’t quite have enough for first months rent and deposit fortunately, MIWRC was able to assist us financially with our situation. They paid two months car insurance and also helped pay for our 1st months rent. I am so grateful for the programs at MIWRC they gave my family and I the head start we needed to become financially stable. The workers were friendly and very informative especially Karen and Tamara who went great lengths to make sure my family and I were taken care of. Thank you so much MIWRC! ”

“The month of September MIWRC received a referral on a young lady who had a domestic abuse issue. This young lady had many barriers in her way. She was seven months pregnant, homeless with a five year old child, who was scheduled to start kindergarten this year and also dealing with a problematic relationship with the father of her child. Our client was difficult to contact. She didn't even have a permanent address and was living with different relatives. We didn't give up. We finally connected with her and she came to our office to complete an intake and set up a case plan to assist her in achieving her goals. Part of her plan was to find affordable housing for her and her son before the new baby was born. This was not an easy task. After much searching, we were able to collaborate with a program that would work with the client on housing. Of course, our client had to do some of the foot work herself and prove that she was serious about being responsible and serious about maintaining the rules that were required for housing. The client was accepted in the housing program. MIWRC was able to assist the client with obtaining rental assistance, a referral to the Bridging for furniture, a crib, baby clothing, winter wear for her son, and holiday food and gifts for the family. The client was very appreciative of MIWRC help and now has a stable, safe, affordable housing for the family.”