Courageous Stories

Highlighting community strength & resiliency

Patrick Vue, ThaoMee Xiong, MayKao Y. Hang and Kao Ly Ilean Her at the May 2017 Hmong Professionals Fundraiser at Wilder.

Hmong Leaders Inspired to Give

ThaoMee Xiong’s venture into fundraising began with a talk by Wilder President and CEO MayKao Y. Hang. ThaoMee had invited MayKao, the first Hmong-American president at Wilder, to serve as keynote speaker for a graduation event of the Vue Family of Minnesota, which works to strengthen families through cultural, social and educational… Read this story »
Kathryn Schleich, Wilder volunteer and donor

Supporting School Success:  The Achievement of a Lifetime

Finding the right volunteer opportunity is like finding the right job, says Kathryn Schleich, a volunteer and donor who supports school success efforts at Wilder. It can take a while to find a good fit, but the results are worthwhile. Read this story »
Youth smiling and holding house keys, youth housing site in saint paul, prior crossing resident

It's My Home: Youth Make Opportunities to Thrive at Prior Crossing

Michaela Jones will never forget the first time she unlocked the door to her studio apartment at Prior Crossing. At age 21, she was rebuilding her life after experiencing homelessness. She was so excited that she asked a staff member at the apartment building to record the occasion on her phone. Read this story »
Bailey Ortiz volunteered at the Wilder Community Center for Aging

Preparing for an Aging Minnesota with Volunteers and Community Engaged Learners

An estimated 10,000 Baby Boomers turn 65 every day. This major demographic shift will create new challenges for older adults who want to maintain independence, for caregivers who need formal and informal support, and for employers facing potential workforce shortages. Bailey Ortiz will be prepared. Read this story »
African American family sitting on park bench, african american mother and father with daughter and son, child development center family, minnesota community childcare, preschool family in saint paul minnesota

Nurturing Kindergarten Readiness With Social-Emotional Development

Shortly before Alanna Clomon’s daughter began kindergarten, the Lauderdale mother received a tangible reminder of her 5-year-old daughter’s progress at Wilder’s Child Development Center. Read this story »

Rethinking Recovery: Personal Mental Health Experience Provides Hope to Others

Finding the right kind of help for a serious mental illness can be daunting. Often, a person may need to work with several providers to find appropriate care. Case managers, psychologists, psychiatrists and other professionals may all be involved, along with separate treatment for chemical health, if needed. Read this story »
African American mother and son sitting at picnic table, kofi services for african american youth,

One Family's Story of Change and Motivation with Kofi Services for Youth

Malik Compton describes what he was like at the age of eight with just one word: “trouble.” It’s hard to believe considering the confident, well-mannered young man he is today, but Malik says he used to be short-tempered and disruptive. He talked back at home and he was unmotivated at school. Malik’s mother Sonya recognized that he… Read this story »
Wilder Meals on Wheels volunteers share more than a meal.

Delivering More than a Meal: Wilder Volunteers for Meals on Wheels Give Back

Rose Sherman has been volunteering with the Wilder Community Services for Aging Meals on Wheels program for more than 30 years. “When I started, I remember wanting a simple and quick way each month to give back to the community and to serve,” explains Rose. “This became even more important to me when my own mother needed home-delivered… Read this story »