Eagan High School Unified
Empowering Students of All Abilities
Eagan Unified is a club at Eagan High School for students with and without disabilities with a mission of inclusion. Originally started as an after-school buddies club called Wildcat Connection, the students wanted to do more and the club became part of the Special Olympics Unified program in 2021.
Eagan Unified’s goal is to give its members meaningful ways to participate in a variety of activities. The club has three pillars: youth leadership, whole school engagement, and competition. The Special Olympics Unified program was inspired by a simple principle: training together and playing together is a quick path to friendship and understanding.
The club is run by two faculty advisors, Jenelle Milleson and Matt Moore, who handle logistics. Twenty student captains, made up of students both with and without disabilities, meet regularly to focus on building relationships and plan events ranging from school parties to bowling outings and kickball tournaments. Many activities are planned during the school day to maximize involvement. The club typically serves more than 150 students over the school year, with 40-60 students participating regularly. One of the highlights of the Eagan Unified program is their three-time Special Olympics Unified state basketball championships.
Eagan Unified helps to make all students feel like they are a part of the community. Jenelle and Matt say that it helps the school feel smaller and that the center-based special ed students get to feel more involved in the school.
If you would like to support Eagan Unified, follow their Instagram at @ehs_unified2022 so you can keep an eye out for local fundraising activities, or come out to cheer them on at their next competition.
Celebrating 40 Years of Empowering Teens at TreeHouse
Providing Hope and Support for Teen Mental Health
TreeHouse, a faith-based nonprofit founded in New Hope in 1984 by Fred Peterson, is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Peterson, a teacher, noticed many students not getting the attention they needed and felt compelled to create a positive change. Despite being close to retirement, he established TreeHouse to offer teens an alternative to negative choices and provide influential support when they need it most.
TreeHouse focuses on raising awareness about mental health and provides a safe space for teens to feel heard and supported. With locations across the Twin Cities, TreeHouse hosts weekly support groups where teens can share their experiences and feelings.
The TreeHouse Truths
The organization is built on core beliefs called TreeHouse Truths: "You are lovable, capable, worthwhile. Loved without strings. You are not alone. You have a future." These truths build teens' self-esteem and resilience, helping them believe in themselves despite tough times.
TreeHouse's programming is not just about support, it's about acceptance. It's about welcoming teens from all walks of life and helping them feel valued. TreeHouse offers peer-to-peer mentoring, providing teens with a supportive network. Volunteers guide the support groups, focusing on empathy rather than offering solutions.
Every Tuesday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., TreeHouse hosts a faith-neutral support group. They even provide transportation and meals. Through fun activities and open discussions, teens learn to take ownership of their experiences and share struggles and triumphs.
Shawn Monroe, the site director for TreeHouse in Eagan, says, "We try to create a space for teens to show up as themselves without the baggage of having to be like someone else.” TreeHouse's mission is to offer every teen a two-hour weekly break to remove their masks and embrace their true selves. Learn more at https://TreeHousehope.org/.
The Drawer: A Legacy of Warmth and Dignity
Honoring Grandma Lucy’s Memory Through Generosity and Community Support
As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s a time to reflect on the generosity that binds our community together. The work of The Drawer is an inspirational yet simple example of this spirit of giving. The Drawer has become a dignified solution for those in need, founded by Stew and Debby Shepard in honor of Debby’s mother, Grandma Lucy.
Grandma Lucy was known for her kind heart and unique take on Christmas gifts for her family, bringing a smile to their faces with uniquely packaged gifts that held none other than socks and underwear—it is an act of kindness that continues today through The Drawer.
In 2016, with "Undie Sunday" at Stew and Debby’s local church, The Drawer became a powerful force for good. That year, they collected 4,500 pairs of socks and underwear, distributed to organizations like Loaves and Fishes and The Link.
But they felt the calling to do more. Recognizing the overwhelming need, Stew and Debby took action, transforming their efforts into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. They’ve donated over 400,000 pairs of socks and underwear, providing warmth and dignity to those in need.
Debby shares that the mission of Eagan-based The Drawer is simple: to provide necessities that many of us take for granted. In 2023 alone, The Drawer gifted 132,227 pairs of socks and underwear to nearly 45,000 individuals, thanks to the support of 43 new distribution partners and countless volunteers.
Want to get involved? Why not rally behind The Drawer's mission? To get involved, consider hosting a collection drive at your business, place of worship, school, or club. Donate, partner, or volunteer. The opportunity to help provide dignity for those in need is limitless. Learn more about The Drawer via its website: https://www.thedrawer.org/.