Our mission: Encouraging hope, faith and growth in the families and communities we serve

“I found freedom again” – Carla’s Story Written by Lalaina Rabary, News and Views Editor

I was on my way to the Wolfe Ranch Life Enrichment Center and my day had not started well. I was headed to the Ranch to interview Carla Tucker, a woman who had

been taking part in Quakerdale’s Equine Therapy program. Soon after I pulled into the driveway and met Carla, my day changed.

She walked with the help of a cane and was finishing brushing Corkie, the horse she had picked to ride at the Ranch. As I reached out to shake her right hand, Jennifer Daniel (the Equine Director) attempted to stop me, but it was too late. Carla’s hand had clasped around mine and proceeded to get tighter and tighter. I awkwardly paused

not knowing what to do and began wincing as the pressure heightened. Soon Carla, Jennifer, and the volunteers began laughing and I did too. They pried the hand off, which they had nicknamed “The Claw”, and explained that due to ‘the incident’, Carla had no control over the right side of her body and her hand had developed a mind of its own.

After Carla finished brushing Corkie we made our way to the office and sat down. She then began sharing her story with me. Until eight years ago Carla had a relatively normal life. She lived on a farm in Kellogg and raised eight horses, one wolf and several German Sheperds. She spoke about her love for horses, “They have always been a part of my family,” she said. Carla suffered a massive stroke and life changed dramatically. Normalcy suddenly was lost.

According to Carla, “Everything became a problem”. As a result of the incident she was forced to sell the farm and the animals. “I felt helpless,” she said. Since then, Carla learned to live by herself, but her limited mobility and inability to drive has forced her to rely on various agencies to assist with daily living. Iowa Home Care visits Carla three times a week to bathe her and Northstar transports her to doctors appointments, the grocery store, and around Marshalltown to run her errands. For many years Carla spent a majority of time in her house. Then she was introduced to Quakerdale by a staff member at Northstar.

They had heard of Quakerdale’s new programs and knew it would be a great opportunity for Carla. “When I first came to the Ranch I felt free.” She smiled as she told me that by her second visit she was riding the horse alone and it even jumped. “I wasn’t scared!” she exclaimed.

The smile I saw on her face made me happy and I soon realized why her nickname was Giggles. “I have self-confidence and am in control. I’m in 7th heaven out here,” she said.

As our conversation came to a close I asked how long she planned to ride horses at the Ranch, she replied “As long as I can!” and giggled. As I drove home, I couldn’t help but smile. I was deeply inspired by Carla’s courage and resilience to overcome her struggles. It may have been grey and cold that day, but the sun began shining in my heart.

Learn more about the opportunities that Quakerdale’s Wolfe Ranch Life Enrichment Center has to offer by visiting www.quakerdale.org or calling Equine Program Director, Jennifer Daniel at 641-485-9931.

From the Desk of the Executive DirectorRobert C. Talbot, Executive Director

Using our talents!

Quakerdale is working hard to figure out what God has for us to do to make a difference in the communities around us! In doing so, I am reminded of Matthew 25 where the Master gives his

servants talents to manage while he is away. In the parable the servants were held responsible to manage or invest the talents given to them. Two of the workers did well and the Master blessed them for their efforts. The third servant was afraid of his Master and he dug a hole and hid the talents to keep them safe for the Master’s return.

In this story the talents are a form of currency, but the metaphor is easily understood to be blessings (abilities, interests, and resources) the Master gave to his servants to use. The servant who was afraid failed because he did not use what he was given. The fearful servant lost everything. The servants who were intentional with the talents received more talents. It is scary to try something new because it might not work. It is scary to quit doing something we have always done so we can begin something new! It is scary to take a step of faith because we might fail and be branded a failure. But…. If we choose to bury our talents instead of using them, God never gets to do His work through us. The apostle Paul, in Hebrews 11:1 says, “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” We can’t spend time focusing on our fears. We are charged to be responsible with the talents God has given us and He has the resources to carry us through. I invite those of you who are curious observers of the changes at Quakerdale to share your talents too! Learn something new at one of our events or volunteer opportunities! Share something God has given you! Pooling our talents together allows us to make a bigger impact.

Sincerely,

Robert C. Talbot

Thank you to all the Quakerdale volunteers who have used their talents to encourage the lives of those we serve!

Promise Academy News

Hoop dreams come true

The young men of the Quakerdale Eagles basketball team have put in a lot of work this season and it has

paid off. On Thursday, February 2, Lamont Adair and Zack Lofton were the first of the team to sign full ride scholarships to their perspective colleges. Lamont Adair will be attending Conner State College in Oklahoma this summer and is planning to spend a year finishing his general education and than transferring to either South Dakota State or Chicago University. Zack Lofton will be attending San Jancinto College in Houston, Texas and will be leaving in March to pursue a degree in Business Management. Coach Stan Hughes and the Quakerdale Promise Academy staff have been working diligently to prepare the young men for their futures.

“I am happy for them,” said Coach Stan. “They have consistently put in a lot of work academically and athletically. I am proud to say that they have overcome the challenges and soared. This experience has definitely prepared them for college.”

The team will be finishing up their season at the end of March. Throughout the year many notable coaches have visited the facility. Some include: Rick Patino of University Louisville, Frank Martin of Kansas State, Delante Hill of University of Maryland and a host of others. Each has been pleased to see Quakerdale’s initiative to build a first class program that is strengthening men academically, physically, emotionally, and mentally.

The team has had a total of 25 colleges and universities offering the student-athletes scholarships in education and basketball. Some schools include St. Cloud, UMBC Blatimore, Texas A&M, North Dakota State, University of Tennesee, Gramely and many more.

Two members of the team plan to return to the Promise Academy for the next academic year.

Another successful academic year at the Promise Academy

This has been a year of great progress as Promise Academy staff and students

together have learned how to teach, tutor, and learn in a nontraditional environment. Four Basketball Prep academy students have taken high school courses through National University Virtual High School, while five of them have started their college careers, completing college courses through Ellsworth Community College online.

In addition, the students residing in Tatum Cottage joined us in the classroom setting, completing computerized Monarch curriculum and other assignments under the direction of school staff. As a result of partnering with these educational institutions, strong working relationships have developed between the Academy, NUVHS, and Ellsworth. These new friends and partners have enhanced our students’ learning in immeasurable ways, helping to instill values of hard work, integrity, and pride in academic accomplishments.

Students and staff spend time together outside the classroom as well as inside of it. Included were field trips, bike rides, visits to Wolfe Ranch Life Enrichment Center, Pizza Ranch Tip Night, swimming at the Marshalltown Y, and of course, attending Quakerdale Eagles games to cheer on our fellow students.

We look forward to applying what we have learned as new students arrive to join us. Please continue to support us in this new venture as we begin to plan for school year 2012-2013, when one of our major goals is accreditation of this new academic program.

Lamont Adair signs to Conner State College

Campus News

A fun filled day in Marshalltown

On, Saturday, January 15th, Branson Cottage girls and staff beat the winter weather and enjoyed a fun-filled day in Marshalltown, IA. The girls kicked off the day shopping, went out to eat for lunch, and enjoyed a couple of hours

swimming at the YMCA. After departing from the YMCA, the group went straight to Elim Lutheran Church for fellowship and a hearty Midwestern meal of meat, cheesy potatoes, bread, and desserts. By the time the girls returned to Branson Cottage, everyone was in good spirits and understandably tired from all the fun and activities planned. A special thanks to the members of Elim Lutheran Church for their food and fellowship, whose generosity continues to make a positive impact in the lives of youth!

New Experiences

On December 17th, 2011, three staff and six kids attended a hockey game in Omaha,NE. Playing was the Omaha Lancers versus the Sioux Falls Stampede. In this

grueling game, the crowd enjoyed the physical contact of the game. During the game, the crowd was able to throw stuffed animals over the glass barricade every time the Lancers scored, which would later be donated to children in need. The Lancers ended up winning the game with a score of 5 - 2. Before they went to the game, the group went to the Golden Corral to feast at the all-you-can-eat buffet. They enjoyed copious amounts of steak, chicken, but most of all desserts, including a chocolate fountain and cotton candy. Most of the kids had never been to a hockey game prior to this day, making this an unforgettable experience for all who attended.

Out and about

The Waterloo Campus is busy learning and giving back to others. Transitional Living Cottage volunteers at least every week at the Grout Museum, the Food Bank, or ASPIRE. Several clients have successfully completed the

program and aged out of the system after graduating early. Many still stop by every few weeks to see staff and ask for advice on how to deal with things that are going on in their lives. It’s nice to see that they are still doing well and that the connections we made are still strong.

Slife Residential is also volunteering weekly doing various cleaning and organizational projects. They especially enjoy their time at the nursing home. They are improving their skills in anger management, social skills, as well as developing coping skills through learning more about their emotions and triggers. We have had several clients successfully complete the program as well and they are also staying in touch with us on how their life at home is going.

Brandon gives the camera a big thumbs up at the hockey game!

Quakerdale Opportunities for Enrichment

Spring 2012 Events:

• Marriage Enrichment Retreat: March 30 - 31st - Wolfe Ranch Life Enrichment Center - Spend two days learning how to strengthen the foundation of your marriage. Register today by calling Mindy Hadley at 641-497-5294.

• ‘Fun on the Bus’ during the Greatest Spring Break in the World for Kids: March 16 - Waterloo - Quakerdale will be providing fun activities at the event. Spring break is March 10 - 18. Learn more at www.worldsgreatestspringbreak.com

• Greg Kersten’s O.K. Corral Series Seminar, “O.K., It’s Family Time: DO Try This At Home!”: May 3 - 5 - Wolfe Ranch Life Enrichment Center - The founder of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, Greg Kersten, will be making his way to Quakerdale to host a very interesting seminar on emotional health and growth of families through EAP. To register call Jennifer Daniel at 641-485-9931.

• Chik-fil-A Leadercast: May 4, 2012 - 8:00 pm - 3:30 pm New Providence Campus. Early Bird Tickets $35 until April 6th! Register today by calling Mindy Hadley at 641-497-5294.

• Broer Center Open House and Promise Academy Awards/Recognition Banquet: May 5, 2012 New Providence Campus

Be a Leader of Leaders in Your Community!

On May 4, 2012 Quakerdale will be joining thousands of locations around the globe in broadcasting the Chik-fil-A Leadercast, live from Atlanta, Georgia, at the New Providence Campus. This will be an unforgettable day of learning, networking, leadership training, and inspiration. Participants will be empowered with the insights of world-renowned leaders such as Tim Tebow, Soledad Obrien, Urban Meyer and many more. Expect to be challenged, and learn how to improve your leadership skills to make an impact in your community. Continuing Education Units are also available for various professions.

May 4th. One Day. Choose to be there. And bring your friends and colleagues!Prices: $35 - April 6, $55 - March 16 - May 3, $75 - At the door. Sponsorship opportunities are also available! Get exposure for your business.

Global Event!

Register today!Call Mindy

Hadley 641-497-5294

Get the details about Quakerdale events online at www.quakerdale.org

An important part of Quakerdale’s Spiritual Life program is to offer youth fun opportunities to learn and have a meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ .

One of the popular Spiritual Life activities are weekend retreats. Pictured above are three Waterloo campus residents enjoying a Spiritual Life weekend retreat.

The retreat was centered on the Bible’s teachings on friendship, choices, and values. In conjunction with group and individual devotionals, the girls enjoyed supper, breakfast, hiking and a big screen movie.

Pictured above are Alexis, Najah, and Breanna, (left to right)

The Quakerdale Spiritual Life program offers youth opportunities to learn about God’s messages of love, freedom and forgiveness.

Spiritual Life

Make sure to follow us on Facebook at

www.facebook.com/quakerdaleofiowa

You are invited to share in Quakerdale’s memorial program by giving a gift to thoughtfully remember family members or friends who have been a vital part of your life or to honor special events in the life of a friend or loved one, such as birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and other memorable occasions.

Your gift to the Memorial Fund, added to the many other gifts received each year, is a gift that keeps on ‘living,’ thereby offering a fitting memorial to the person(s) being honored. To acknowledge your thoughtful gesture, a card stating that you made a gift to Quakerdale is promptly sent to the family or person you designate. Also, your name will appear in the next issue of News and Views as a memorial or special tribute donor.

Memorial GiftsSeptember 21, 2011 - February 7, 2012

Aaron Randall Lee and Valois Brintnall

Abel and Ellen Moffitt Esther Houston

Agnes Hauser Karlene and Dennis Kingery

Al Winter Mr. and Mrs. Donald Hauser & Family

Andrew Stangeland Junior and Donna Lawler Nadine L. Olson

Ann Velde Doris Hibbs

Arlene Engle Ray and Sherrill Anderson Charles and Ann Nichols Jerry and Mary Rogers Marty Rogers

Audrey Steelman Ray and Sherrill Anderson Leon and Barb Herndon

Ben Packer Irene Packer and Family

Beverly Ryken Stan and Marjorie Brandt

Bill Barrow Dorothy Clifton

Bob Strohm Jerry and Marilyn Riggins

Carl Immel Steven and Somjit Pagel

Carl Phillips Paul and Colleen Welch

Charlene Hrnicek Dolores Horn

Charlene Ibbotson John Ibbotson

Charlie Fee Paul and Colleen Welch

Charlotte Reese Schmitt Jane Jessup Mayer

Daniel Yordy Mr. and Mrs. Donald Hauser & Family

Darlene Hansen John and Michelle Herman

Earl Boyer Kay Griffel

Dave Quance Jeff and Brenda Gore Leon and Barb Herndon Kevin and Beth Nederhoff

Dennis Putnam Patricia Hauser Mr. and Mrs. Donald Hauser & Family

Dick Grossman Lona Wolfe

Doris Pfantz Marian Flora Dolores Horn

Doris Reily Marian Flora

Dorothy Miller Mr. and Mrs. Donald Hauser & Family

Douglas Goecke Paul and Colleen Welch

Dr. Alison Clarey Kay Griffel

Dr. David Twedt Lona Wolfe

Dr. Henry Wolfe Dee Dee Rogers

Irwin Seward Garnita Seward

Ebbel Gerzema Stan and Marjorie Brandt

Elsie and Howard Gimre Rog and Bev Prescott

Elwood Geiken Stan and Marge Brandt

Fern Elinor Nasby Harden Terry and Julianne Paustian

Frances Burkle Stan and Marjorie Brandt

Gertrude Wood Neil and Alice Hadley

Gilbert Frahm Dick and Ardee Talbot

Harlow and Esther Witt Linda Witt Guyaux

Helen Gall Royal and Paula Young

Howard Rogers Diane Rogers

Irvin Dale Kosanke Vi Collins

James Williams Peg De Armond

John Langfitt Evalyn Mathews

Joseph “Bud” Pearce Jeff and Brenda Gore Leon and Barb Herndon Kevin and Beth Nederhoff

Julie Brown Ray and Sherrill Anderson

Karla Gustason Bob and Joan Fisher

Katherine Buchanan Lona Wolfe

Kenneth Coffman Junior and Donna Lawler

Kenneth Pfantz Paul and Colleen Welch

Kristin Irvine Barker Jerry and Marilyn Riggins

Lawrence Ely, M.D. Diane Rogers

In Lieu of Christmas Gift for Daryl and Kathy Gilmore : Given by Ab and Pauline WhiteIn Lieu of Christmas Gift for Judy and LeRoy Luhring: Given by Donna Lundberg

In Lieu of Christmas Gift’ for Our Parents Ruth Logue and John and Barbara McCune: Given by Mike and Kathy McCuneIn Lieu of Christmas Gifts for Larry and Linda Eliason: Given by Bob and Joyce Street

In Honor of David Lewis’ Retirement: Given by Holly FisherIn Honor of Clara Millett: Given by Elaine Wedeking

In Honor of John and Michelle Herman: Given by Dean RenaudIn Honor of Opal Wilson’s Birthday: Given by Don and Jan Lehmann In Honor of Pastor David Lewis and Family: Given by Dolores Reece

Special Tribute Gifts

Memorial Gifts Continued...

Leland and Mildred Keen Tom and Kay Ach

Leona Froning Kay Griffel

Leslie Ralston Karlene and Dennis Kingery

Lila Klemme Don and Winifred Adams

Linda Diane, Jeffrey, and Cynthia Jane Rogers Diane Rogers

Lloyd Sparks Alice Sparks

Louise Parker Thelma Rae Long

LuVerne Bakker Kevin and Beth Nederhoff

Margaret Ann Martin Dorothy Bruner

Margy Haines Lona Wolfe

Martha Durley Dick and Ardee Talbot

Marjorie “Marj” Nelson Whitney Ray Mark Johnson Duane and Kathy Davis Richard and Kollene Dreifke Robert and Brenda Crabb Katherine Turk Rex and Kay Blanchard John and Jan Browning Michelle Herman Anthony and Mary Louise Lansbarkis Junior and Donna Lawler Don and Janice Lehmann Kevin and Beth Nederhoff & Family Valorie Richards Sarah Counter Wes Burnham Kent and Nancy Schornack Bill and Kay Smith Jim and Joanne Speas Robert and Jennifer Talbot Dick and Ardee Talbot Jane Whitehead Levi and Ramona Willits Opal Wilson Dr. John and Ann Wong

Martha Tollefson Levi and Ramona Willits

Martha-Ellen Tye William M. Tank, Jr.

Marv Moats Evelyn Schwarck & Family

Mary Blattel Paul and Colleen Welch

Max Butler Neil and Alice Hadley Bill and Laura Ruhnke

Melba Joyce Welch Lona Wolfe

Mike Small Don and Mary Humrichouse

Mr. and Mrs. Paul Norland Dean Norland

Nicky Fred Merrell Lona WolfeNorma Evans Don and Mary Humrichouse

Pat Acedo Lona Wolfe

Ralph Welch Paul and Colleen Welch

Robert “Rob” Cook Evelyn Schwarck & Family Jeff and Brenda Gore Neil and Alice Hadley Opal Wilson

Robert Rempp Virtus Brockman

Rosella Lane Royal and Paula Young

Ross Christensen Junior and Donna Lawler

Ruth Miller Mark and Pat Smith Faye Smith

Stanley Leise Daryl and Kathy Gilmore

Steve Schroeder Dolores Horn

Sue Quaife Jerry and Marilyn Riggins

Ted Robinson Royal and Paula Young

Vesta Hansen Walter Hansen

W. D. and Thelma Murray William A. and Louise Murray

Wayne Smith Junior and Donna Lawler

Wilbur Klatt Steven and Somjit Pagel

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDNew Providence, IA

Permit No. 4

QuakerdaleP.O. Box 8New Providence, Iowa 50206

Address Service Requested

New colorsSame organization

With gratitude, we offer many ways you can help!Written by Donna Lawler, Director of Major and Planned Giving

I’m interested in more information! I understand I am under no obligation. *please clip and send in attached envelope___ Please contact me. I’m interested in learning more.___ Please send information on Charitable Gift Annuities___ Please send information on gifts of securities

Name _______________________________________________ Phone ________________________Address ___________________________________________ E-mail___________________________City _____________________________________ State ______ Zip ___________________________

I want you to know how much we appreciate your financial partnership. We are able to maintain quality support ser-vices for children and families AND offer new educational and outreach programs because of your generosity and the generosity of those over the years who have left gifts through their estates. We are a resource for many more families because of you!

I would like to remind you of ways you can make a difference in the lives of children and families by making a simple gift...

1.) Give electronically through our website. Go to www.quakerdale.org, click on “Help Now” at the top of the Home page and follow the instructions from there.

2.) Give to Quakerdale through the Hardin County Community Endowment Fund. Your gift will qualify for the usual charitable income tax deduction AND will also be eligible for the 25% Endow Iowa Tax Credit.

Go to www.donateiowa.org and click on Hardin County, then “Donate Now”. Follow the instructions to designate your gift to the Quakerdale Endowment Fund.

3.) Write a check and send it in the mail. This is always an option of course. An envelope is provided in this newsletter for your convenience. Our intention is to make your giving desires easy to fulfill and as beneficial to you as possible.

Thank you!

There are also giving opportunities which allow you to receive income during your lifetime and make a gift for us when you’re gone. Learn more by visiting www.quakerdale.org and clicking on “Planned Giving” or contact me at dlawler@quakerdale.org or 641-497-5294. I’d love to visit with you in person!