“We are very pleased and honored to receive this award:” says Executive Director Sandi Gerdes.
2011 saw us embark upon a campaign to raise $1.3 million to support a $2.5 million capital improvement project that rebuilt two cottages and will build two more, replacing an aged dormitory.
LBSA is the 11th largest employer in Northfield, with a $2.9 million payroll annually, whcih translates to a $10.44 million impact on the community, both direct and indirect. We have seen a 19% growth over the last 5 years, with a 5% growth in employment.
The Chamber banquet is on March 8th at the Grand. Tickets are $30 and are available through their office.
Recently, boys fromBoy Scout Troop 313 participated in a drumming group with Laura Baker clients, as part of their Disability Awareness Merit Badge. Previous to this, they had an opportunity to learn about People First language, disability etiquette, a little about what we do here at LBSA, and types of assistive technology. The coolest part was watching the boys go from seeming apprehensive to saying things like, “People with disabilities are actually fun to be with!” The boys have more requirement to complete, but are off to a good start. Thank you to everyone (parents, LBSA staff, and our enthusiastic clients) for facilitating this experience!
Our monthly drumming groups are open to anyone in the community! Originally made possible through a grant from the Northfield Area Foundation, the groups have continued for a couple years now, led by a music therapist and student volunteers from St. Olaf and Carleton Colleges.
Mark your calendars for upcoming drumming opportunities!
January 23, 7pm February 16, 7pm March 17, 3pm April 15, 3pm May 10, 7pm
Each group is held in the Millis Dining Room on the LBSA campus.
There is a $5 fee for participants who are not LBSA clients.
No drop-offs allowed; children should not be left unattended, and people who require staff support should participate with their staff.
Questions? Contact Jenny Pelletier at jennifer@laurabaker.org
Join Northfield’s performing artists–from all disciplines, all ages and all levels, elementary to professional–for an evening of reflection on the life and work of Martin Luther King.
The arts are the evening’s unifying factor in this event. Music, dance, spoken word, poetry and visual art meld together into a performance that thoughtfully and intentionally speaks to the legacy Dr. King left us.
Guest presenter is Mary Easter, Professor of Dance and the Performing Arts Emerita, Carleton College.
We invite you to join us for this meaningful celebration Friday, January 13, 2012 at 7:00 PM at ARTech Charter School, 1719 Cannon Road (behind Perkins restaurant.) Admission is free. For further information call 663-8806, extension 212.
There is an exciting opportunity coming this winter! Laura Baker and the Northfield Y are collaborating on a DRUMMING and DRUM-MAKING class—what a great winter activity to do with your family! All ages, all abilities welcome. Click here for more information.
St. John’s Lutheran Church (500 W. Third Street, Northfield), will be hosting the Laura Baker Christmas Service this year. The Laura Baker Choir will also participate. Please join us at 7 pm Monday, Dec. 19 at St. John’s!
LBSA is committed to developing services that help families with children who have developmental disabilities. And for our new respite services, we are trying to mobilize the volunteer population in Northfield. Most services will be provided by trained volunteers.
Volunteer training and coordination of services will be key to a successful program. We are thankful for this support from the Northfield Area Foundation.
For more information about FSS or to inquire about volunteering for respite services, please contact us via email (fss@laurabaker.org) or phone (507-301-1841).
This year’s Gala is “Celebrating Abundance!” from 5pm-9:30pm on Saturday, December 3 at Carleton College. We will have silent and live auctions, a Victorian Father Christmas, Scrooge and madrgial carolers strolling around. Seats are filling rapidly, reserve yours today by calling Jan at 507-645-8866 x107.
Platinum Sponsors:
College City Beverage
Mr. and Mrs. Frank and Sandy Grazzini
Throughout the year, the LBSA Green Team would like to recognize households and individuals (clients AND staff) who help with our “green” efforts at LBSA. Recently the students at the Laura Baker School made these cool recycling containers out of cardboard boxes, to be placed throughout the campus. The boxes were created as part of an art/music school group in August.
The Laura Baker Choir headed to the National Sports Center in Blaine last Saturday, to sing at the awards ceremony for “The World’s Largest Truck Convoy”. This is a fundraiser for Special Olympics, and we were honored to participate again this year. Thank you to Benjamin Bus for donating half the cost of our transportation, and to staff, family, volunteers — and of course the singers!
Email jan@laurabaker.org with the Laura Baker Newsletter Request in subject line and then leave your email address in the email.
Our Mission
Laura Baker Services Association's mission is to respect the life choices and dreams of people with developmental disabilities and help them reach their goals.
“We are very pleased and honored to receive this award:” says Executive Director Sandi Gerdes.
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