LFS to Launch Dana Village on the Dana College Campus in 2024
A Destination of Community and Hope
Nebraska has never shied away from innovative solutions, especially those impacting its most vulnerable populations. Now, one of the last challenges will be solved thanks to this new concept:
- Turn an abandoned college campus into a future of hope for young people aging out of foster care.
- Give them what they need — job training, therapy, financial independence — to become solvent, productive citizens.
- Create a community of support on a beloved campus — reactivating its mission: to educate, inspire, and set young people on solid footing and achievement.
Research shows that without intervention, chances are high that the young people who age out of care in Nebraska or Iowa will become homeless, incarcerated, or pregnant within the first two years. It’s a cycle of despair that we can change, starting at Dana Village.
Dana Campus to Dana Village
The beautiful 140-year-old campus tucked into trees and rolling hills above Blair was destined to be a place of growth and learning. Danish pioneers settled Dana College in 1884, and by the time the campus closed in 2010, it offered 40 bachelor’s degrees. The property covers 151 acres, just 26 miles northwest of Omaha, and will be named to the National Register of Historic Places in 2021. Dana Alums are proud Vikings and continue to gather annually to stay connected.
In 2021, the non-profit Angel’s Share began repurposing the campus into housing for youth aging out of foster care and low-income elderly. The success of that programming caught the attention of Lutheran Family Services, one of Nebraska’s largest human care organizations. It made sense to apply LFS’s expertise in foster care, mental health, and housing to amplify the work of Angel’s Share.
The name “Dana Village” is a nod to the rich history of the campus and its graduates. “Village” describes what it will be one day — a complete village of support, community, and hope for its young residents and the surrounding community.
The Future of Dana Village for Foster Care Transition
The child welfare system is sometimes described as a “highway to homelessness.” Approximately 20% of young adults become homeless as soon as they age out at age 19, and nationwide, fully half of the homeless population spends time in foster care. We can do better. Nebraska is known for making sure its at-risk children are cared for. This is the next step to transition from the foster system to successful adulthood.
“We anticipate Dana Village could set standards for foster care transition and campus revitalization that could be replicated nationally. We are building a model and want partners to invest alongside us,” said Chris Tonniges, LFS President and CEO. In early 2024, LFS will open 61 more apartment units on site.
Celebrate Dana Village and Learn More
LFS will host an official ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, February 9, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Dana Village Sports Center located at 750 Angels Share Dr. #100 Blair, NE 68008. The event is open to the public and will launch a new era for the campus. There will be remarks from Governor Jim Pillen and others. A reception will follow, and mini–tours of the new apartments will be available. RSVP to the event here.
To learn more or sign up for the Dana Village newsletter, please email dana@oneLFS.org.
LFS Therapist Story: How a Simple Project Can Make a Difference
According to LFS Therapist William McMillin, “Sometimes boys don’t feel comfortable playing with dolls.” However, McMillin’s client was able to benefit from a unique art therapy project that brought him numerous advantages, including improved focus and self-soothing techniques. The project was the creation of a wish doll, a simple yet effective art therapy technique that can be made using various materials such as yarn and fabric scraps. Through the project, McMillin’s client was able to focus on this project, allowing him to create something that he could use to help himself.
The client first brought in an inspirational quote related to his dream of working in the medical field, which he balled up to become the head of the doll. From there, he chose yarn and fabric, making choices that were compelling to him. Finally, the client attached the head to the body, wrapping the yarn around the fabric to create a unique and personalized wish doll.
“This is a simple art therapy project that almost anyone can do,” said McMillin, highlighting the accessibility of this technique. “Furthermore, the client reported that creating the wish doll helped him feel more present and focused on the task at hand, something he often struggles with.” In clinical terms, this project served as a self-soothing task that provided the client with a sense of comfort and relief. Additionally, the client can place the wish doll in a prominent location where he can see it daily, reminding him of the bright future he imagines for himself.
Through this simple yet profound art therapy project, McMillin’s client was able to experience numerous benefits that will help him in his journey towards mental wellness.
To learn more about LFS’s behavioral health offerings, click here.
Rally 4 Kids is March 7!
Join us for a fantastic evening filled with laughter, good times, and an opportunity to support Lutheran Family Services’ (LFS) programs. By attending Rally 4 Kids, you can positively change the lives of children and families. LFS provides comprehensive intervention and prevention programs that empower people across the region. Join us and help support over 40 programs that make a real difference in people’s lives!
