New Children’s Space Doubles Programming Capacity
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, Minn. – On Wednesday, August 30th, The Dwelling Place, a local domestic abuse shelter and recovery organization, celebrated the grand opening of the Belva’s Children’s Programming Space. The new facility doubles the previous children’s space capacity and makes it possible for programming to be tailored to age-sensitive activities.
The Children’s Program helps children escaping and recovering domestic violence. Along with their mothers, children are finding healing and breaking generational cycles of abuse. The program includes age-sensitive therapy, support groups, one-on-one tutoring, socio-emotional skill building, and learning about Jesus Christ.
The Dwelling Place outgrew the small play area for its Children’s Program. Infants to 12-year-olds frequently needed to use the same area.
“The need for expanding program spaces was clear, but the funding was largely unknown until Northeast Bank stepped in to fund our Children’s Program space expansion,” said Meagan Struck, Director of Development at The Dwelling Place.
Now, freshly stocked with scooters, jump ropes, and a jumbo Connect 4, Belva’s provides a space conducive for school-aged children while programming for toddlers can remain in the original space.
Northeast Bank has a long-established partnership with The Dwelling Place and provides banking services and financial classes for their residents. The children’s space was named after the bank’s foundation president, Belva Rasmussen, who formed the foundation to carry out community-building work and is passionate about children, laughter, and play.
“We are honored to name this new children’s space after a woman who has been such a strong advocate for women and children,” said Struck. “What a legacy! The children at The Dwelling Place have an additional space to feel safe and loved.”
The Dwelling Place is a Christ-centered ministry providing healing and hope to victims of domestic abuse through supportive services and a safe, transitional place to call home. For more information, visit tdpmn.org.
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