Simpson Celebrates Community recognizes our community partnerships
The Simpson Celebrates Community event was held on Thursday, November 15 at Midtown Global Market in Minneapolis. This annual event is an opportunity for us to thank our partners within the community who have worked with us to end homelessness. The event culminated with the presentation of the Simpson Celebrates Community awards. 2007 recipients are as follows:

Burnie Smith Award for Sustained Service
This award is in honor of Burnie Smith, Simpson board member from 1982 – 2006. The award is given to a recipient who has demonstrated unflagging support for Simpson over an extended period of time.
Recipient: Karl Vollstedt (see photo to the right)
Karl has served as a visionary leader, strong contributor and committed public supporter of Simpson for many years. He served on the board of directors for six years, including a term as chairperson and now serves as a board emeritus. Karl has been a pillar of strength and support at Simpson in good times and in challenging times including fundraising, leadership in between executive directors, and strong board recruitment.

Champion Award
This award is to honor an individual who has advocated for public policy and/or community change that is helpful to Simpson and the people we serve.
Recipient: Gail Dorfman (left, with Patrick Wood, Board member)
Since taking office in 1999 as a Hennepin County commissioner, Gail has worked tirelessly to end homelessness, promote the development of affordable and supportive housing, and reform our mental health system. The Heading Home Hennepin Plan to End Homelessness in 10 Years in Minneapolis and Hennepin County exists because of her strong leadership on the issue. She is passionate, influential, and truly cares about the issues facing people experiencing homelessness. There is not a stronger leader on the issues of homelessness than Gail Dorfman.

Volunteer Service Award
This award is to honor a Simpson volunteer or group of volunteers who have made a substantial contribution to Simpson and the people we serve. This year, two awards were given in this category.
Recipient: Wanda Kanwischer and Normandale Community College (right photo: Wanda with Julie Manworren, Simpson Executive Director)
Wanda and Normandale began partnering with Simpson about 10 years ago to provide college students with a service learning experience and to fulfill our need for overnight shelter volunteers.
Numerous Normandale classes have been paired with Simpson, including classes in the college’s Criminal Justice academic department, educating future law enforcement personnel on homelessness and poverty.She has also organized a group called Hats for the Homeless, where students gather once a week to knit and crochet hats, mittens, and scarves for people experiencing homelessness.
Since we’ve had the ability to track volunteer time in our database, Wanda and Normandale Community College have provided Simpson with over 260 overnight volunteers and countless hours of service.

Volunteer Service Award
This award is to honor a Simpson volunteer or group of volunteers who have made a substantial contribution to Simpson and the people we serve. This year, two awards were given in this category.
Recipient: Stephanie Sibet (left, with Dan Poorman, Board member)
Since March of 2005, Stephanie has volunteered for over 75 overnight shifts in the men’s shelter, sharing over 1,000 hours of her time with shelter guests, while working full time as a bike messenger. She can be counted on to sign up for at least two nights a month at the men’s shelter and she can also be counted on to fill in at the last minute. Comments from the shelter staff include: “She is quiet, but has this amazing sense of humor. The guys just open up when they talk to her. She goes above and beyond. She’ll even stay up all night and sort the supply room.” When the men’s shelter team was asked who they would like to see win the Volunteer Service Award they unanimously agreed: Stephanie Sibet.

Your Support Makes a Difference Award
This award is to thank and honor an individual, faith community, foundation, or corporate donor who has invested significantly in the work of Simpson.
Recipient: Target Foundation (right photo: Board members Karen and Gary Kirt, Kris Kewitsch from Target)
This foundation has contributed over $1,130,000 to Simpson over the past seven years, making them the single largest private contributor to our work with people experiencing homelessness. Without this substantial financial contribution we simply would not be able to serve the numbers of people in our community that we do. In addition, hundreds of Target employees have stepped forward and given thousands of volunteer hours and dollars worth of in-kind donations through the Simpson Adopt-a-Family program, as well as making thousands of sandwiches for shelter guests. With a goal of giving back to the community and enhancing the quality of life in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, the Target Foundation hits the bullseye.

You Are Remarkable Award recipient
This award is given in recognition of the tremendous strides made by a family or individual who has participated in one of the Simpson programs.
Recipient: Brian K. (left, with Julie Manworren, Simpson Executive Director)
Mary Gallini, Housing Resource Specialist for the Simpson Single Adult Rental Assistance or SARA Program says: “Brian spent about 20 years without a permanent place to call home. Throughout the time I’ve known him (close to 10 years) he has always been friendly and kind to everyone he comes across, no matter what challenges were going on in his life. Now that he’s been in housing for over two years through the SARA program, he’s more amazing than ever.
Mike Menner of the Alliance of the Streets adds: “With the help of Mary Gallini and Simpson, Brian is now in permanent housing. He is committed to staying in that apartment and keeping it up. He clearly is taking care of himself and eating better these days. Who wouldn’t be when they are able to cook in their own place. I am proud of what Brian has accomplished these past few years.”
Everyone in this man’s life is proud to say they know him and Simpson is proud to give the You Are Remarkable Award to Brian K.