Please share to Dakota families – Volunteer host families sought for exchange students

Dear Mendota Dakotas –

Our exchange students loved learning about Native American culture at the Wacipi Pow Wow in the past. I am hoping to share the news out again in your community about the  opportunity to share more about your culture by hosting an exchange student. I’d also love to hear about volunteer opportunities at upcoming Pow Wows in the fall as our exchange students are active in volunteering.

Announcement to share:

Greenheart, a nonprofit, is looking for volunteer host families in the Mendota area for exchange students who are eager to share their culture with you and learn about your unique Native American culture! Many of our students are exceptional US State Department sponsored scholarship students who have received a merit based scholarship to come to the US. They arrive in late August and stay through early June. Host families provide a room (may be shared), meals, and a caring environment for their student. If you are interested in learning more about how to be a volunteer host family, please contact Mary Armstrong at 952-657-3406 / email: Armstrong.mary@mac.com website: www.hostwithgreenheart.org

Students are 15-18 years old, they speak English, have medical insurance, and their own spending money. Students attend the local public high school for an academic school year while they reside with volunteer host families. Greenheart provides monitoring/support services to students and families throughout their stay and has a 24 hour emergency hotline for health, safety, or travel emergencies. We also provide group orientations and enhancement activities.

Available Students:

Maryna (girl, Ukraine) – 16 years old – can’t imagine winter without skiing or ice skating! She enjoys painting/drawing, writing short stories/poems, cooking/baking, ballroom dancing, biking, cross country, wind surfing, dancing, photography, outdoor activities, yoga & student newspaper. She has no stated religion, no pet allergies, or dietary restrictions. Exceptional FLEX scholarship recipient.

Vlad (boy, Moldova) – loves soccer, volleyball, basketball, computer/internet, volunteering, watching movies, travel, picnics & cooking with his mom. He wants to work in Information Technology field. He is Orthodox Christian. No pet allergies or dietary restrictions. Exceptional FLEX scholarship recipient.

Best regards,

Mary Armstrong

Local Coordinator

Greenheart

TEL 952-657-3406