Media Center

Summer 2010 a huge success!

Wow. It has been a fun, action packed summer at One Heartland! This summer we provided 9 sessions of camping programs to children, youth and families facing HIV/AIDS and other socially isolating circumstances. Despite many financial challenges, One Heartland was still able to provide a place of belonging to an extraordinary number of individuals. This is only possible through the kindness, generosity and compassion of our donors, volunteers, board of directors and staff. Thank you so much for your support!

This summer we provided:

2 weeks of Camp Heartland for HIV/AIDS impacted children and youth in Minnesota
1 week of Camp Pacific Heartland for HIV/AIDS impacted children and youth in California
1 week of Camp Hollywood HEART, an arts based camp for young adults living with HIV/AIDS
2 weeks of Birch Family Camp for entire families living with HIV/AIDS in New York City
1 week of Camp Northstar for children in transitional housing, partnering with People Serving People in Minneapolis

New this summer:

A long weekend program for families with Type 2 Diabetes in Minnesota, partnering with Park Nicollet Clinics
A 3-day leadership program for youth identifying as GLBTQA

One Heartland had a great summer and can't wait for next year! In the meantime, we'll be working hard to provide HIV/AIDS Awareness programming, support groups, and lifeskills training programs during our "off-season." Please consider making a donation to our year-round programs today!

In Memory of Dawn Wolff, the Mother of Camp Heartland

Dawn Dawn Wolff, the "mother of Camp Heartland," died on Monday, August 16, 2010. Wolff was the mother of Nile Sandeen, the boy whose HIV status caused uproar in Mequon, Wisconsin. After learning of Sandeen’s struggle in 1991, Neil Willenson founded One Heartland, a camp for children affected by HIV/AIDS.

Neil Willenson commented on Wolff’s life yesterday, “Her willingness to speak openly about AIDS back in 1990, when few did so, ultimately led to the creation of One Heartland. Without Dawn's courage, thousands of children and volunteers would never have experienced Camp Heartland. The genesis of my 20 year journey in the HIV fight – and that of so many others – was Dawn’s desire to create a world that was far more accepting and understanding regarding HIV/AIDS. She was a powerful voice for acceptance and HIV education at a time when few women publicly disclosed their HIV status. She was a role model who was truly ahead of her time.”

Wolff is survived by her parents Don and Jackie Wolff, her sons Nile and Sean Sandeen, a grandchild and many other family members.

“My mother spent her life working towards tolerance and acceptance of those living with HIV/AIDS in our community and communities across the country. If there was any message that she wants to come from her death it is the same message of education, prevention, and love for the AIDS community. Just as she lived a life of hope we grieve and commend her to God with hope. She did not lose, AIDS did not win. To the contrary, AIDS, like death has no dominion over her,” stated Nile Sandeen, Wolff’s son who lives in St. Paul, Minnesota and is attending Luther Seminary.

Funeral details will be determined in the coming days.

Summer 2010 a huge success!

In Memory of Dawn Wolff, the Mother of Camp Heartland

Resources

One Heartland's Upcoming Events