Minnesota Good Works

06/01/2026

What a difference a day of serving can make.

Last week, volunteers rolled up their sleeves and helped transform the future home of the MGW Outlet. From unloading trucks and moving supplies to painting walls, building displays, cleaning windows, hanging signs, and tackling countless behind the scenes projects, every helping hand moved us one step closer to opening our doors.

What makes Minnesota Good Works special isn't just the building. It's the people willing to give their time, talents, and energy to make a difference.

Looking through these photos, we're reminded that every painted wall, every box unloaded, and every project completed represents someone who believes in the mission and wants to be part of changing lives.

To everyone who showed up, worked hard, laughed together, and helped bring this vision to life, thank you. The MGW Outlet is becoming a reality because of people like you.

We're excited to welcome the community through these doors and show them what can happen when people come together for a purpose greater than themselves.

❤️ Thank you, volunteers. We couldn't do this without you.

05/30/2026

Last month, Donna had the opportunity to speak to the Northwest Federation of Republican Women about the work happening every day at Minnesota Good Works.

What started as a chance to share our mission turned into something much bigger. The presentation opened doors to new relationships, a podcast invitation, and even an opportunity to help inform legislation related to human trafficking and survivor support.

It's a reminder that when people hear the stories of lives being changed, they want to get involved.

We were encouraged by the support in the room, grateful for the opportunity to connect with community leaders, and humbled by the generosity shown that day. Together, attendees contributed $426 to help support the work of Minnesota Good Works.

Every conversation matters. Every relationship matters. And every opportunity to share our mission helps us reach more people who need hope, support, and a path forward.

Thank you to the Northwest Federation of Republican Women for the invitation and for helping spread awareness of the mission of Minnesota Good Works.

05/29/2026

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

This awesome family stopped by, found a pool, and gave Donna a new nickname along the way: "Discount Donna" so they could remember her name. 😄

That's exactly the kind of atmosphere we're hoping to create at the MGW Outlet. Friendly faces, great deals, and meaningful conversations with people from our community.

We're already seeing shoppers stop in, explore the store, and discover that every purchase does more than save money. It helps support the mission of Minnesota Good Works and the lives being impacted through our programs.

We're just getting started, and we can't wait to welcome even more of our neighbors through the doors.

05/29/2026

An Austin, Minn., man is jailed after being indicted on federal charges for enticing multiple child victims from across the nation to create sexually explicit images of themselves for him. Today’s indictments of Shadow Hawk Mallan, 28, follow an investigation by BCA predatory crimes agents which found Mallan would threaten his victims with violence or distribution of the images if they didn’t provide additional explicit content.

The BCA was assisted with its investigation by the Austin Police Department and FBI. Learn more about this case: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mn/pr/austin-man-indicted-production-child-pornography

If you see suspicious online conduct involving children, report it to NCMEC at 1-800-THE-LOST (800-843-5678). You can also contact your local law enforcement agency or contact the BCA at 651-793-7000. You can find additional resources on our website at https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/bca/bca-divisions/investigative-services/specialized-investigative-services/predatory-crimes/resources-victim-survivors-predatory-crimes

Photo credit: Sherburne County Jail

05/23/2026

🎉 SOFT OPENING ALERT — WE ARE OPEN!

🎉The MGW Outlet is officially in motion and you can start picking up your finds starting TODAY.

📍 Pickup Location: 11620 Crooked Lake Blvd NW, C**n Rapids, MN.

Soft Opening Hours: • Tuesday 2–6 p.m.• Thursday & Friday 2–7 p.m.• Saturday 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

🔥 Grand Opening: Saturday, June 27th • 9–2

It’s going to be BIG — mark your calendars.

🔗 Shop.Minnesotagoodworks.org — see everything in stock.

05/16/2026

A huge thank you to the C**n Rapids Sherwin Williams team for generously donating paint for the exterior of our new MGW Outlet location.

We are incredibly grateful for businesses that come alongside our mission and find practical ways to make an impact. Support like this helps us continue creating opportunities to serve survivors of human trafficking and strengthen our community.

Thank you for your generosity and for being part of something bigger than a building.

05/15/2026

Last night was a special one.

For the first time, our mentors gathered in our new space for an official meeting and we couldn’t help but pause and thank Jesus. Months of prayer, faith, generosity, and countless hands have led to moments like this.

This room wasn’t built just to fill a building. It’s a place where relationships will grow, encouragement will be shared, healing will happen, and lives will be impacted.

We’re grateful for every mentor who said yes and every person who helped make this possible. God continues to show His faithfulness and we’re just thankful to be part of the story He’s writing. ❤️

05/10/2026

God’s love shines brightly through the heart of a mother.

This Mother’s Day, we give thanks for every mom who inspires faith, shows kindness, and leads her family with courage and love. Your impact reaches far beyond what words can express.

“Honor her for all that her hands have done.” — Proverbs 31:31

Wishing you a blessed and beautiful Mother’s Day from MGW. 💖✝️

05/04/2026

Happy Birthday, Donna! 🎉

We thank God for your life and your faithful leadership as Executive Director of MGW. Your servant’s heart, wisdom, and dedication are such a blessing to everyone you serve and lead.

“May the Lord bless you and keep you; may His face shine upon you and be gracious to you.” — Numbers 6:24–26 ✨

Praying this next year is filled with His peace, strength, and abundant joy. May He continue to guide your steps and multiply the impact of your work.

Blessings on your special day! 💛🙏