The Miller-Dwan Foundation

10/16/2026

After years of being told what her son Johnny would never be able to do, Alina Galligan took a chance on adaptive archery—and discovered a community where he could truly belong.

Through Northland Adaptive Recreation, Johnny found joy, connection, and a sense of pride, transforming not only his abilities but how his family sees his future. What began as a single activity became something much greater: renewed hope, possibility, and a place where Johnny can simply be a kid.

After years of being told what her son Johnny would never be able t...

10/02/2026

If you haven't already, please head to Zeitgeist Duluth to see The American Son—a powerful play that invites audiences into difficult conversations about race, family, identity, and the realities of navigating a divided world.

Theater like this, and the important conversations that follow, has a unique ability to bring people together, challenge assumptions, and create space for questions, empathy and understanding. We’re especially proud to cheer on Miller-Dwan Foundation board member Carl Crawford, who is part of the cast.

There are two shows left and we hope you can get to one of them!

09/16/2026

Thanks to WDIO for their support for Northland Clays Classic, the annual fundraiser for Northland Adaptive Recreation! It was a fantastic day, filled with smiling faces from our community while raising funds for adaptive recreation in our region.

Northland Adaptive Recreation held its annual fundraiser, the Northland Clays Classic. The funds support adaptive sports across the region.

09/10/2026

Interested in being a part of something fun and impactful? Northland Adaptive Recreation is looking for a few more volunteers for Northland Clays Classic, the largest sporting clay event in MN.

The date is Saturday, September 12 from 8 am - 5 pm.

Want in? Comment **VOLUNTEER** on the Northland Adaptive Recreation post or sign up at https://northlandadaptive.org/events-northland-clays-classic/

Each year, this event brings together our community to support the incredible programs of Northland Adaptive Recreation, which empower individuals with disabilities to stay active, connected, and thriving. From competitive sports to inclusive recreation, your participation helps make these opportunities possible.

🧡 WANTED: A FEW MORE GREAT HUMANS! 🧡

The Northland Clays Classic is almost here—and we need a few more volunteers who are good at high-fives, organized chaos and helping people have an unforgettable day.

You don’t need to know anything about shooting sports. We need friendly people to welcome teams, help everything run smoothly, point guests in the right direction and bring the energy!

📅 Saturday, September 12
🧡 Join the orange-shirt crew
🎯 Help create an incredible event
💙 Support adaptive recreation opportunities in our community

Come for the fun. Stay for the people. Leave knowing you helped make something pretty special happen.

Want in? Comment **VOLUNTEER** below or sign up at https://northlandadaptive.org/events-northland-clays-classic/

We are so thankful to our media partners: 95 KQDS, My 95.7, KDAL Radio 610AM & 103.9FM, 98.9 KTCO and WDIO for their ongoing support helping us spread the word about our adaptive programming and events--💪🧡

09/08/2026

Today is 988 day. This year's theme is 988 reasons: Your reason is enough

The 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline (988 Lifeline) provides judgment-free, compassionate support for anyone experiencing:
• Emotional distress
• Mental health challenges
• Problems with substance use
• Loneliness
• Thoughts of su***de or self-harm

When you contact 988 you receive
• Support from someone who cares
• Help creating a plan to stay safe
• Information about local resources and options

09/03/2026

For many, back-to-school season is exciting—but for others, it’s a time of anxiety, stress, and emotional upheaval.
Click here: https://arcamind.com/back-to-school-mental-health-tips.../ for practical and compassionate mental health tips to help you and your child feel more grounded, supported, and ready to take on the school year.

As the summer days wind down and the school year approaches, families across the country are preparing for the return to routines, early mornings, packed lunches, and backpacks filled with books and expectations. For many, back-to-school season is exciting—but for others, it’s a time of anxiety, stress, and emotional upheaval.

Click here: https://arcamind.com/back-to-school-mental-health-tips-for-parents-and-kids/ for practical and compassionate mental health tips to help you and your child feel more grounded, supported, and ready to take on the school year.

09/03/2026

This event doesn’t build itself.

Before teams ever step onto the course, sponsors are donating essential services, signs are being printed, materials are being packed, and hundreds of details are falling into place.

>> Hartel’s handles the dirty work.
>> ShelDon helps us turn countless details into an event-ready day.
>> KQDS and Midwest Communications help spread the word.
>> WDIO shares the stories that help our community understand the impact of adaptive recreation.

Thank you for helping bring the Northland Clays Classic to life—and supporting the adaptive recreation programs it funds.

Watch it all come together, then reserve a spot for your five-person team.

Register: https://www.northlandadaptive.org/events-northland-clays-classic/

09/03/2026

PULL!

The clay flies. The shot rings out. And whether it shatters or gets away, your team is already ready for another round.

That’s the Northland Clays Classic: intense competition, serious fun and one incredible day supporting adaptive recreation in our community.

A huge thank-you to Kolar Automotive Group for standing behind this event—and our mission—year after year.

Ready to take your shot? Gather your five-person team and join us September 12! https://northlandadaptive.org/events-northland-clays-classic/

09/01/2026

What does freedom feel like?

For 18-year-old Emma McDonald, it feels like flying down a snowy hill.

Emma lives with spina bifida, which can make walking difficult and exhausting. But when she straps into her snowboard, she can move fast, feel capable and leave everything else behind.

“On the slopes, I can go fast—it’s like running,” Emma says. “I don’t have to think about anything else; I just have fun.”

Through Northland Adaptive Recreation, Emma found more than a sport. She found confidence, friendship and a community where she belongs.

If she had to describe that feeling in one word, it would be free.

Watch or Read Emma’s full story:
https://northlandadaptive.org/events-northland-clays-classic/

Stories like Emma’s are why the Northland Clays Classic matters.

The event raises more than 30% of NAR’s program budget, helping provide adaptive sports and recreation opportunities that build confidence, independence and belonging.

Join us Saturday, September 12, at Old Vermilion Trail. Gather your team and take your shot for something bigger—because every target helps make more moments of freedom possible. Register or become a volunteer today!

Register your team:
https://northlandadaptive.org/events-northland-clays-classic/

08/26/2026

Happy National Dog Day! 🐾❤️

Today, we’re celebrating the special dogs who bring comfort, joy, and connection wherever they go—including those who support patients and care teams through animal-assisted therapy.

Animal-assisted therapy can help:
🐶 Reduce stress and anxiety
🐶 Promote feelings of comfort and emotional well-being
🐶 Encourage social interaction and communication
🐶 Provide motivation and companionship during recovery
🐶 Create moments of joy and connection during challenging times

At the Miller-Dwan Foundation, we’re grateful for the incredible role animals can play in supporting healing and whole-person care.

Here’s to the four-legged friends who remind us that sometimes, a wagging tail and a little unconditional love can make a meaningful difference. 💙

Happy National Dog Day!