My Happy Place - Mankato

07/29/2026

Sometimes in life timing just isn't quite right - and that's what happened with Ceceli, who was hoping to take over the directorship of My Happy Place - Mankato. Her heart was aligned with My Happy Place, but she had personal matters that needed her full attention. With genuine care for the organization, she chose to withdraw her intentions, and we are grateful for the grace and honesty she brought to the process.

The good news is that life has a way of bringing the right people forward at the right moment. We're thrilled to share that another wonderful candidate stepped up - someone whose passion, energy, and heart for service shine brightly.

Please meet My Happy Place- Mankato's new director, Laura Doyen.

Laura - "I am truly honored to step into the volunteer role as Director for My Happy Place - Mankato.

In a previous role as Executive Director of a nonprofit supporting breast cancer survivors, I had the privilege of walking alongside individuals and families during seasons filled with uncertainty, fear, and incredible courage. Those experiences taught me that while we can't change a diagnosis, we can change how someone feels as they walk through it. Sometimes the greatest gift we can offer is simply letting someone know they are not alone.

I have long admired the heart behind My Happy Place and the difference it continues to make in our community. The kindness, generosity, and dedication of Jaci and the incredible women who have poured their hearts into this organization have created something truly special. They have built a place where people facing a serious health diagnosis can feel supported and cared for in ways that extend far beyond the room makeover. I am honored to help carry that mission forward.

As I begin this journey, my goal is simple: to serve with compassion, listen with intention, and help ensure that every recipient and their family who walks through My Happy Place, feels a little more hope, a little more comfort, and a little less alone. And of course, to provide a beautifully redecorated space they can call their happy place - a space that plays a meaningful role in the healing process.

I look forward to learning from this incredible community and doing my small part to help this beautiful mission continue to touch lives for years to come."

My Happy Place is community driven and if you want to help Laura by volunteering please comment below.

If you have a friend or loved one who could benefit from having a My Happy Place room makeover, please use this link to nominate them: https://myhappyplaces.org/nomination-form/

06/27/2026

We are thrilled to share that My Happy Place - Mankato has a new director stepping in to lead with heart, compassion, and excitement for the mission.

Her name is Ceceli Bidelman and I hope you'll welcome her with all the love the community of Mankato is known for.

Ceceli - "I've spent most of my career working in nonprofit leadership, healthcare, and community engagement, but what has always mattered most to me is helping people feel connected, supported, and seen. Whether through building programs, creating partnerships, or simply bringing people together, I've always believed that strong communities grow through kindness and genuine relationships.

I'm honored to continue the beautiful work of My Happy Place - Mankato, and look forward to working alongside volunteers, community partners, and the families we'll serve. I'm excited to listen, learn, and help create a space where people can find encouragement, connection, and a little extra joy when they need it most.

I'm grateful for the opportunity to be a part of that here in Mankato."

My Happy Place, Inc. would like to thank Jaci J Hanson and her team of volunteers for taking the rein for the past 5 years and doing an amazing job! You touched the lives of many in a most powerful way! We're proud of the work you've done.

Please comment below to welcome Ceceli and let her know if you're interested in helping. MHP is about community engagement and we're always looking for amazing volunteers - designers, painters, carpet layers, fundraising and businesses who want to offer services or sponsor a room. Your talents truly make these makeovers possible.

LOOKING FOR APPLICANTS! If you have a friend or loved one, diagnosed with a serious health condition and could benefit from having a "happy place" created just for them, use this link to nominate them. Qualifications are listed on the link:
https://myhappyplaces.org/nomination-form/

06/24/2026

We're thrilled to share that A NEW DIRECTOR HAS BEEN FOUND TO LEAD OUR MANKATO CHAPTER! We appreciate all those who expressed interest.

Her name and photo will be posted soon - stay tuned for the official introduction.

Send a message to learn more

06/22/2026

My Happy Place - Mankato recently shared that they plan to disband and while we respect that decision, we also believe something beautiful can still happen here and the funds that the community has donated can remain helping individuals in the Mankato area.

We don't want to close this chapter unless absolutely necessary.

All it takes is finding a NEW DIRECTOR with a heart for helping people going through tough health journeys.

If you've ever felt called to make a difference... if you've ever wanted to bring comfort, hope and healing to families right here in Mankato, this might be your moment. Please take a minute to watch the video. This is the impact you could have.

Jaci has done a great job leading her team of volunteers and the community has supported them well. Let's try to keep MHP alive and serving the community!

If you're interested in learning what it looks like to lead a chapter, please email me: [email protected].

06/22/2026

We have made the difficult decision to wind down our Mankato chapter of My Happy Place and transition services to the remaining chapters.

The support of this community has been such a blessing. Because of you, we were able to serve many recipients. We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to give back to the Mankato area.

A heartfelt thank you to our past board members and business partners Rooms and Rest Furniture and Mattress, Rickway Carpet, Bellissimo Paint and Coatings and many others plus our individual donators. A special Thank you to Kendall Raatz and Tracy Zins, who stayed with me through the very end.

With Love and Gratitude,
Jaci

04/09/2026

Spring is here and we would love to be able to give someone a Happy Place!! Please message, applying on our website or email at [email protected] with questions.

Meet Steve KretschMy name is Steve Kretsch and I am married to my wife, Alissa. We adopted three wonderful, busy children: Ariana (11), Ryder(7), and Skylar (2). I have been a detailer at Mike’s Collision for twenty years. For a few years now, I have been going to doctors with what I thought was a...

01/15/2026

https://myhappyplaces.org/mhp-mankato-mn/

Applications are working. We are excited to create makeovers in 2026. Please share to help us spread the word.

We are looking for someone with a serious illness in the Mankato/North Mankato area that would benefit from a room makeover. Our goal is to provide a happy space for them during treatments.

Meet Steve KretschMy name is Steve Kretsch and I am married to my wife, Alissa. We adopted three wonderful, busy children: Ariana (11), Ryder(7), and Skylar (2). I have been a detailer at Mike’s Collision for twenty years. For a few years now, I have been going to doctors with what I thought was a...

12/16/2025

As this year comes to an end we want to send Huge Thank yous to all the businesses and individuals who supported My Happy Place in 2025. Your donations allow us to continue to create makeovers for our recipients. Rooms and Rest Furniture and Mattress, Inspired Portrait Photography, Ploog Electric, Circle Inn Bar - North Mankato, Smell the Roses Photography, Design Home Center, Simply Beautiful Homes, LLC, Rickway Carpet, Rayn Photography, Steve Eichberger, Katie Enggren, Holly Johnson, Larry Gluth, Sharon Staples Hohertz, Karin Ambros-Ward, Window World of Southern Minnesota, Holiday Inn Express, Caitlin Albertson, Angie Kimes, Tracy Zins and others I may have missed. We are always grateful for any support.