Dorothy Day Tampa

06/15/2026

Helping Catholic Worker Houses and Farms survive and flourish.

Austin TX – 6/12/2026 - “Hi Michael, it was nice to talk to you just now. If I send the donation this way, is it to a 501(c)(3)? And do I make it out to the Dorothy Day Foundation? I am trying to make a pre-tax contribution to Mustard Seed Community Farm from my Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) money. If you are not familiar with this, once you get into your 70’s, the government requires that you start taking money out of retirement funds like 401Ks. If you donate it to a charity, then they don’t tax you on it. So, this is a great way for us oldies to stretch our charitable donations. ANYWAY, just trying to make sure I’m following the right procedure.” – S.C.

Did you know? Despite traditional Catholic Worker Movement resistance some Catholic Worker Houses and Farms choose to incorporate as 501(c)(3) nonprofits or partner with separate 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsors for survival.

To accommodate donors making Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), Mustard Seed Community Farm (MSCF) https://www.mustardseedfarm.org/ partnered with 501 (c)(3), Dorothy Day Foundation (DDF) - https://www.dorothydayfoundation.org/ , an eligible fiscal sponsor to facilitate donations requiring donor acknowledgement and a tax receipt.

The fiscal sponsor must have 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status to receive donor IRA/401K QCDs. However, holding a 501(c)(3) status alone is not enough; the organization must also be a public charity eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions. To verify eligible charities:

https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/search-for-tax-exempt-organizations

In this scenario with MSCF, as their fiscal sponsor, DDF accepts, processes the donor’s RMD, creates and mails a tax receipt, a donor acknowledgement, and remits 100% of the RMD donation to Mustard Seed Community Farm.

Disclaimer – Dorothy Day Foundation does not provide legal or tax advice. The information herein is general and educational in nature and should not be considered legal or tax advice. Tax laws and regulations are complex and subject to change, which can materially impact investment results. Consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific situation.

Dorothy Day Foundation – viable, vibrant CW houses and farms.

06/10/2026

https://www.yelp.com/biz/southdale-ymca-edina?hrid=E-4xoTxyxDAxozMP0yOB_A&utm_campaign=www_review_share_postreview&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)

Update - I mentioned the Y leadership was open to my suggestions. Their current campaign is 'What…

06/10/2026

Help Mustard Seed Community Farm Grow!

Ames IA - For 17 years, Mustard Seed Community Farm has been growing fresh, healthy produce while building community, educating future generations, and serving neighbors in need.

Now, we're ready to expand our impact—but we can't do it alone.
Missing resources –
• $10,000 plumbing
• $7,500 HVAC systems
• $5,000 electrical hookups
• $1,000 commercial sinks
• $700 washing machine
• $600 water heater
• $300 toilet
• $200 utility sink
• $100 cleaning supplies

We need your help to secure the resources necessary to grow the farm and increase our ability to:

-provide more locally preserved foods to the community.
-expand educational and volunteer opportunities.
-strengthen connections between neighbors.
-build a more sustainable and resilient future.

Every gift, every share, and every supporter, helps plant the seeds for a stronger community.

Will you help us cultivate the next chapter of Mustard Seed Community Farm?

Consider a donation to transform the founder’s vision into reality. https://account.venmo.com/u/Mustard-Seed-Community-Farm or https://www.dorothydayfoundation.org/donate

Together, we can grow more than food—we can grow hope.

06/08/2026

Minneapolis MN - What Moved You at the YMCA?

Was it your first swim lesson? A coach who believed in you? Summer camp friendships? A fitness class that helped you feel stronger? Or simply finding a place where you belonged?

For generations, the YMCA has been creating moments that change lives. Those moments often become lifelong memories—and lifelong connections.

Today, we're asking a simple question: What moved you at the YMCA?

Share your story in the comments. Your experience may inspire someone else to discover the Y's impact for themselves.

And if the YMCA has made a difference in your life, consider helping create those same opportunities for children, families, and neighbors in our community. Join us in making a legacy gift, how we want to be remembered - https://www.ymcanorth.org/give Select ‘Southdale’ in the drop-down menu.

Every story matters. Every gift matters. Every person matters.

Tell us: What moved you at the YMCA?

06/06/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 2, 2026

Story County, Iowa — United Way of Story County is pleased to announce two Financial Empowerment Major Grant Awardees: Friendship Ark and Mustard Seed Community Farm - Ames IA.

Mustard Seed Community Farm: Food Security and Micro-Enterprise Incubator - Grant Award: $50,000

Mustard Seed Community Farm will utilize their grant to equip and staff a community kitchen space. This space will educate and empower Story County residents to process local produce into value-added products that can be stored to stretch their grocery budget or sold to increase their income. By offering instruction, kitchen access, and produce at no cost, Mustard Seed will create a low-risk environment where micro-entrepreneurs can borrow equipment to practice techniques and test recipes to develop their products.

In direct response to the financial strain lower-income households face, the on-farm community processing kitchen supports financial empowerment in three keyways: 1) by increasing affordable, year-round local food access, 2) by providing food preservation education, and 3) by providing economic opportunity through a micro-enterprise incubator program.

“Through this project, we aim to improve financial security through both providing year-round access to healthy, nutritious food and novel economic opportunities,” said Alice McGary, Executive Director of Mustard Seed Community Farm. “One hallmark of financial insecurity is food instability: not knowing where your next meal is coming from. Given rising and unpredictable costs of groceries and other supplies, expanded and consistent food access can alleviate some of the significant financial stress that our low- and moderate-income neighbors experience. What’s more, we believe access to healthy and nutritious food supports families and community members to thrive and to make well-informed financial decisions.”

# # #

About United Way of Story County

United Way of Story County mobilizes our community to create lasting change. Founded in 1953, we unite people, ideas, and resources to transform lives across Story County, working toward our vision of a connected and thriving community.

As a trusted leader and convener, our approach is simple yet powerful: we believe transformation happens when neighbors, businesses, nonprofits, and volunteers unite around shared goals. Through strategic investments in Bright Futures, Financial Empowerment, and Collective Well-Being, we tackle root causes of community challenges while building the connections that make Story County stronger.

True to our founding spirit, whenever there is a need in our community, United Way of Story County is there — listening, responding, and creating solutions that last. Learn more at www.uwstory.org.

06/04/2026

Challenge - Every year driver’s license fines and fees devastate the lives of millions of Americans.

Solution: Tampa’s Fines and Fees Ministry –Dorothy Day Tampa pooling $ and pro bono legal resources to resolve fines and fees issues by case management referral, one person at a time.

https://www.dorothydaytampa.org/fines-fees

“When you believe, enroll, and engage in a guest’s vision, expect profound transformational change.” – Michael Doyle

Tampa FL 5/1/2026 – “Hi Michael, again you have blessed my heart. I am crying tears of joy. Because I have been putting my best foot forward. I thank you from the bottom of my heart in directing me on this journey to attain transportation for my child and myself. May God continue to bless you and you're family. You will be in my prayers. Enjoy your weekend. Thank you so much for your help.” Alice E.

Fines and Fees solution – Fines and Fees paid $148 5/1/2026 for her Polk County traffic fine.

6/4/2026 text – “Good morning Mr. Mike. I got my license back. Thank you for all your help.” – Alice E.

Dorothy Day Tampa – working with the willing.

06/03/2026

Navigating Life's Challenges.

"The game of life is hard, and a lot of us are playing hurt." - Anne Lamott.

This powerful quote resonates with many of us, especially in our professional lives. We often face challenges that test our resilience, and it's easy to forget that others may be struggling too.

After the 2023 loss of my wife Ann, this quote truly resonates with me and serves as a reminder that life can be challenging for many of us. Whether in our personal or professional lives, we often face obstacles that test our strength and resilience.

As we navigate our careers, let's remember to approach each other with empathy and understanding. Everyone is fighting their own battles, often silently, and a little compassion and kindness can go a long way.

Let's support one another and create a culture of openness where we can share our struggles and triumphs. Together, we can make the game of life a little easier for everyone.

05/29/2026

Catholic Worker (CW) House Profile – Des Moines IA – Ames Romero House

https://romerohouseames.org/

Missing Resources - As we welcome new missionaries into our home, we are looking for any used furniture and mattresses for our bedrooms at the Yellow House. If you are looking to upgrade your mattresses or furniture and need a home for your old items, we would appreciate your consideration.

Your donations make our mission possible!

https://romerohouseames.org/donate/

Consider joining DDF’s 5/29 donation of four new low profile bunk bed mattresses with the donation of missing resources or a recurring monthly donation of $50/month, or more.

Dororthy Day Foundation – viable, vibrant CW houses.

05/28/2026

Challenge - Every year driver’s license fines and fees devastate the lives of millions of Americans.

Solution: Tampa’s Fines and Fees Ministry –Dorothy Day Tampa pooling $ and pro bono legal resources to resolve fines and fees issues by case management referral, one person at a time.

“When you believe, enroll, and engage in a guest’s vision, expect profound transformational change.” – Michael Doyle.

5/21/2026 – Challenge: after serving a four-year prison sentence, in April 2026 Brian H connected with prisoner reentry program, Operation New Hope (ONH), to relink to his Tampa community. He was blocked from jobs requiring a valid driver’s license.

His ONH job coach referred him to our Fines and Fees program. Recognizing his motivation, attitude and sense of urgency in our phone call, I shared we would help him with getting his driver’s license restored.

Did you know? Many Florida prisoners being released are given a $50 gift card, the clothes on their back, and a bus ride return to their original arrest location. For Brian, without ONH, that meant a $50 gift card and bus ride to Pinellas County and homelessness.

Fines and Fees solution – Fines and Fees pro bono attorney, Idalis Vento, Esq., drove him to the tax collector office and paid $61.25 to restore his driver’s license 5/28/2026.

Dorothy Day Tampa – working with the willing.

05/26/2026

Minneapolis MN: if your Spring cleaning yields gently used Legos, please repurpose them with the Southdale YMCA's Legoland Program.

YMCA - Invest in youth. Transform entire communities.