Staff photo by Fritz Busch New Ulm auctioneer John Dietz takes bids at a live auction at the Ivy House Spring Fundraiser at the Best Western Plus Conference Center Thursday. The event raised $11,000 for the Ivy House.

NEW ULM — Several hundred people heard about the successes and needs of Ivy House at a spring fundraiser at the Best Western Plus Conference Center Thursday.

Auctioneer John Dietz led a live auction with lots of energy, helping raise $11,000.

Since July 1, 2024, Ivy House has served 36 families, cared for 63 children, providing them 632 free days of care and 1,157 free health meals to them.

Ivy House offers free, confidential care for children up to age 12 for up to 72 hours at a time. Parents may participate in a family advocate program. A crisis nursery is available that distributes donated clothing, diapers, and other essential items.

Outgoing executive director Trisha Homan is moving on to a marketing role. She thanked donors for helping Ivy House install a new sidewalk and back steps, ensuring safer access for families.

“With the help of donors and volunteers, we updated all our bedrooms, making them more child-friendly and adding positive, inspiring messages to create a nurturing environment,” said Homan.

“We improved security of our home with a new front door and security cameras. We reached a new milestone adding a new full-time staff position. We’re thrilled to welcome Tyler Jennings as our lead childcare provider. His warmth and dedication have been an invaluable addition to our team. His care aligns perfectly with the heart of our mission,” she said.

Homan said the dedicated, compassionate Ivy House staff is a blessing.

New Ivy House Executive Director Jana Brueske Finden said she’s excited about her new job.

“I’m excited to follow this new path our lord set before me. Ivy House is a dream I never knew I had until it was presented to me. The Lord created in me a heart that thrives on giving, helping, caring and sharing all I have to offer with His guidance and love,” said Finken.

“It is my sincere hope, with God’s continued presence and grace, to maintain and grow relationships throughout the community to ensure that Ivy House and it’s mission thrive for many years to come,” she said.

Finden said she was amazed at home families are profoundly impacted by services Ivy House provides.

Ivy House founder Amber Collins said her dream was to go work with Mother Teresa but she died before Collins was able to do that.

“I realized we are doing profound work in New Ulm so I didn’t have to go across the world to do that,” she said.

She encouraged people to donate to Ivy House monthly to help it plan for the future.

For more information, visit https://ivyhousemn.org/about-us/