People Stories

This section is dedicated to the many inspiring stories of triumph that take place each day at Dakota Communities. If you have a testimonial or story concerning a Dakota Communities employee or person with disability who has achieved their potential, please share with us. Email your story to us and, if you request, your anonymity will be protected.

Love for the Game

Tom has a love for the game of golf that can't be denied. Introduced to the game at the age of 4 by his parents, Shirle and Wayne, Shirle said, "We gave him an old putter and let him try to put the ball in the cup while we were trying to do the same thing." As Tom grew up, he played with a favorite teacher, took golf lessons from the club pro and added his brother and sister-in-law, George and Madelyn, to his list of golf partners. The idea was to " just have fun." Today Tom has many golf partners. If his schedule and pocketbook allowed, he would play several times a week. Together with friends David, Aaron, and Tom, last summer he played in the Doolittle's Golf Tournament to benefit Dakota Communities. Twice a year he visits his brother George in Colorado to play a few rounds. What makes Tom a champion golfer is his even-tempered tenacity as he competes in Special Olympics Golf. For three years, Tom has advanced to the state level competition and come home with six gold medals. His next goal is to qualify for and represent Team Minnesota at the Special Olympic Games in Iowa this summer. Even with all the support and encouragement he receives, Tom doesn't let the accolades go to his head. He's just a man with a love of the game and occasional words of coaching for his mother, Shirle, which usually begin with, "Oh, mom!"