Two alumni-run nonprofits provide community care for the youngest and oldest among us

By Eric Butterman

From birth to aging, there are challenges to be faced throughout one’s lifetime. Two Carlson School alumni are easing some of those worries by making a difference at two different stages of life.

Deborah O'Halloran, ‘84 MBA, is the co-founder of St. Paul-based Second Stork, a nonprofit that helps new families with essential items to keep babies safe and healthy in the first few weeks of life. Supplies include a diaper bag filled with 100 diapers, wet wipes, other hygiene items, and a book explaining safe sleep. Second Stork, which will celebrate 15 years in 2024, gives away almost 3,000 diaper bags a year to families in need, partnering with more than 100 hospitals to distribute them. In addition, the nonprofit donates portable playards with a bassinet attachment that can be used until age 2 or 3 for safe sleep.

O’Halloran, who has 25 years of executive experience, including positions as vice president at Oppenheimer & Co. and senior vice president at Kinnard Investments, has greatly benefited from her Carlson School education in her role at Second Stork, she says.

“Carlson encouraged you to have a clean business process and not just look at the macro but the micro,” she says. “Working with as many places as we do, it’s important to be efficient.”

On the other end of an individual’s life cycle, DARTS is a nonprofit that serves older adults and their caregivers in Dakota County and the surrounding area. It’s not unusual to see DARTS pick up aging adults to take them in a van to the grocery store, a doctor’s appointment, or an entertaining outing, says DARTS President Ann Bailey, ‘84 BSB. Nor is it rare to see a DARTS representative at a senior’s place, taking on housework or yard work.

“One of the biggest threats to seniors is loneliness. It’s not just helping them with difficult tasks, but showing they are cared about,” Bailey says. “I can think of a story not too long ago where a senior hadn’t been on DARTS transportation for a bit and how many were missing him. Then when he’s taking transportation again, he sees how many people are asking where he was and how they see him as part of the community. It’s about a feeling of belonging.”

Bailey remembers when DARTS, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2024, was a comfort for her when she served as a caregiver in her family.

“I was first exposed to the organization because I needed help for my aging father, and DARTS was recommended to me. I know how difficult it can be when you love someone and you want the best for them,” she says. “We aren’t just providing relief for the person aging but for the ones who are trying to help and can’t always do it. We want them to know we’re in it together.”

Bailey, like O'Halloran, says her Carlson School business education continues to pay dividends. Citing a course in business writing and experiences as an IT professional at Target for 15+ years, Bailey continues making a difference.