OUR MISSION
WATERTOWN, SD
My Happy Place
My Happy Place is a 501(c)3 organization comprised of passionate volunteers whose intention is to create healing environments for individuals who are struggling with a serious health issue. A “healing environment” is often defined as one that has a nurturing and therapeutic effect. We simply call it, “my happy place”.
For the person on a serious health journey, a healing environment can help to lower stress and anxiety, reduce pain, accelerate recovery and promote a sense of well-being. My Happy Place does all that, and more. Often times, the news that the individual is going to have a “happy place” created for them, is the first good news they’ve received since their diagnosis. This gives them something to look forward to other than focusing on their illness.
What we offer is one part of the healing process, and we believe a very significant part. Our hope is that each time the recipient walks into their “happy place”, they are reminded they are not alone on their journey-they have the love and support of friends, family and their community
Serving qualifying recipients in Watertown and a 35-mile radius
My Happy Place-Watertown is under the Group Exemption of
My Happy Place-Mason City, IA, Inc. for 501(c)3 tax deductible purposes.
My Happy Place-Mason City EIN: 46-2628458
My Happy Place-Watertown EIN: 32-0585131
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Meet Shanon Manley
Shanon was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colon Cancer in May of 2022. Since then she has had 5 major surgeries and 31 rounds of chemo as she continues to teach high school English. It has always been her dream to have an outdoor gathering space made out of a grain bin to spend time and create memories with her family of 6 (+4 dogs) on their acreage. While this is a large project and outside of the scope of what My Happy Place typically does, we are hoping to collaborate with someone who would be willing to step up and help with the grain bin portion, so we can come in and decorate and furnish it with a rustic farmhouse feel. Please help us in raising funds to make Shanon’s “Happy Place” a reality.
Meet Jessica Fischer
My name is Jessica Fischer and I am married to Ryan. We have three beautiful children, Sophie (9yrs), Raleigh (5 yrs), and Holden (1 yr). I am employed as a School Psychological Examiner for Northeast Educational Services Cooperative and Ryan works for the City of Watertown. We enjoy spending time together while camping, watching movies, and traveling.
My cancer journey started in 2018 when a Melanoma tumor was found on my left shoulder. It was surgically removed and there was no indication that it spread to any lymph nodes. A year later I had a PET Scan that showed no evidence of Melanoma in my body. I continued to see my Dermatologist every 3 months and received clear skin checks. In the beginning of May 2023, I started having headaches and blurry vision. By the end of the month, the headaches were unbearable….
MEET OUR BOARD
Trisha K. Rieffenberger
Director/President
Rachel Hauck
Secretary
Jill Pownell
Vice President
Laura Heathcote
Treasurer
BEDROOM MAKEOVERS
Peyton’s Bedroom Makeover
Carsten’s Bedroom Makeover
Sarah’s Bedroom Makeover
Ella’s Bedroom Makeover
Thank you to our Partners
Thank you to our partners, who are always up for helping out whenever there is a need!
My Happy Place Watertown, SD serving a 35 mile radius
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THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME
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Have questions about becoming involved with one of our affiliates?
We love answering questions and connecting with you! Whether you are interested in volunteering, becoming a sponsor or partner, or even potentially becoming an affiliate, you can contact us today and we will get back with you shortly.
WANT TO GET IN TOUCH?
We love answering questions and connecting with you! Reach out to us today and we will get back with you shortly.