https://www.dwellingplaceleavenworth.org/news daily 0.75 2022-02-09 https://www.dwellingplaceleavenworth.org/news/zach-found-his-life-direction-thanks-to-the-amigos monthly 0.5 2022-02-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ea8a7a476ee347f83e3ea86/1cbdc68a-6d50-46fb-bb8a-45dee747403f/zach+photo.jpeg News - Zach found his life direction thanks to The Amigos - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.dwellingplaceleavenworth.org/news/the-least-important-thing-alex-does-is-clean-says-grocery-general-manager monthly 0.5 2021-06-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ea8a7a476ee347f83e3ea86/1623078957754-QLJS12OHL1ZBWS19OFAP/Alex+at+Dan%27s+market.jpg News - ‘The least important thing Alex does is clean,’ says grocery general manager - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ea8a7a476ee347f83e3ea86/1592605148102-5VOA7KTDEPULO655VNLH/Dan%27s+market+4+Wes+smaller.jpg News - ‘The least important thing Alex does is clean,’ says grocery general manager https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ea8a7a476ee347f83e3ea86/1623079324851-0PKJSVHRRM776J0JVSFH/Alex+and+Barb+smaller.jpg News - ‘The least important thing Alex does is clean,’ says grocery general manager - Make it stand out Alex’s mom, Barb, visits him at Dan’s Market. https://www.dwellingplaceleavenworth.org/news/bill-jones-says-amigos-need-their-communitys-support monthly 0.5 2021-05-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ea8a7a476ee347f83e3ea86/1603143250718-S8A3PKW60WSCTTH9E3QA/Bill+Jones+portrait.jpg News - Bill Jones says Amigos need community’s support https://www.dwellingplaceleavenworth.org/news/jump-rope-company-blessed-to-work-with-amigos monthly 0.5 2021-04-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ea8a7a476ee347f83e3ea86/1616807160349-5G54D16GU3FSQUM3NPY5/Ultraspeed+Jumprope+Team+Members.jpeg News - Jump rope company “blessed” to work with Amigos Matt (middle) and the other Amigos visited the BuyJumpRopes facility and the rest of the team who work there in early 2020. The staff designed T-shirts honoring the Amigos. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ea8a7a476ee347f83e3ea86/1616806359722-7TPKHSVZO7XWDAJHIWHN/jump+ropes+1.jpg News - Jump rope company “blessed” to work with Amigos The beaded jump ropes are sold around the world for jump rope competitors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ea8a7a476ee347f83e3ea86/1616806775111-VIC1XOOSO1TSYEG6ULWB/jump+ropes+3.jpg News - Jump rope company “blessed” to work with Amigos BuyJumpRopes’ products are made with a variety of colored beads. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ea8a7a476ee347f83e3ea86/1616807107734-ZZSWMWYXEZLP20HR8JFG/jump+ropes+4.jpg News - Jump rope company “blessed” to work with Amigos https://www.dwellingplaceleavenworth.org/news/they-help-bring-out-a-better-me monthly 0.5 2021-03-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ea8a7a476ee347f83e3ea86/1612480520826-UPGL3PN9DSH11T91RUE1/Brian+and+Belinda+copy.jpg News - ‘They help bring out a better me’ Brian and Belinda Owens have found their '“home” working with The Amigos at The Dwelling Place. https://www.dwellingplaceleavenworth.org/news/weneedyourhelpvideo monthly 0.5 2021-03-04 https://www.dwellingplaceleavenworth.org/news/its-not-a-charity-its-a-brotherhood monthly 0.5 2021-02-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ea8a7a476ee347f83e3ea86/1592592007102-2TZO2Q0Y7WLOE8G28SW2/Games+4+smaller.jpg News - ‘It’s not a charity. It’s a brotherhood.’ Jay and Micah Dirkse enjoy Lucky Hat UNO nights with The Amigos, and especially the annual New Year’s Eve party. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ea8a7a476ee347f83e3ea86/1603296160654-UPLGC04H29NFFY15ZFPK/Jay+Dirkse+portrait.jpg News - ‘It’s not a charity. It’s a brotherhood.’ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ea8a7a476ee347f83e3ea86/1603296454616-TRCVCDUHUE6P3R8IKKU0/Jay+Dirkse+family.jpg News - ‘It’s not a charity. It’s a brotherhood.’ https://www.dwellingplaceleavenworth.org/news/the-amigos-teach-jordans-kids-to-love-and-value-people-who-are-different monthly 0.5 2021-02-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ea8a7a476ee347f83e3ea86/1609249517459-KRSRPUUL1FZQ7UMQCYXY/jordan+and+olivia.jpg News - The Amigos teach kids to love people who are different Olivia and Jordan McDevitt grew up with Matt. Now their children, including Titus (pictured several years ago), are growing up with Matt, too. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ea8a7a476ee347f83e3ea86/1609249777835-ETIMBEECOBSRX0METYXF/Matt+and+girl.jpg News - The Amigos teach kids to love people who are different Matt with Jordan and Olivia’s daughter, Daniela. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ea8a7a476ee347f83e3ea86/1609289289593-SYNVZ0F5XLC9B3PUU84X/Jordan+family.jpeg News - The Amigos teach kids to love people who are different https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ea8a7a476ee347f83e3ea86/1604353659155-9W2B1NR9UPZ3G6Q7947D/Matt+with+baby+7.jpg News - The Amigos teach kids to love people who are different https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ea8a7a476ee347f83e3ea86/1604353098613-D4E5LDDU3EH27CA0XB8K/Matt+with+baby+8.jpg News - The Amigos teach kids to love people who are different Matt Bangsund meets Titus McDevitt. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ea8a7a476ee347f83e3ea86/1609249719446-KP6CLQMF74SV814WLYEB/matt+and+titus.jpg News - The Amigos teach kids to love people who are different https://www.dwellingplaceleavenworth.org/news/emthisem-is-a-model-of-a-fulfilled-life-of-purpose monthly 0.5 2020-11-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ea8a7a476ee347f83e3ea86/1599836932229-JQH1Y47A99MABIS5I0P7/Danyl+1.jpg News - ‘This is a model of a fulfilled life of purpose.’ https://www.dwellingplaceleavenworth.org/news/tinas-story monthly 0.5 2020-10-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ea8a7a476ee347f83e3ea86/1602110330060-0KMR52F81Y3WWQLIBA5D/IMG_3323.jpeg News - Tina says Amigos brought healing to her life https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ea8a7a476ee347f83e3ea86/1602110377473-4U627MZJ9ED8JJO09VZX/FullSizeRender.jpeg News - Tina says Amigos brought healing to her life Tina’s family adopted Terry (pictured holding ice cream cone) after he came to live with them. Terry completed their family and brought much needed perspective and rhythms. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ea8a7a476ee347f83e3ea86/1602111269924-GCSH9YR8BRVK0Q9KV07S/Leprechauns+on+the+Loose+on+Shore+St+March+2020.jpg News - Tina says Amigos brought healing to her life https://www.dwellingplaceleavenworth.org/news/sheltering-in-place-kw5as monthly 0.5 2020-10-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ea8a7a476ee347f83e3ea86/1588797545489-UQVRB54329ODKTNWUY9S/Walking+1+smaller.jpg News - Sheltering in place Christopher and Alex head out on a walk. https://www.dwellingplaceleavenworth.org/news/an-answer-to-prayer-1-l45hj monthly 0.5 2020-09-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ea8a7a476ee347f83e3ea86/1590609107075-QTIG8HT77TP64URY8QRG/IMG_1020.JPG News - An answer to prayer Steve and Sally Voorhies prayed for their son, Christopher, to have his own life when he reached adulthood. The Dwelling Place answered their prayer. https://www.dwellingplaceleavenworth.org/news/the-amigos-are-all-winners monthly 0.5 2020-09-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ea8a7a476ee347f83e3ea86/1601419047270-8JA3HCPUEYTS5OHUVRKT/john+and+guys+special+olympics.jpg News - The Amigos are all winners! https://www.dwellingplaceleavenworth.org/news/spring-is-coming monthly 0.5 2020-09-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ea8a7a476ee347f83e3ea86/1601418970617-G55B935VOL2XFCHMBKHD/alex.jpg News - Spring is coming! https://www.dwellingplaceleavenworth.org/news/amigo-rainbow-ropes-reach-africa monthly 0.5 2020-09-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ea8a7a476ee347f83e3ea86/1601418889373-Y1NTQPF3JOQHA29KLJK8/jump+ropes.jpg News - Amigo rainbow ropes reach Africa https://www.dwellingplaceleavenworth.org/news/fish-lake monthly 0.5 2020-09-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ea8a7a476ee347f83e3ea86/1601418603799-KBOAQP4EV12JAHSYO64R/fishing.jpg News - Fish Lake https://www.dwellingplaceleavenworth.org/news/1hfajbxtv5zd135b81rq6yd3k6e47e monthly 0.5 2020-10-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ea8a7a476ee347f83e3ea86/1601418228980-1EERJ9Q3062W33U0ITV4/a+party+1.jpg News - Open House 2013 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ea8a7a476ee347f83e3ea86/1603205081939-SNOUMWMWK3WVUI6UCXQ6/a+party+2.jpg News - Open House 2013 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ea8a7a476ee347f83e3ea86/1601418293224-MUT11V26WIWKQ7L2IKCO/a+party+3.jpg News - Open House 2013 https://www.dwellingplaceleavenworth.org/news/giving-thanks monthly 0.5 2020-09-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ea8a7a476ee347f83e3ea86/1601417913570-R7FQHPC8WS9B60W9BJME/John+and+guys.jpg News - Giving thanks! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ea8a7a476ee347f83e3ea86/1601417993238-5AC84D73CSZE7H4BN1Z2/giving+thanks.jpg News - Giving thanks! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ea8a7a476ee347f83e3ea86/1601417975466-3YFGT991ZELSZ7I1JK4B/giving+thanks+2.jpg News - Giving thanks! https://www.dwellingplaceleavenworth.org/news/its-special-olympics-weekend monthly 0.5 2020-09-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ea8a7a476ee347f83e3ea86/1601417580020-QISF4AHQI4CUIYNG577P/john+and+guys+special+olympics.jpg News - It’s Special Olympics Weekend! https://www.dwellingplaceleavenworth.org/news/donate-through-amazon-smile monthly 0.5 2020-09-29 https://www.dwellingplaceleavenworth.org/news/let-the-games-begin monthly 0.5 2020-09-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ea8a7a476ee347f83e3ea86/1601417346680-H0S9WV1Q36PY8R21VW0H/racquetball.jpg News - Let the games begin! https://www.dwellingplaceleavenworth.org/news/its-special-olympics-time-again monthly 0.5 2020-09-29 https://www.dwellingplaceleavenworth.org/news/former-mayor-describes-the-amigos-big-presence monthly 0.5 2020-09-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ea8a7a476ee347f83e3ea86/1592341763845-GVJ4H695YEVDZ2GTBF46/Mayor+Cheri+Farivar.jpg News - Former mayor describes Amigos ‘big presence’ - “They’re such a vibrant part of the community. The footprint of the Dwelling Place is huge.” — Retired Mayor Cheri Farivar https://www.dwellingplaceleavenworth.org/amigos daily 0.75 2025-11-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ea8a7a476ee347f83e3ea86/41cd1d31-6f02-445d-9dbb-8d8cc3fa01ab/IMG_6391-3.jpg The Amigos - Alex Alex is our resident worker bee! He is happiest when working, both inside and outside of our home. You are most likely to see him vacuuming at Club West or Dan’s market. Alex also loves activities and socializing with his friends at church and at art and sporting activities put on by Upper Valley Connection. In his free time, Alex enjoys being with his friends and coloring in his detailed coloring books. Alex is a soft-hearted soul and is quick to come to the aid of anyone around him. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ea8a7a476ee347f83e3ea86/18568069-21f3-4076-8e96-a948e4b4005d/Christopher.jpg The Amigos - Christopher Christopher is a very sweet and tender soul. He loves keeping things orderly and organized, so we employ his help in keeping the beads in our jump rope shop in tip top shape. Christopher is a lifelong sports fan and enjoys watching the Mariners and Seahawks from the comfort of his cozy recliner. Christopher also enjoys watching musicals, especially well-established ones like Les Miserable or Beauty and the Beast. Christopher’s activity level has slowed down in recent years, but he enjoys being a spectator and cheering on his friends. Christopher is full of love and shares it generously with his friends and family alike. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ea8a7a476ee347f83e3ea86/201f910e-4dc1-4f7d-9ae9-877255f56981/ERic.jpg The Amigos - Eric Eric is easy to spot on our street while taking his daily walks to the river while wearing his ubiquitous orange safety vest. You are hard-pressed to catch him not wearing one his day-glow vest selections during waking hours! Eric loves the moon and bats, so we like to think of him as our resident Batman. You might catch a glimpse of Eric casting spells in our driveway with one of his magic wands from his collection. Eric also enjoys watching a Star Trek marathon with Alex and is a great helper in the kitchen. Eric brings a lot of humor to our home and keeps all of us entertained! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ea8a7a476ee347f83e3ea86/6931a34e-3c5b-42f5-96e7-6a842cae13a2/Chris.jpg The Amigos - Chris Tobias Keene, D.D.S. Hailing from Richmond, Virginia, Dr. Tobias Keene brings a bit of unabashed Southern hospitality to all his patients. He moved to Washington, D.C. over thirty years ago as a freshman at Ivy College. Right after graduation, he attended World University’s School of Dentistry. Before opening Keene Dental in 1994, he worked for free clinics and some of the finest practices in the District. He is part of the 123 Dental Association and stays up-to-date on the latest dental discoveries. When not striving to keep his patients happy and healthy, he’s enjoys hiking with his family in Rock Creek Park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ea8a7a476ee347f83e3ea86/94a47427-74be-4278-9d33-db4f0382d6ba/Chris+2.jpg The Amigos - Chris Chris is a friendly fellow who is quick to flash you a smile and offer a greeting. You may have caught a glimpse of Chris at Cascade Medical Center, where he has worked as a dishwasher since 2009. He is a proud alumnus of Cashmere Valley High School, and he looks forward to serving as the waterboy at every Cashmere Valley High School homecoming game. Chris enjoys working out at our local gym and spreading his happiness all over town, whether at church or the bank or shopping at Safeway! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ea8a7a476ee347f83e3ea86/fafececb-6d0e-4652-994b-4ead9197a318/Group+photo.jpg The Amigos https://www.dwellingplaceleavenworth.org/home daily 1.0 2025-11-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ea8a7a476ee347f83e3ea86/1588633365907-Z1C2QE5EWDAOVOWKSY2X/Alex+and+Barb+smaller.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ea8a7a476ee347f83e3ea86/1588635084412-UF8C1E34F95RPGPUPZBI/Chris+V+bedroom+5+smaller.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ea8a7a476ee347f83e3ea86/daf66743-4e0a-4706-a883-ddd4f125d7dc/IMG_1650.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ea8a7a476ee347f83e3ea86/1588634630705-50AHXXE871PNRGPFNLX8/Eric+making+jump+ropes+smaller.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ea8a7a476ee347f83e3ea86/1589423689361-1Z1COGQDGPMTE8228PZK/Dan%27s+market+4+Wes+smaller.jpg Home - “They just bring smiles to everybody’s faces. They’re so friendly and fun-loving.” — Wes, manager, Dan’s Market https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ea8a7a476ee347f83e3ea86/1589570625775-UMASLU57S6HWH61N74RH/Tina+and+Matt.jpeg Home - “When people come through the doors, they’ll say, ‘Wow, this really feels like a home. Everyone seems so joyful and purposeful.’” - Tina, caregiving manager https://www.dwellingplaceleavenworth.org/vision daily 0.75 2025-11-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ea8a7a476ee347f83e3ea86/b6bc00fe-9376-4a98-a0ed-35ccaf6bdd75/IMG_1650.jpeg Our Vision https://www.dwellingplaceleavenworth.org/friends daily 0.75 2025-11-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ea8a7a476ee347f83e3ea86/3b7f7854-696c-4cda-9ab7-47c127e31c73/IMG_3630.jpeg Become a Friend - Get involved Come visit! The best way to become a Friend of the Amigos is to stop by for a visit! The Amigos love it when friends stop by and, boy, do they know how to have a good time! How about putting an evening with the Amigos on your calendar? We love visitors! A quick phone call to Kathy at (509) 860-2359 will help us know that you're coming our way! Volunteer We have a very small staff and could use help in various in-kind ways! Our house is older and so there are regular maintenance needs. Are you handy with tools, plumbing, appliances, shoveling, chopping wood or mowing? We have great wood-chopping parties! We also welcome other forms of contribution. Some examples include (but are not limited to) your expertise and skills in marketing, filming and producing videos that tell our story, or organizing fundraising events. Call us to find out where your talents and experience can help meet our needs! Become a financial partner The Bangsund Dwelling Place is organized as a nonprofit charitable corporation with a faith-based mission to serve individuals with developmental disabilities. The Dwelling Place is a registered 501(c)3 tax exempt public charity. The Bangsund Dwelling Place receives funding from the State of Washington at the Medicaid rate, which is the lowest funding bracket for all Adult Family Homes in the state. This equates to about $97 per day per individual, which cannot sustain The Dwelling Place. We depend on people like you in sustaining this home through your prayers, your volunteer efforts, and your tax deductible charitable contributions. Please consider partnering with The Dwelling Place for regular, monthly contributions. Your financial gifts go a long way! Consistent gifts, even if small, truly keep The Dwelling Place afloat! https://www.dwellingplaceleavenworth.org/ourstory daily 0.75 2025-11-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ea8a7a476ee347f83e3ea86/1e5ea330-6b7e-4f42-8f63-f48f02a060d7/IMG_1804.jpeg Our Story - The Amigos are five men who experience developmental disabilities. We have formed a joy-filled, welcoming community within Leavenworth, Washington. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ea8a7a476ee347f83e3ea86/1588981141758-49O9KQMRFZB5VFCBUHBH/church+3.jpg Our Story - Men who love their community, and a community who loves them. Following John’s passing in 2018, Kathy continues as administrator alongside a dedicated, highly qualified, part-time and full-time staff. These men and women don't see The Dwelling Place as simply their job, but as an opportunity to be members of a vibrant, inclusive, loving community overflowing with hugs and laughter. It's not unusual to see The Five Amigos around the valley as they do their part to contribute to their community. Perhaps you will see their friendly smiles as they ride the shuttle bus, work hard at meaningful jobs, visit the gym, library, and grocery stores, or worship at their churches. The Dwelling Place also opens its doors to neighbors and the wider community for UNO game nights, patio picnics, an occasional ice cream social, and the famed New Year's Eve Party. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ea8a7a476ee347f83e3ea86/1588980573550-K9UM1IZGWLFZ7JSNC6RI/Bowling+3+smaller.jpg Our Story - Our Story The Dwelling Place, in Leavenworth, Washington, is the home of five fantastically joyful, developmentally disabled men: Matt, Chris, Eric, Christopher, and Alex. John and Kathy Bangsund founded The Dwelling Place in their own home in 2002. They were inspired by their son, Matt, to create an Adult Family Home to provide lifelong care for Matt, and other men like him. One by one, Matt was joined by "brothers of the heart.” The house grew, too, as additions and expansions made room for new brothers and more space for visiting friends! Thus, the brotherhood, which dubbed itself The Five Amigos, was born. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ea8a7a476ee347f83e3ea86/1588980294035-PX8XNVVRQQX0Z72OS5CM/Chris+washing+dishes+smaller.jpg Our Story - Empowering their present and securing their future. The Dwelling Place provides this group of longtime friends with meaning, purpose and community by caring for their physical, mental, and spiritual needs. We also partner in facilitating their community employment, while keeping the primary goal of a warm, nurturing, and joyful home at the forefront. The Bangsunds formed a Board of Governors with business leaders and other people in the community who know and love the Amigos. These fine men and women help to guide and secure The Dwelling Place legally and financially, and are among its most passionate advocates. https://www.dwellingplaceleavenworth.org/donate daily 0.75 2025-11-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ea8a7a476ee347f83e3ea86/8e867b12-43f5-4a65-bde9-1bd64adc5b9a/IMG_6422.jpg Donate - Together, we are pioneering empowered living, securing a future for our residents, and resourcing others like us. We can’t do it without you. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ea8a7a476ee347f83e3ea86/fb05a6df-6e12-4d21-a2cc-a1a3044f9565/QR+code.png Donate Or log into your Paypal account and click on “send and request” at the top of the screen. In the search screen for “send money”, paste our email address, dwellingplacehome@gmail.com, and click next. Type the amount you would like to give, and click continue to advance through the giving process. https://www.dwellingplaceleavenworth.org/contact daily 0.75 2024-11-19