Regional Highlights
“We’re thrilled with the response and ways we’ve been able to incorporate literacy activities and messages about the importance of reading to children into our early childhood work.”
– Susan Bracken, Onamia Area Early Childhood Coalition director
MORRISON COUNTY | Fund Hits the Right Note for Aspiring Young Musicians
The Little Falls band program has purchased three new instruments—one new and two refurbished— thanks to a donation from Playing it Forward: The Kenneth and Evelyn Pinckney Young Musicians’ Fund. An Initiative Foundation Partner Fund, Playing it Forward promotes three youth-focused areas: providing musical instruments for beginners, encouraging instrumental experiences and refurbishing gently used instruments to increase student access.
TODD COUNTY | Volleyball League Ups its Game With Automated Hitting Machine
Staples-Motley league volleyball players are elevating their game with the addition of an automated hitting machine furnished by LEAP, Inc., a nonprofit that supports local quality-of-life enhancements. The purchase was supported by an Initiative Foundation grant and matched by local fundraising efforts. The high school team has access to the machine for its practice drills. That’s a win-win.
WADENA COUNTY | On Their Way to a More Aligned Pre-Kindergarten Experience
When Wadena-Deer Creek School District preschool teachers were feeling unsure about their
pre-kindergarten programming, the community pulled together a plan that would put everyone at ease. With help from an Initiative Foundation grant, preschool teachers now are using the same goals and language to help young learners develop the social-emotional, literacy and math skills they need to enter kindergarten and succeed.
CASS COUNTY | Construction Nears Completion at Paws + Claws Rescue & Resort
Finishing touches are being made on a state-of-the-art building for rescued animals and pet lodging in the Hackensack/Leech Lake area. As construction winds down, Paws + Claws Rescue & Resort is hiring staff with a goal of opening for business this spring. The pet rescue and resort is a project championed by Jack and Betty Thomas, owners of global beekeeping supply company Mann Lake, Ltd., and is supported in part by an Initiative Foundation grant.
CROW WING COUNTY | Resilient Nonprofit on the Rebound Following Fire
Volunteers at Salem WEST are working hard to resume community outreach efforts following an early March fire that destroyed the Deerwood nonprofit’s building. Donor support in the fire’s aftermath has been strong and was supported by an emergency grant from the Initiative Foundation to help with short- and long-term planning. Visit salemwestdwd.org to learn how you can help.
MILLE LACS COUNTY | Investment in Little Libraries Pays Big Dividends
Strong community support and a successful book drive (1,000-plus and counting) have given a boost to the Panthers Little Libraries program. The libraries located throughout Onamia are part of a solution to elevate area literacy. Supported by an Initiative Foundation grant to the Mille Lacs-Onamia Early Childhood Coalition, another book drive is planned for summer 2017.
BENTON COUNTY | Grant Helps With School Tools for Autism Spectrum Students
The Sauk Rapids-Rice school district has added tools to help autism spectrum students focus and remain calm during stressful situations. One purchase, noise canceling headphones, has allowed students to tolerate loud and stimulating environments, such as the gym and lunchroom, leading
to improved peer interactions. The purchases were supported by a grant from the Sauk Rapids-Rice Education Foundation, a Partner Fund of the Initiative Foundation.
SHERBURNE COUNTY | Training Helps Aviation Organization Soar to New Heights
Flight Expo, Inc., a Princeton area nonprofit, is working to improve its capacity by participating in the Initiative Foundation’s Financial Resiliency through Social Enterprise (FRSE) 2.0 program. In addition to offering aviation education, the organization salvages and sells airplane parts and is considering the addition of a screen-printing business to expand services and improve its bottom line.
STEARNS COUNTY | New Center to Provide Relief, Options for Seniors, Caregivers
Construction is under way on a multi-functional adult day center that will serve the Holdingford area. The Helping Hands Outreach center will provide hands-on care for older adults while providing relief to family caregivers. Once the facility opens, attendees can enjoy recreational activities, exercise programs and consistent social interaction. The project is supported in part by an Initiative Foundation grant.
WRIGHT COUNTY | Decontamination Station Goal: Interrupt Invasives
A first-of-its-kind boat decontamination station is being installed by the Greater Lake Sylvia Association to interrupt the spread of invasive species. Invasive plants can hinder swimmers, clog motors and smother fish habitat. A $650,000 grant from the Initiative Foundation and the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council will support the inspection/decontamination station installation near the South Haven-area lake and will help to enact other supporting efforts.
CHISAGO COUNTY | City’s Strategic Plan to Foster Mindful Growth
Wyoming is transitioning from a small community to thriving business hub. To ease its growing pains and attract new businesses, the community is creating a strategic plan to chart its economic future. Supported by an Initiative Foundation grant, city officials are meeting with consultants and business owners to explore community needs, identify areas of improvement and outline projects to attract and retain skilled workers.
ISANTI COUNTY | Consortium Creates Buzz Around Regional Economic Development
More than 50 economic development enthusiasts gathered at the Braham Event Center in March to discuss community and regional economic development strategy. Organized by the GPS 45:93 economic development consortium and sponsored by an Initiative Foundation grant, the session was a broad overview of the tools and strategies a community and region can use to foster long-term business and job growth.
KANABEC COUNTY | Take a Free Ride, Enjoy a Free Meal!
Soup For The Soul, Inc., a Mora-area nonprofit that provides a free meal every Monday night, will continue to offer expanded access by providing free service-area transportation. Partnering with Timber Trails Public Transit and supported by an Initiative Foundation grant, Soup For the Soul offers rides to income-eligible individuals so they can enjoy a warm meal and good conversation.
PINE COUNTY | Youth Hockey Organization to Welcome New Competition
Improvements to the Pine City community ice rink are creating new opportunities. Supported by a grant from the Initiative Foundation-hosted Greater Pine Area Endowment, the Pine City youth hockey program purchased safety dividers to separate their rink into two surfaces. With the upgrade, the rink can now safely hold twice as many skaters and is now eligible to host large tournaments that draw teams from around the state.