KIDS PLUS thanks its many partners for 20 years of Connecting Kids and Community

Fun, friends, laughter, and a few misty-eyed moments marked the 20th anniversary of KIDS PLUS. In early October, the Northland Foundation welcomed KIDS PLUS partners from across the region and the years to honor two decades of Connecting Kids and Community.

The celebration reunited individuals who have been part of the 26 KIDS PLUS Communities – including 14 years of KIDS PLUS Conferences, the Youth Leadership Academy, Youth In Philanthropy, Minnesota Early Childhood and Thrive Initiatives, AGE to age, and KIDS PLUS Institute.

Northland Foundation’s President, Tom Renier, and Board Chair, Dave Clusiau, kicked off the program with special thanks to the community members and funding partners who have made KIDS PLUS what it is today locally, regionally, statewide, and nationally.

Jared Dunlap flew in from New York to recount how his service as the very first Youth In Philanthropy board chair molded his positive outlook on life. Jared has gone on to advocate, as an undergraduate student, for greater diversity at UCLA; participate in the Washington Internship for Native Students Program; and pursue his Master’s in Public Health at Columbia University.

Bridging the years neatly, Annie Archambeau, a senior at Superior High School and current chair of the Minnesota Power Foundation Youth In Philanthropy board, shared how the Youth Leadership Academy and Youth In Philanthropy have inspired her and hundreds of other young people to make a difference in their schools and communities.

Cheryl Meld, longtime KIDS PLUS coordinator and community leader in McGregor, spoke of how the organizing, funding, and technical support from the Northland Foundation has helped children, youth, and families – many of whom face economic and personal challenges – in Aitkin County.

Claudia Otos, a Trustee, retired early childhood specialist, and strong voice for our youngest citizens talked about the attention KIDS PLUS has brought to the critical nature of the early years and how it has helped shape new programs and practices on behalf of young children.

The final guest speaker, Jackson Huntley, Professor Emeritus at the University of Minnesota Duluth, has had a hand in nearly every KIDS PLUS initiative and currently sits on the AGE to age advisory committee. Jack’s words about the power of reaching out to other people were deeply moving.

Wrapping up the program, Lynn Haglin summarized the gratitude felt by the Northland Foundation staff and board for the widespread support KIDS PLUS has received.

“It has been a privilege to get to know the many thoughtful adults and incredible young people who are part of our KIDS PLUS family,” said Haglin. “They are stars, and each one of them has contributed to helping the children of this region thrive.”