Partnerships benefit communities in the region

Grant from the State of Minnesota supports expanded child care access in northeastern Minnesota

The Northland Foundation recently received a $125,000 grant from the State of Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The funding was one of several grants DEED made statewide as a response to Greater Minnesota's critical shortage of child care. The Northland Foundation is distributing the funds to five child care businesses in the region, some new and others that are expanding.

“Northeastern Minnesota has the largest shortfall of child care in the state, according to a recent report from the Center for Rural Policy and Development,” said Tony Sertich, President of the Northland Foundation. “A lack of child care impacts not only families but also employers and the overall economy. This is an important issue for our region, and we are pleased to have this opportunity from DEED to address it.”

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Essentia Health grants $25,000 to bolster the development of young leaders in the Twin Ports

The Northland Foundation has received $25,000 from Essentia Health in support of the KIDS PLUS Twin Ports Youth Leadership Academy in 2017-2018.

The Youth Leadership Academy serves approximately 50 ninth grade students each year from Duluth and Superior, as well as engages 10 to 12 volunteer adult mentors. The young people and mentors participate in a nine-month training program to develop knowledge, teamwork skills, and leadership. The majority of participants have not had past experience in leadership roles.

“The confidence and enthusiasm these students exude by the end of their nine months in the program makes me optimistic for the future,” stated Tony Sertich, President of the Northland Foundation.

“It would not happen without the investment of strong partners like Essentia Health,” said Sertich.

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Lloyd K. Johnson Foundation funding helps expand AGE to age in local communities

The Lloyd K. Johnson Foundation recently provided a $10,000 grant to support the expansion of AGE to age: bringing generations together to the North Shore Area which includes Silver Bay, Finland, and other communities in the surrounding area.

Said Lynn Haglin, Vice President/KIDS PLUS Director, of this grant, “AGE to age has changed the face of communities all across the region, benefitting children and youth, adults 55 and older, and the generations in between. Lloyd K. Johnson Foundation has been a terrific partner for AGE to age in Lake County.”