he Artmobile in Worthington teamed up with local high school students this past summer to make art with older adults in the community thanks in part to grant support from the Paul and Alma Schwan Aging Trust Endowment Fund at Southwest Initiative Foundation. Thanks to the project, older adults had more social interactions, reducing isolation. The resulting public art benches celebrate the community’s creativity. They will be enjoyed by the residents and visitors for years to come.
Annual Reports
Conexiones grant builds community
With support from the Together We Thrive Grant, Conexiones, in partnership with KMS Community Education, organized three family centered activities during summer 2024. This included an outing to Glacial Lakes State Park, a family bus trip to Country Blossom Farm and a community pool night. “We had a wonderful summer hosting activities that brought families from all walks of life together. These events offered opportunities for community members to build lasting relationships and a sense of community,” said Conexiones Executive Director Autumn Macias.
New chapter for a beloved Minnesota popcorn stand
In partnership with the Granite Falls Area Community Foundation, the Granite Falls Kiwanis raised $30,000 to build a larger popcorn stand in 2024. But what to do with the old one? When you have too much, the best thing to do is share. The iconic popcorn box shaped stand with its red and white exterior has found a new home in Litchfield, where Litchfield Area Community Foundation’s advisory board hopes it continues to serve snacks and generosity.
2024 local leadership training wraps
Growing Local: Emerging Leaders graduated its second cohort in November, celebrating 13 community leaders who will help southwest Minnesota thrive. Leaders shape our organizations by setting the tone for the culture and making decisions that have a lasting impact on people and communities. Growing Local: Emerging Leaders is designed to help up-and-coming leaders discover and build on their unique strengths so they can make a difference through local boards, commissions and elected positions.
Welcoming Week in Willmar with Abdifatah
Abdifatah Mohamed is the executive director of the Willmar nonprofit Community Connector Services (CCS). Beyond CCS, Abdifatah engages with broader community events like Welcoming Week in Willmar and the International Heritage Festival. His work focuses on creating spaces where everyone feels included and supported.
Gnometown Grounds’ grand re-opening
Gnometown Grounds — a locally owned café, bakeshop and gift shop — recently celebrated its grand re-opening in Dawson with help from our Microenterprise Loan Program. Emma Weber started this small business last year in the former Marc’s on Main gift shop. Following a brief soft launch, Weber had a planned closure starting in January 2024 to make major renovations, including adding a coffee bar and kitchen.
