Twelve communities across southwest Minnesota are wrapping up final details for their Welcoming Week celebrations. The Swift County Area will kick things off with a party in the park on September 8, with the rest of the celebrations in the region happening through early October. Welcoming Week events are free and open to the public. You’re encouraged to invite friends and family to attend an event happening near you!
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Kathy Wehking completes 6 years of board service with Southwest Initiative Foundation
Kathy Wehking is retiring from our board of directors following 6 years of service. Kathy started her term in 2018, drawing from her experience as an educator, community leader and farmer. During her service, SWIF accelerated its investments to support access to quality, affordable child care; launched Welcoming Week and the Growing Local: Emerging Leaders program; and leveraged connections and expertise to ensure relief and recovery funding flowed into the region’s businesses and communities.
Grant Spotlight: MACCRAY 2180 Foundation supports academic and extracurricular activities for students
The new school year is off to a strong start at MACCRAY School District thanks in part to grants from its local education foundation. The district serves 758 students from the communities of Maynard, Clara City and Raymond. The MACCRAY 2180 Foundation is a resource for teachers, coaches and other staff, who can submit grant requests each year to the foundation’s volunteer advisory board members.
Southwest Minnesota Child Care Listening Sessions Summary Report
SWIF hosted a series of five listening sessions across southwest Minnesota to gather regional feedback on the draft standards. More than 150 child care providers, directors, economic development professionals, employers, parents and community leaders attended these sessions to voice their concerns and recommendations. Cheryl Glaeser of Achieve TFC, LLC. facilitated the sessions and developed a summary report in partnership with SWIF to highlight the key challenges noted in the listening sessions and a summary of recommended changes to the standards.
Gnometown Grounds
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.
Patricia Dols completes 11 years of board service with Southwest Initiative Foundation
Patricia Dols is retiring from the Southwest Initiative Foundation Board of Directors following 11 years of service. During her term, she brought her wisdom and leadership to the board starting in 2013, taking on many key roles. In honor of her service, Patricia is directing a $1,100 grant from SWIF to support the Willmar Early Childhood Initiative at Willmar Public Schools.
