Internationally, Welcoming Week takes place September 8-17 this year. Communities in southwest Minnesota are hosting activities throughout the month of September to lift up and celebrate welcoming, inclusive communities.
News Releases
Teresa Peterson retires from our board
Teresa Peterson, Utuhu Cistinna Win, is retiring from the Southwest Initiative Foundation Board of Directors following more than six years of service. Peterson has provided regional leadership on SWIF’s board since April 2017. In honor of her service, Peterson is directing a $650 grant from SWIF to Dakota Wicohan, a Native-led nonprofit based in Morton, Minn.
Randy Reinke retires from our board
Randy Reinke is retiring from the Southwest Initiative Foundation Board of Directors following nine years of service. Randy has provided regional leadership on SWIF’s board since July 2014, including as board chair from 2019 to 2021. In honor of his board service, Randy is directing a $900 grant to the Litchfield Area Community Foundation’s Waterpark Fund.
New Dog Grooming Business Open in Lester Prairie
LESTER PRAIRIE, Minn.— Kelly Brinkman has made it her job to pamper pooches of all sizes by opening Back Forty Grooming with help from Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Microenterprise Loan
New Formalwear Business Gives Hutchinson ‘Elegant Edge’
HUTCHINSON, Minn.— Jodi Swaja is the person behind the new prom, pageant and special occasion dress shop The Elegant Edge now open in the Hutchinson Mall. Swaja opened the business
Emerging Leaders Invited to Apply for Regional Program
HUTCHINSON, Minn.— Aspiring leaders looking for guidance on their leadership journey are invited to apply to be part of the Growing Local: Emerging Leaders cohort. This program supports emerging leaders
