A grant helped bring animal-assisted social emotional therapy to Glencoe-Silver Lake Elementary School this year. Each week, Phoebe the Aussiedoodle comes to GSL with her human handler, Anna Bull. Her visits are meant to help address increased social and emotional needs of students and support teachers and staff as they cope with the after-effects of the pandemic.
Youth and Families
In Bird Island, supporting community-led solutions to the child care crisis
Founded in 1999, the nonprofit Learning Funhouse child care center serves families from all over Renville County. Southwest Initiative Foundation supports community planning, public policy, project investment and technical assistance, public relations and appreciation, and professional development for child care in southwest Minnesota.
Grant Helps Grow Hands-On Learning in Worthington
A SWIF grant helped Mrs. Doeden bring her dream to life and create a hands-on learning room for kindergarten, first- and second-grade in Worthington.
Child Care Provider Training Close to Home
The sold-out 2023 Kids First Conference offered professional development for rural child care providers close to home, but it was also a chance to show them some love.
Free martial arts class trains kids to thrive in Willmar
Javier Valenzuela followed a hard path growing up, one he hopes others won’t have to take. He’s using martial arts to help kids find their way. His Train 2 Thrive
Rise + Roam connects rural kids and caregivers with help from grants
Three moms in Litchfield are helping kids and their grown-ups make new friends through their nonprofit Rise + Roam indoor play space. Opened in 2020 by Katie Luoto, Kayla Swenson
