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.
Youth and Families
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
Amy Brustuen joins Southwest Initiative Foundation as new youth and family specialist
HUTCHINSON, Minn.— Amy Brustuen of Grove City has joined Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) staff to fill the new role of youth and family specialist. Brustuen will be a resource to
