Every kid is one caring adult away from being a success story. For 35 years, Southwest Initiative Foundation has been part of writing southwest Minnesota’s success story. The story isn’t
Youth and Families
Thanks to Jodi Maertens for her leadership in youth and family programs
This month, Jodi Maertens will leave her position as our Youth & Family Officer to expand a small business – 507 Five Zero Seven LLC – she started with her
One Caring Adult Social-Emotional Learning Curriculum
Southwest Initiative Foundation has secured access to Josh Shipp’s Social-Emotional Learning Curriculum through The Power of One virtual forum. We believe that all southwest Minnesota kids are our kids, and that now, more
Supporting child care providers during COVID-19
With 14 kids in her care, Jane Hovey puts in 11 hours over two shifts each weekday as a family-based child care provider in Atwater. When she had her own
Free corrective glasses for color blind students
Southwest Initiative Foundation has a unique opportunity to offer students at southwest Minnesota schools. Students who are color blind are eligible to receive color correction glasses at no cost to
Makayla’s Daycare opens in Lamberton
LAMBERTON, Minn. — Makayla Fullerton has opened Makayla’s Daycare in Lamberton with help from Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Bright Beginnings loan program. Her family-based child care is licensed for up to 10 children, from