PRESS RELEASE
Local grant to Little Stangs Learning Center designated in honor of Wehking’s volunteer service
BUFFALO LAKE, Minn.— Kathy Wehking is retiring from the Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) Board of Directors following 6 years of service.
Wehking started her term in 2018, drawing from her experience as an educator, community leader and farmer. She served on the foundation’s Investment Committee, Development Committee and Evaluation and Measurement Task Force.
“Kathy’s knowledge of the ag sector that is core to southwest Minnesota has been of tremendous value as we think about our investments and our programs. She has an unwavering passion for rural, and she has championed the smallest of our small towns,” said SWIF President Scott Marquardt. “We’re thankful for Kathy’s constant presence, curiosity and willingness to take risks and learn alongside us.”
The SWIF Board of Directors is a governing board that ensures the organization fulfills its mission of connecting people, investing in ideas and building communities in southwest Minnesota. This volunteer board sets strategy, manages resources and promotes the foundation’s work.
Together with fellow board members, Wehking led the organization through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. 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.
“My greatest joy as a board member has been the foundation’s role in helping people take care of their communities and witnessing the incredible work they’re doing,” Wehking said. “I also enjoyed getting acquainted with many different places in our region. Sometimes it feels like we’re undiscovered; it’s been amazing to see all the things that can and are being done in southwest Minnesota.”
In honor of her service, Wehking is directing a $600 grant from SWIF to support Little Stangs Learning Center in Buffalo Lake. As part of the Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart School District, the center provides early care and education for kids from birth to preschool.
“Receiving the grant is going to help Little Stangs Learning Center supply the much-needed curriculum, art, and learning materials to teachers for the kiddos in their care so they can keep providing high quality early childhood education,” said Little Stangs Director Desiree Becker. “We are so thankful for our ongoing relationship with SWIF and that Kathy chose us as her nominee.”
Early care and education is a cause close to Wehking’ heart as a retired educator. She also values the economic benefit child care provides in terms of supporting parents in the local workforce.
“When people are considering moving to our community for a job, they want to know what kind of child care options we have. By investing in Little Stangs, we’re not only supporting families but also fostering a thriving town and business environment,” Wehking said. “The community’s involvement in this project has been inspiring, and the staff do a great job caring for and teaching our young kids.”
In addition to Wehking, Willmar community members Abdirizak Mahboub and Patricia Dols are retiring from the foundation board. Current board members are chair Christie Hantge, Hutchinson; vice chair Dan Greve, Worthington; secretary Terry Gaalswyk, Worthington; treasurer Tom Brakke, Deephaven; Erica Volkir, Pipestone; and Theresa Zaske, Balaton.
About Southwest Initiative Foundation
Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) is a nonprofit community foundation connecting people, investing in ideas and building communities to create a southwest Minnesota where all people thrive. Since its founding in 1986, SWIF has distributed more than $115 million through its grantmaking and business finance programs.