Local grant to Willmar Early Childhood Initiative designated in honor of Dols’ volunteer service
WILLMAR, Minn.— Patricia Dols is retiring from the Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) Board of Directors following 11 years of service.
Dols brought her wisdom and leadership to the board starting in 2013, taking on many key roles. She served on both the Governance and Nominating Committee and the Investment Committee, and she was part of the Spending Policy, Evaluation and Measurement, and Land Acknowledgement task forces. Dols chaired the board from 2022-2023, guiding SWIF through a president/CEO leadership transition. She also served as Past Chair and Vice Chair.
“Being a member of this board is one of the highlights of my service life. It is overwhelming the people, communities and regional initiatives SWIF’s involvement truly makes a positive difference. It has been an honor and humbling experience to be a part of such a visionary group of leaders,” Dols said.
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, Dols 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.
“Patti’s passion for service and her tireless efforts particularly in the areas of child care and education have left an indelible mark on our organization, and we are profoundly grateful for the time and energy Patti has invested in furthering our mission of strengthening rural communities and economies,” said current SWIF Board Chair Christie Hantge.
In honor of her service, Dols is directing a $1,100 grant from SWIF to support the Willmar Early Childhood Initiative at Willmar Public Schools. This initiative is focused on fostering a unified approach to supporting parents and ensuring consistent, effective communication throughout the community.
“This grant will help our Willmar Early Childhood Care and Education community work together to better support the needs of families and children in our area. Our goal is to provide parents with clear, cohesive information regarding available services, programs, development and initiatives,” said Jodi Wambeke, Early Childhood Manager for Willmar Public Schools.
Early childhood education is a cause close to Dols’ heart as a retired educator, having served as the principal of Roosevelt Elementary School in Willmar for more than a decade.
“I chose the Willmar ECI program because our youngest need the best opportunity to develop and grow in a supportive community of parents, teachers, care providers and city and county partnerships,” Dols said.
In addition to Dols, Abdirizak Mahboub of Willmar and Kathy Wehking of Hector 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.