This week Kat and Jim sit down with a few really impactful community members who make the Community Thanksgiving Dinner a possibility in Elk River! In 2022 the revival of the Community Thanksgiving Dinner was led by Melanie Clemons and Missy Wilson. They brought in their organizations to help support and fund the event, and with the help of other community partners, donors, and a crew of volunteers, they fed over 300 people Thanksgiving dinner. The event is being held again in 2023 at Central Lutheran Church in Elk River on Thanksgiving Day 11:30-1:00pm. Information on this FREE event can be found all throughout social media, and on the Kiser Construction website. https://kiserrenovations.com/community-thanksgiving/ Toy Drives: There are many community toy drives in the area. Fill a Fire Truck led by the Elk River Fire Foundation The Kiser Construction Toy Drive Donation bins for both drives will be found around the community in December, please be sure to check online for details, information will be posted soon! Note, another local organization accepting gifts this season is Gifts Anonymous. Check their website and social media to find out how you can donate! http://www.giftsanonymous.org/ Find Kiser Construction online: https://kiserrenovations.com/ https://www.facebook.com/KiserConstruction Find Royal Supply online: https://www.facebook.com/RoyalSupplyMN https://royalsupplymn.com/ Find the Elk River Fire Foundation online: https://www.facebook.com/ElkRiverFireFoundation/ Find SCAUW online: www.scauw.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/sherburneunitedway Instagram: @scauw
This week, Kat sits down with Laurel Merten, Director of the Big Lake Ambassadors Scholarship Program. This program has a goal of empowering young ladies of Big Lake to be women of tomorrow through community service. They also work to promote leadership, professional development and personal growth, with an opportunity to earn an educational scholarship. All the Ambassadors had over 100 hours each last year of volunteering! The Core Values of the Big Lake Ambassador Program are Honesty, Respect, Loyalty and Commitment For the tie blanket service project, they are accepting fleece donations for tie blankets. Donations of 2.5 yards of fleece are preferred, fleece must be new and clean. Boxes can be found at Big Lake Coborns, Lupulin, and the City of Big Lake office. To inquire about being a candidate - email biglakeambassadors@gmail.com or find them on Facebook. Laurel also comes to the High School and Middle School lunches and distributes fliers at both schools. Find Big Lake Ambassadors online: biglakeambassadors@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/BigLakeAmbassadors https://www.instagram.com/biglakeambassadors Find SCAUW online: www.scauw.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/sherburneunitedway Instagram: @scauw
This week Kat sits down with Maureen Baty who is the Executive Director for Great River Faith In Action Great River Faith in Action helps elderly and disabled people to be able to live in their homes safely by bringing in volunteers to help with tasks they are no longer able to do. Some examples are lawn mowing, driving them to the doctor appt or grocery store, minor home repairs, snow removal, friendly visits, respite and more. Rake the Town is a big fall event where business, churches, groups or families go rake a lawn in the community of an elderly or disabled person. In their Furniture for Families Program they provide basic furniture needs to struggling families in our area. Their partnership with Becker Furniture World makes this happen and they also take some donated furniture & kitchen items. Currently GRFIA has 406 clients they serve, some 1x a week and some 1x a year, depending on the needs. In 2022, volunteer drivers drove over 32,000 miles bringing people to medical appointments & the grocery store. They have many individual & group volunteer opportunities! Christmas cheer bags are an initiative started during the pandemic that they are excited to offer for the third year. Check out their website, information will be released soon: https://www.grfia.org/give/christmas/ Find Great River Faith In Action online: 763-263-4277 info@grfia.org www.grfia.org https://www.facebook.com/GreatRiverFaithInAction/ Find SCAUW online: www.scauw.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/sherburneunitedway Instagram: @scauw
On rewind episode, we're headed back a few months to an episode where Kat is shared all about the Sherburne County Area United Way. Our organization has undergone a lot of transition the last few years, and we're excited to be sharing our new focus areas and goals. The Community Connect event is from 11:00am-2:00pm Thursday October 19 at Elk River High School. Find out more here. We are looking for board members to be actively involved in helping grow our organization, if you would like to learn more, please email or call Kat. To find volunteer opportunities in the community, or to post your nonprofit volunteer opportunities, navigate to our online volunteer hub Find SCAUW online: www.scauw.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/sherburneunitedway Instagram: @scauw
This week Kat sits down with Sarah Fritsch, who is the Early Childhood Coordinator for the Big Lake School District. This fun conversation is full of great information and tidbits. As the Early Childhood Coordinator, Sarah has a unique perspective on families with young children, and this episode is a great way to learn not only about early childhood programs, but also some great information about young children. ECFE is Early Childhood Family Education. ECSE is early childhood special education. While the two acronyms are often confused, they both envelope very different and special programming. ECSE if for children ages 0-5 who can use some extra help before heading into Kindergarten. ECFE on the other hand, is for any child ages 0 to 8, and is a support system for those children and their families. ECFE is open for any family of young children, it’s not income or needs based and you don’t have to reside in the district. Early Childhood screening is for ages 3-5, and isn’t just for Kindergarten, it’s intended to identify any issues early to get kids the help they need before starting Kindergarten. This service can be found at your local school district. Sarah provides some great tips for the early childhood screening at 20:30, as this screening can sometimes cause unnecessary stress for families and kids. Discussion on nature based classrooms at approx 29:00 Big Lake’s family literacy class is open for everyone, but designed for English language learning families as a space space for families learning English. Big Lake ECFE also provides a drop in service for childcare providers, because childcare providers are such an important resource to families. Family Fun Fest is happening October 6, from 5:00-7:00. Family fun fest is a family resource fair full of fun, free family activities! At the end of the episode, Kat and Sarah talk about Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. Sarah is a huge proponent of DPIL, and 47% of eligible kids in the Big Lake area are enrolled in the program! Imagination Library is helping to build a culture of reading and learning in families by providing free, high quality literature to all families. SCAUW is an affiliate and provides the program in our area, where over 1600 kids are currently enrolled. Find Big Lake ECFE online: www.biglakece.com https://www.facebook.com/biglakecommunityed https://www.facebook.com/groups/BigLakeECFE Find SCAUW online: www.scauw.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/sherburneunitedway Instagram: @scauw
Thumbs Up is located in Elk River, and is an organization that is committed to helping those who suffer from a mental health disorder find resources. They also support bereaved families and friends who have lost a loved one to suicide. Thumbs Up started as a memorial 5k in 2013, and now runs nine different programs. The 10th annual 5k and 10k is happening September 16, 2023 at Orono Park in Elk River. Thumbs Up programs: Bereavement Outreach Calming Corners Cheer Bags™ Community Outreach Events Emotional Support Dogs No One Sits Solo™ Referral Assistance Program Youth Mental Health Awareness & Prevention Smiles for Seniors Referenced information in the episode: Joe Schmit's Book Silent Impact No One Sits Solo video Calming Corner teacher testimonial video Bereavement Gift nomination form Cheer Bag nomination form Referral Assistance information To reach out to Maria about gap therapy, email Maria at maria.thumbsup@gmail.com About us video Find Thumbs Up online: https://thumbsupformentalhealth.org/ https://www.facebook.com/ThumbsUpHigh5K Instagram: @thumbsuphigh5k Find SCAUW online: www.scauw.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/sherburneunitedway Instagram: @scauw
This week Kat sits down with Emmitt Edwards, a recruiter for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota. Big Brothers Big Sister is a mentoring agency in the community, covering Morrison, Benton, Stearns, Sherburne, and the northern tier of Wright Co. Their goal is to find youth, called “littles,” and match them with an adult mentor “Bigs” in the community. Their mission is to create and support 1:1 mentor relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. The organization primarily serves youth aged 7-17, through their community and school based programs. Currently there are 100 kids on a wait list for Bigs in Central Minnesota. There is a need for male mentors, and female mentors are needed as well. There are a variety of ways to act as a Big, including with another adult partner or as a family unit. They ask: what do you like to do? Any activity you can think of, there is a little somewhere in the area who is waiting to do that activity! Currently BBBS of Central Minnesota is working on their back to school campaign, to get 100 new inquires for being a Big for a waiting Little. Find Big Brothers Big Sisters online: https://www.bigdefenders.org/ https://www.bigdefenders.org/ways/ https://bbbs.tfaforms.net/4841561 https://www.facebook.com/BigDefenders Instagram: @bbbsofcentralmn emmitt@bigdefenders.org (320)258-4537 Find SCAUW online: www.scauw.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/sherburneunitedway Instagram: @scauw
This week Kat and guest host Jim Boyle sit down with Cathy Wogen from the Kiwanis Club of St. Cloud. Cathy is the coach for the Kiwanis Club of the Elk River area, which is now forming. This club is solely focused on children and providing opportunities for them to thrive, grow in knowledge, and have fun while learning and doing so. Kiwanis is an international service organization whose mission is to serve the children of the world. As a service leadership club, Kiwanis serves people ages 0-80, through their various programs including BUG (Bringing Up Grades) for elementary aged children, K-Kids, Key Club for high school students, Circle K for college students, and the Action Club for adults with disabilities. As of August 2023, The new club in Elk River is meeting at the Elk River Library on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, from 5:00-6:00pm. Everyone is welcome and the club is accepting new members! You can reach out to Kat via email with more questions about membership and meetings. Find Kiwanis online: www.stcloudkiwanis.org https://www.facebook.com/stcloudkiwanis https://www.facebook.com/ElkRiverMNKiwanis Find SCAUW online: www.scauw.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/sherburneunitedway Instagram: @scauw
In the second part of this two part conversation, Kat and Jim Boyle resume their conversation with Karen Wingard, the special events and farmers market coordinator for the City of Elk River. Find out more about the Farmers Market, the frequent shopper program, and the upcoming Indoor Farmers Market this winter: https://www.elkrivermn.gov/895/Farmers-Market Details about the Power of Produce, as well as the senior days at the market, and the live music schedule: https://www.elkrivermn.gov/1288/Special-Farmers-Market-Events#liveEditTab_widgets City of Elk River volunteer opportunities: https://www.elkrivermn.gov/1532/Volunteer-Opportunities Email Karen to ask questions, or recommend market vendors or offerings. Find The City of Elk River online: https://www.elkrivermn.gov/ Elk River Fest: https://www.elkrivermn.gov/1529/Elk-RiverFest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CityofElkRiver Find SCAUW online: www.scauw.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/sherburneunitedway Instagram: @scauw
This week Kat and guest host Jim Boyle sit down with Karen Wingard, the special events and farmers market coordinator for the City of Elk River. The City of Elk River is comprised of many departments all with the same goal to provide services and resources to make Elk River great. Karen has the opportunity to work on everything from the farmers market, special events, youth enrichment, and business and volunteer collaborations. Find The City of Elk River online: https://www.elkrivermn.gov/ Elk River Fest: https://www.elkrivermn.gov/1529/Elk-RiverFest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CityofElkRiver Find SCAUW online: www.scauw.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/sherburneunitedway Instagram: @scauw
On today's special episode, Kat is sharing all about the Sherburne County Area United Way. Our organization has undergone a lot of transition the last few years, and we're excited to be sharing our new focus areas and goals. The Community Connect event is from 11:00am-2:00pm Thursday October 19 at Elk River High School. Find out more here. We are looking for board members to be actively involved in helping grow our organization, if you would like to learn more, please email or call Kat. To find volunteer opportunities in the community, or to post your nonprofit volunteer opportunities, navigate to our online volunteer hub Find out more about our upcoming Day of Action here. Find SCAUW online: www.scauw.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/sherburneunitedway Instagram: @scauw
This week Kat and guest host Jim Boyle sit down with Lori Schultz, Executive Director of Tri-CAP. Tri-County Action Program, Inc. (Tri-CAP) is the federally designated, nonprofit community action program for Benton, Sherburne and Stearns counties. They help people and change lives by assisting people meet their basic needs in a variety of ways including: Energy Assistance Weatherization Transportation including vehicle repair, donated car to lease car options, public bus and volunteer driver services Tax Assistance Financial Literacy Education Pre-Employment Skills Counseling Emergency Housing Assistance Transitional Housing Assistance Information and Referral To find out more about the public bus service that is available to ALL, please look here: https://tricap.org/transportation/ or call for more information 888-765-5597 or 320-251-1612. Find Tri-CAP online: www.tricap.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/mntricap Find SCAUW online: www.scauw.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/sherburneunitedway Instagram: @scauw
This week Kat and guest host Jim Boyle sit down with Amy Erickson, founder and executive director of Community Table. Community Table is a once a month free meal, that is open to the community. The goal is to bring people together and serve good quality nutritious food. Over 400 people attend each month, which promotes community togetherness and serving one another. Community Table meals are usually held the 4th Sunday of the month, but be sure to check their website or grab a calendar at one of their events. Find Community Table online: www.community-table.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/communitytablemn Instagram: @communitytablemn Find SCAUW online: www.scauw.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/sherburneunitedway Instagram: @scauw
On this episode of Community United, Kat and guest host Jim Boyle speak with Hannah-Ruth Patterson, who shares her journey working with an organization that supports victims of domestic violence. We discuss financial control as a tactic used by abusers, and how the organization provides financial support and safety planning to help victims leave abusive situations. We also learn about the organization's partnerships with law enforcement and schools, and how they provide services to those experiencing domestic violence. Lastly, we talk about the challenges of leaving an abusive relationship, the lack of affordable housing as a barrier, and the use of Day One and 211 phone lines to connect victims with services, as well as the Rivers of Hope warm line. Join us as we explore the many ways Rivers of Hope supports those in need. https://www.riversofhope.org https://www.facebook.com/RiversOfHopeMN/ Instagram: @riversofhope_mnofficial info@riversofhope.org 24/7 crisis line 763-295-3433 Day One crisis line: http://dayoneservices.org/ Dial 211 to get connected to resources in your area SCAUW online: www.scauw.org https://www.facebook.com/sherburneunitedway Instagram @scauw [00:03:06] Advocacy to leadership to development coordinator role. [00:05:40] Advocates assess safety, file protection orders, support. [00:07:29] Speak to someone about domestic violence risk. [00:10:25] Leaving abusive relationship hard, housing barriers exist. [00:16:41] Need financial support, awareness for domestic violence. [00:18:33] Helping businesses support domestic violence victims & youth. [00:22:10] Domestic violence can be verbal, emotional.
This week Kat and guest host Jim Boyle sit down with Raeanne Danielowski, Big Lake Spud Fest chairman, and Deb Johnson, secretary and assistant gambling manager for Big Lake Spud Fest. Big Lake Spud Fest was created in 1972. Our founding fathers of the festival were looking for a means to provide funds for summer youth recreation programs and an event for Big Lake and surrounding areas that promoted a strong sense of community and sharing. Over the years, Big Lake Spud Fest has grown into more than just a simple summer event! We now sponsor and implement new events year-round, providing fun and safe activities for all who attend. The 51st Spud Fest celebration is just 14 days away! June 22 - 25, 2023 A 4 day community celebration FULL of entertainment, food and family fun! www.biglakespudfest.com https://www.facebook.com/BigLakeSpudfest SCAUW online: www.scauw.org https://www.facebook.com/sherburneunitedway Instagram @scauw
This week Kat and guest host Jim Boyle sit down with Sandy McClurg, Executive Director of Big Lake Community Food Shelf. The Big Lake Community Food Shelf strives make sure no one in our community has to go hungry. In 2022 they served over 5000 people and distributed 714,000 pounds of food. They offer food distributions through a variety of models including in person shopping, online ordering, mobile deliveries, drive through distributions, and mass produce distributions. Big Lake Community Food Shelf recently completed a remodel to created a more open design, adding a walk-in cooler/freezer, and also went through the process to become certified as a SuperShelf. www.blcfs.org Volunteer: https://blcfs.org/give-time/ https://www.facebook.com/biglakefoodshelf Instagram @blcfs SCAUW online: www.scauw.org https://www.facebook.com/sherburneunitedway Instagram @scauw
This week Kat sits down with Carole McNaughton-Commers, program coordinator of RSVP of Central Minnesota. RSVP fosters volunteer engagement of adults 55+ to improve lives and strengthen communities. RSVP's personalized approach to each individual's interest and experience makes it easy to get involved and to make a difference. We partner with non-profits, licensed health care and government organizations and support them with volunteers to address critical needs. In 2022 RSVP provided over 95,000 service hours to the communities in our four-county area valued at $2.8 million. RSVPCentralMN.org https://www.facebook.com/greaterstcloudrsvp carole.mcnaughton-commers@ci.stcloud.mn.us Instagram @greaterstcloudrsvp To contact Carole: 763-635-4505 SCAUW online: www.scauw.org https://www.facebook.com/sherburneunitedway Instagram @scauw
This week Kat and our guest host Jim Boyle, editor of the Elk River Star News, sit down with Shawn Alderman, Founder & President of Magnus Veterans Foundation. It is the mission of Magnus Veterans Foundation to heal and honor our veterans and their families through community fellowship and a comprehensive approach to restoring the body, heart, mind, and spirit. Magnus Veterans Foundation online: https://magnusveteransfoundation.org/ https://www.facebook.com/magnusveteransfoundation.org Instagram @magnusveteransfoundation SCAUW online: www.scauw.org https://www.facebook.com/sherburneunitedway Instagram @scauw
This week Kat and Jim Boyle, editor of the Elk River Star News, sit down with Liz Fagen, who runs the project Faces of Big Lake. Faces of Big Lake tells the story of the Big Lake community through the faces and voices of the people that live there. Their goal is to introduce the great people of our community to each other and the world, one smiling face at a time. The Faces of Big Lake online: https://thefacesofbiglakemn.com/ SCAUW online: www.scauw.org https://www.facebook.com/sherburneunitedway Instagram @scauw
This week Kat and Jim Boyle, editor of the Elk River Star News, sit down with John Osterman. John is a long time member and Past President of the Elk River Rotary Club, and shares a great history of the Rotary, what they do within our community, and information about the highly anticipated annual event, The Taste of Elk River. To purchase tickets to the Taste of Elk River, reach out to John at (612) 804-5654. The Rotary Club of Elk River online: https://elkrivermnrotary.org/ https://www.facebook.com/ERRotary https://www.facebook.com/TasteOfElkRiver SCAUW online: www.scauw.org https://www.facebook.com/sherburneunitedway Instagram @scauw