Community Foundation Grants More Than $63,000

MT. PLEASANT, MI - The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation Board of Trustees recently awarded $63,835.12 in grants to organizations impacting Isabella County.

Central Michigan District Health Department received $1,048 from the Isabella County Health Improvement Fund to purchase generators that will allow CMDHD to conduct vision and hearing tests on Isabella County children in places without electricity.

Central Michigan University received $10,000 from the John R. and Constance M. Harkins Community Fund to provide busing for students in grades pre-k through twelve to the Museum of Cultural and Natural History.

Christian Counseling of Mid-Michigan received $2,000 from the Healthy Youth Healthy Seniors Fund to provide custodial grandparents and their grandchildren counseling services related to their unique family environment and emotional needs. 

Clothing, INC received $939 from the Barbara L. and George W. Dunn Family Fund and $250 from the Kellogg Youth Fund to purchase laundry carts on wheels, as well as storage carts, which will allow for better sorting, processing, and storing of donated clothing.

Community Compassion Network received $885 from the Women's Initiative Fund, which will allow CCN to provide diapers and formula to 95 babies within our community.

First United Methodist Church received $250 from the Bob and Nancy Wheeler Fund for Scouting to provide camperships for two scouts from Troop 604 to attend Cole Canoe Base Scout Camp.

Humane Animal Treatment Society received $1,159.12 from the LaBelle Family Fund to renovate the canine back building by removing old fencing and housing, installing new steel barriers and ceilings, securing gates and safety locks, creating a drainage system, and repairing structural damage.

Isabella County Nonprofit Housing received $1,000 from the Healthy Youth Healthy Seniors Fund to provide engaging and educational programs covering multiple topics that include nutritional, health and safety, music therapy, art therapy, and more to Seniors 62 and older and for people that are mobility challenged.

Life Choices of Central Michigan received $4,438 from the Community Impact Fund to provide funding for Sexually Transmitted Disease testing followed by an hour of education with a registered nurse.

Mount Pleasant Little League received $1,200 from the Darlene Bond Memorial Youth Fund, $2,100 from the Kellogg Youth Fund, and $1,500 from the Optimist Club of Mt. Pleasant Fund for field improvements, including an upgraded sound system and new infield playing dirt.

Michigan Masonic Home received $3,000 from the Community Impact Fund, $2,682 from the Barbara A. Bissot Fund, $3,564 from the Denison Unrestricted Fund, and $754 from the Missy and Doug LaBelle Family Foundation Community Impact Fund to purchase physical therapy equipment for the PACE program. This new program allows seniors who require nursing home level care to remain living in their homes by busing them to the building for social, medical, rehabilitative, and more services.

Mt. Pleasant Community Church received $5,323 from the Community Impact Fund, $611 from the Joanne Golden Family Community Impact Fund, $2,647 from the Isabella Bank Director Memorial Fund, and $1,419 from the G. Charles and Janice L. Hubscher Fund to provide personal hygiene and household care products to individuals who have earned Care Bucks from local human service agencies.

Potter's House Family Worship Center received $3,429.47 from the Kellogg Youth Fund to provide funding for the Power of Dad, a program which works to mentor, build character, and develop life skills in the lives of fatherless young men. This program seeks to end the cycle of fatherlessness in Isabella County.

Safari Club International Foundation received $3,600 from the Mid-Michigan Chapter Safari Club International Fund to provide funding for four people to attend the American Wilderness Leadership School at Granite Ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Shepherd Public Schools received $71 from the David B. and Susan K. Keilitz Family Fund, $2,416 from the Kellogg Youth Fund, $1,129 from the Michael D. and Dianne C. Morey Community Needs Fund, and $5,021 from the Shepherd Area Community Fund in Honor of Robert Bates. This funding will provide renovations to the current computer lab to increase classroom safety as well as the creation of a mini STEM lab including a small robot.

Shepherd Public Schools received $1,400 from the Kellogg Youth Fund to provide funding for #WhyYouMatter, a suicide prevention program. Students will craft a statement for why they matter and have their portrait taken by other students. These portraits will then be displayed in a gallery in May of 2019. 

Applications for the next competitive grant cycle are due September 26, 2018. For more information on grant eligibility, and ways to support the endowed funds that make these grants possible, visit mpacf.org.

Community Foundation Awards $98,900 in Scholarships

The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation (MPACF) awarded 96 scholarships totaling $98,900 to local students during a reception on May 31, 2018. Established by individuals, businesses, and organizations wanting to help local students achieve their educational goals, most scholarships support high school students planning to attend an accredited college, university or trade school in the fall. Each scholarship is unique and reflects the values and interests of those who established it.

For more information, or to support any one of these scholarships, contact Amanda Schafer, Executive Director, at (989) 773-7322 or visit www.mpacf.org.

The 2018 Community Foundation Scholarship Recipients are:

Photos from the reception may be found on the MPACF Facebook page.

Save the Date: Sara Murray to Speak during Women's Initiative Luncheon October 16th

Public Invited to Respond to Online Community Needs Assessment

What does our community need? Where is the greatest potential to improve the quality of life in Isabella County? The public is invited to participate in an Isabella County Community Needs Assessment.

The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation has contracted with the Center for Applied Research and Rural Studies (CARRS) at Central Michigan University (CMU) to complete a survey of Isabella County residents. CARRS was founded in 1995 to assist community groups needing the social science research expertise of CMU faculty, staff, and students. CARRS partnered with the Community Foundation to develop the community needs assessment with input from several local leaders.

A random sample of Isabella County residents was contacted over the course of the last few months via telephone and mail, and now the public as a whole is invited to respond to the online version of the survey. The survey can be accessed here and will remain open for two weeks. All responses will remain confidential, and no information that could identify individuals or households will ever be published. The survey will take about 10 minutes to complete. Those who have completed the survey via telephone or mail need not respond again. 

A summary report of the assessment findings will be shared with the community this fall.

Foundation Awards 96 Scholarships

The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation (MPACF) will award 96 scholarships totaling more than $98,900 to local students during a Scholarship Reception on May 31, 2018. Established by individuals, businesses, and organizations wanting to help local students achieve their educational goals, most scholarships support high school students planning to attend an accredited college, university or trade school in the fall. Each scholarship is unique and reflects the values and interests of those who established it.

For more information or to support any one of these scholarships, contact Brittany Sherrill, Program Officer, at (989) 773-7322.

The 2018 Community Foundation Scholarship Recipients are:

Seven Local Nonprofit Leaders Chosen for Leadership Learning Lab

Seven local nonprofit leaders have been selected by the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation (MPACF) to attend an eight month Leadership Learning Lab. Facilitated by NorthSky Nonprofit Network, the Leadership Learning Lab seeks to connect and empower nonprofit leaders and give them the skills to strengthen the organizations and communities they serve. Funded by the Frey Foundation and MPACF, the Leadership Learning Lab aligns with the Foundation’s strategic efforts to support capacity building among local nonprofits.

The emerging leaders are Jon Breithaupt, Kate Connors, Ryan Griffus, Samantha Jones, Kaye Peasley, Amy Powell and Kim Seidel.

Jon Briethaupt is attending on behalf of the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy, where he has served as the Executive Director since October 2017. He hopes the program will provide training that will allow him to lead the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy towards growth so they may continue to preserve nature areas in Michigan to ensure a healthier, brighter future for the state.

Kate Connors is attending on behalf of Life Choices of Central Michigan, where she has served as the President/CEO since January 2018. She hopes that the program will allow her to gain knowledge of effective leadership and create a network of other area nonprofit leaders as she takes on her new role.

Ryan Giffus is attending on behalf of the Isabella County Restoration House, where he has served as the Executive Director since September 2016. He hopes this opportunity will allow him to gain an enhanced sense of leadership and a support system of other nonprofit leaders.

Samantha Jones is attending on behalf of Girls on the Run of Central Michigan, where she has served as the Executive Director since July 2014. She hopes that the program will prepare her for the anticipated growth of Girls on the Run and help her lead the organization toward long term sustainability.

Kaye Peasley is attending on behalf of Clothing INC, where she has served as the Director since February 2013. She hopes the Leadership Learning Lab will equip her with the tools to adapt to the growth of Clothing INC and create new, successful fundraising plans.

Amy Powell is attending on behalf of Art Reach of Mid Michigan, where she has served as the Executive Director since July 2016. She hopes this opportunity will give her the tools to guide the organization toward long-term success and allow her to build connections with other local nonprofit leaders.

Kim Seidel is attending on behalf of the Isabella County Child Advocacy Center, where she has served as the Executive Director since 2016. She hopes this opportunity will allow her to become more confident in her ability to secure financial resources and build collaborative relationships.

Foundation RFP for Investment Management Services

The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation (MPACF) has more than $20,000,000 in endowed assets and is requesting proposals for custody and investment management services from qualified financial service organizations. Proposals must be submitted to our office by 5:00pm on June 4, 2018 in the format provided in the Request for Proposals (RFP).

Our timeline is as follows:

April 2                         RFP posted online at www.mpacf.org

June 4                         Proposals submitted to MPACF

June 19                        Finance Committee determines 3-5 providers to invite for presentations

July/August                 Presentations from providers to Finance Committee

September 18              Finance Committee recommendation made

October 25                  Board of Trustees selects service provider(s)

One original proposal with signatures, and ten (10) additional copies for review by our Finance Committee, must be submitted.

Some of our assets have been managed by Fund Evaluation Group (FEG) since 2004, and by Isabella Bank/Financial Counselors, Inc. (FCI) since 2011. It is our policy to seek competitive proposals from investment management service providers every 5-7 years.

Nonprofit Center Open House Scheduled for April 5th

A group of nonprofit organizations will host an open house on Thursday, April 5 from 4:00-7:00 pm. Special announcements will take place at 5:00 pm. The event will be held at the newly established Isabella County Nonprofit Center, located at 1114 W. High Street in Mt. Pleasant. The public is welcome to tour the facility.

According to the 2017 United Way ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) Report, 23% of Isabella County households with children are living in poverty (income below $24k). Another 23% are ALICE families, which means they earn less than the Household Survival Budget of approximately $54k per year for a family of four in Isabella County. Millions of dollars are spent annually to support those in need by dozens of social service agencies in Isabella County. In addition, more than 1,000 citizens volunteer each year to supply food, shelter, clothing, medical care and many other services. Yet poverty levels remain intractable. In 2014, several nonprofit organizations started to meet to discuss working more collaboratively. In 2017, an expanded group proposed the formation of a nonprofit center in Isabella County.

The Isabella County Nonprofit Center seeks to foster strong collaboration among key social service agencies by developing a shared physical space and cooperative interactions to: 1) address the most pressing needs of the large proportion of citizens in Isabella County living in or near poverty; and 2) create synergies throughout the community to reduce poverty levels in Isabella County over time. Partner agencies currently housed within the Center include Community Compassion Network (ccnfeeds.org), Clothing INC (mpnaz.com/clothing-inc), Isabella County Restoration House (icrhouse.org), and The Care Store (communitychurchlife.org/carestore). Critical services for those in need--food, shelter, clothing and personal care items--are now located under one roof, increasing efficiency and improving support. Long term, the partners engaged with the Center are also committed to reducing overall poverty levels in our community. The Center will coordinate the development and implementation of services to train individuals with the necessary potential abilities to find, perform and keep employment.

There is no fee to attend the open house, but space is limited. Donations to the Center may be made to the Nonprofit Service Center Fund at the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation (mpacf.org). Questions about the open house should be directed to Amanda Schafer at (989) 773-7322. Questions about the services provided within the Center should be directed to the relevant partner agency. Follow “Isabella County Nonprofit Service Center” on Facebook for regular updates

Community Foundation Grants More Than $37,000

MT. PLEASANT, MI - The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation Board of Trustees recently awarded $37,992.28 in grants to organizations impacting Isabella County.

 American Red Cross received $2,400 from the Kay Smith Family Fund to address the issue of residential fire, the disaster with the largest number of responses on a yearly basis, through preparedness education.

Art Reach of Mid Michigan received $839.45 from the W. Sidney and Judith French Smith Community Fund to support the Art Walk 2018.

Beal City Public Schools received $550 from the Kellogg Youth Fund to purchase a variety of independent books for use in Ms. Lohr’s classroom.

Central Michigan University received $1,000 from the Kellogg Youth Fund to support the Chippewa River Writing Camp. The camp will invite 20 upper elementary and early middle school students from Isabella County to CMU for an intensive, week-long experience where they will explore the intersections of writing and technology.

Chippewa Watershed Conservancy received $1,350 from the Dyke and Phyllis Heinze Conservation Fund to purchase a tent and table to use at Chippewa Watershed Conservancy environmental education events, volunteer stewardship outings, trade shows and other marketing and outreach activities.

 Cultural & Recreation Commission of Isabella County received $1,595 from the Mt. Pleasant Rotary Club Access to Recreation Fund to purchase twelve Skate Helper skating aids that will be used for the I.C.E. Arena’s free Learn to Skate program for local school children.

Foster Closet of Michigan- Isabella County received $500 from the Kellogg Youth Fund and $500 from the Women’s Initiative Fund to pay for local salon services for Isabella county teens in the foster care system.

Greater Lansing Food Bank received $3,686.76 from the Community Impact Fund, $2,815.87 from the Fabiano Family Fund, and $8,497.37 from the Jane McNamara and Louise Williams Fund to support capital improvements to the Isabella County Soup Kitchen, expanding their emergency food distribution in Isabella County.

HopeWell Ranch received $1,269 from the David B. and Susan K. Keilitz Family Fund to support the Jr. Farmer program, a new interactive educational program that aims to provide an opportunity for children to interact and work side by side with other children while providing hands-on care for animals.  

 Isabella County Child Advocacy Center received $2,200 from the Women’s Initiative Fund to support the Safety Walkway Initiative, which will provide a separate entrance for the multidisciplinary team to enter the center without being recognized by children who are coming in to tell their stories of sexual abuse.

 Life Choices of Central Michigan received $6,093.83 from the Coyne Family Fund to support the mission of the organization.

Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum received $3,065 from the Kellogg Youth Fund to build a new bicycle component in their One World exhibit, which gives children the opportunity to explore Okaya, Japan through a virtual reality software system that also promotes physical activity.

 Village of Shepherd received $630 from the Shepherd Community Fund to provide crossing guards with new stop signs that have increased visibility.

Shepherd Public Schools received $1,000 from the Shepherd Community Fund to support the After Prom, which is a safe, positive, entertaining program held immediately after prom for Shepherd High School juniors, seniors, and guests between the hours of 11PM and 3AM.

 Applications for the next competitive grant cycle are due May 23, 2018. For more information on grant eligibility, and ways to support the endowed funds that make these grants possible, visit www.mpacf.org.

Community Foundation Surpasses $20 Million Milestone

Members of the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation (MPACF) Board of Directors recently celebrated a major milestone. With $2.6 million in contributions in 2017, the Community Foundation has surpassed $20 million in total assets.

“We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone in our history. The fact that we have doubled our assets in just seven years speaks volumes about the generosity in our community, and the commitment that Isabella County residents are making to future generations,” said Jill Bourland, President. Community foundations bring together the financial resources of individuals, families, and businesses to support effective charitable organizations dedicated to improving the lives of people in a particular geographic area. “The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation allows anyone and everyone to become a philanthropist, and there is no doubt that every gift, large or small, when properly invested, can enhance the lives of others,” added Mary Ann O’Neil, Vice President. MPACF’s investment returns exceeded 14% in 2017.

Holding assets across 275 endowment funds, the Community Foundation works to meet the charitable goals of donors as well as the most pressing needs in Isabella County. “We work with families, attorneys, and other professional advisors on gifts which maximize benefits for donors and critical organizations in Isabella County,” said Jan Strickler, Development Chair. Individuals and groups may contribute any amount of money to a fund through the Foundation, and the Foundation invests gifts for growth and income, using a portion to make grants in the community based on donor wishes and identified community needs. Since its inception in 1990, MPACF has awarded nearly $6 million in grants through its community impact, field-of-interest, donor advised, organization and scholarship endowment funds—all while maintaining the value of every gift ever given to the Foundation.

“When people give to the Community Foundation, they are creating a legacy. We are proud to have reached the $20 million mark, but we are not stopping there,” said Executive Director Amanda Schafer. “Over the next 40 years, the estimated transfer of wealth from one generation to the next in Isabella County is approximately $4 billion. We want to keep that money local. If just 5% of that projected transfer was designated for charities in our area, $200 million would be retained for people who live, work, and learn in our community. And, if that $200 million was endowed with MPACF, we could make $10 million available for area nonprofits every single year.”

Community foundations play a key role in identifying and solving community problems. “Look around our community,” said Al Kaufmann, Secretary. “So much of what you see and enjoy is, in part, a result of charitable giving: the Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum, Woodland Hospice, City parks and trails, the Isabella Community Sportsplex, and the annual peacemaking awards in Mt. Pleasant Public Schools.” Many local organizations, such as Listening Ear, Women’s Aid, Art Reach, and Beal City Public Schools have funds with the Foundation. These organizations provide education, human services, health, recreation and youth development, all making our community a better place.

Bob Long, Past President commented, “More and more, we are focusing on our role as a community leader—convening residents around local issues, educating one another on community needs, and building partnerships to make the greatest impact possible.” While Foundation financial assets have grown, so too has momentum and the willingness to cultivate bold solutions to improve the quality of life for all in Isabella County. “We want to thank donors, volunteers, and our partner organizations who are a force for good in our community,” said Marcie Otteman Grawburg, Community Relations Chair. “And, we invite them to help us look for new and creative approaches, perspectives, and ideas to address what matters most to the people and community we serve.”

Community Foundation Sponsoring Isabella County Needs Assessment

What does our community need? Where is the greatest potential to improve the quality of life in Isabella County?

The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation has contracted with the Center for Applied Research and Rural Studies (CARRS) at Central Michigan University (CMU) to complete a survey of Isabella County residents as part of an effort to answer these questions. CARRS was founded in 1995 to assist community groups needing the social science research expertise of CMU faculty, staff, and students. CARRS partnered with the Community Foundation to develop the community needs assessment with input from several local leaders.

A random sample of Isabella County residents will be contacted over the course of the next few weeks, which means all households in Isabella County have an equal opportunity for participation in this research project. To maintain the scientific quality of the sample, we encourage all households that are contacted to participate. Some households will receive a telephone call from CARRS, and an adult member of the household will be asked to complete the survey over the telephone. Others will receive a print version of the survey through U.S. mail. All responses will remain confidential, and no information that could identify individuals or households will ever be published.

A summary report of the assessment findings will be shared with the community this fall.

Over one hundred Scholarships Available

The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation (MPACF) is now accepting applications for more than one hundred (100) scholarships. Most are available to local students who will be completing their senior year of high school or GED this spring. There are also more than a dozen scholarship opportunities for students already enrolled in, or planning to return to, some form of higher education.  Frequently asked questions and a link to the online application system can be found at: mpacf.org.  The application deadline is Friday, March 2, 2018.

Since 1990, the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation (MPACF) has transformed the unique charitable dreams of individuals, families, and businesses into the reality of permanently endowed charitable funds that support a wide range of worthy causes in the community. One-third of the permanently endowed funds held by MPACF provide scholarships, making the Community Foundation a leader in awarding scholarships to deserving students in the local area. Last year, MPACF awarded 90 scholarships totally more than $87,250 to students in and around Isabella County (photo below).

Community Matters E-Newsletter: Spread JOY this Holiday Season...

Spread JOY this Holiday Season, 2016-2017 Legacy Magazine Online, $62,000 in Grants Awarded, Reduce Your Taxes in 2017

Community Foundation Grants More than $62,000

MT. PLEASANT, MI - The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation Board of Trustees recently awarded $62,673.54 in grants to organizations impacting Isabella County.

Art Reach of Mid Michigan received $1,342.18 from the Russ Herron Poetry Fund and $7.82 from the Ruth S. and Gerard R. Felter and Florence F. Battenfeld Family Fund for the Wellsprings Literary Series, a partnership program between CMU's English Department and Art Reach where published poets can share their latest works.

Beal City Public Schools received $1,000 from the Barbara L. and George W. Dunn Family Fund, $1,000 from the Kellogg Youth Fund, and $1,560 from the Morning Sun Community Fund for an online math and English learning system that will provide differentiated instruction for students ranging from seventh grade to graduation.

City of Mt. Pleasant received $20,000 from the W.E. Martin Fund to support the building of an amphitheater in Island Park. Mt. Pleasant High School student, Taylor Idema, hopes the amphitheater will be used for numerous things, including outdoor theatre, outdoor dance-studio performances, band concerts, ceremonies, art displays, holiday events, poetry readings, children’s programs, and nature talks.

Community Compassion Network received $3,330 from the Community Impact Fund and $1,670 from the W. Sidney Smith and Judith French Smith Family Fund for supplemental food assistance. CCN serves approximately 225 families every two weeks.

Eagle Village, Inc. received $3,590 from the Community Impact Fund, and $1,410 from the G. Charles and Janice L. Hubscher Fund for intervention camp scholarships for Isabella County youth who are struggling in their school or community.

Hopewell Ranch received $500 from the Janice Cotter Endowment Fund to support its mission.

Isabella County Child Advocacy Center received $413 from the Community Impact Fund, $1,000 from the Kellogg Youth Fund, and $725 from the Theunissen Family Fund for a soundproofing and invisible audio project which will aide in investigations of childhood sexual abuse.

Isabella County Child Advocacy Center received $800 from the Women's Initiative Fund to provide ten “Safe Sleep Survival Kits” to low-income families who are not able to purchase a crib for their infant. This project is in partnership with Cribs for Kids, a national organization with more than 650 partners which focuses on safe sleep education, bereavement support, and providing safe sleep survival kits to those in need.

Montabella Community Schools received $585.54 from the Montabella Community Schools Education Fund to purchase headphones with microphones for their Spanish classes.

Mount Pleasant Little League received $575.27 from the Bandit Industries Community Fund, $2,197 from the Community Impact Fund, $2,327.73 from the Lon Morey Family Fund, and $900 from the Michael D. and Dianne C. Morey Community Needs Fund for necessary concession stand updates. Concession stand proceeds help to keep Little League costs low for participants.

Mt. Pleasant Community Church received $4,000 from the Community Impact Fund, $355 from the Fabiano Family Fund, $815 from the Elizabeth Z. Miller & Bruce H. LaPointe Community Needs Fund, and $830 from the Jerry M. and Marilyn A. Morey Community Fund to provide personal and household products to families living in poverty through The Care Store.

Ronald McDonald House of Western Michigan received $650 from the Community Impact Fund, $1,250 from the Kellogg Youth Fund, and $600 from the Missy and Doug LaBelle Family Foundation Community Impact Fund to provide “a home away from home” for Isabella County families traveling to Grant Rapids for critical medical and mental health treatment for their children.

Sacred Heart Parish received $1,900 from the McGuirk Family Fund to purchase an Automated External Defibrillator Machine (AED).

Shepherd United Methodist Church received $1,430 from the Shepherd Community Fund in Honor of Robert Bates to support “The Village Messenger,” a free quarterly newsletter that supplies 3,000 Shepherd residents with news, event notices, and local information.

Village of Shepherd, Shepherd Police Department received $910 from the Shepherd Community Fund in Honor of Robert Bates to support an outreach program, which involves four specific programs at Shepherd Public Schools. These programs include: Operation SYRUP, SHINE, Fight like a Young Man, and Cop Talk. All programs focus on planting the seeds of greatness in every student.

Young Life received $5,000 from the Kellogg Youth Fund to support mentoring for sixth grade students at Mt. Pleasant Middle School. A variety of these programs provide opportunities for adult mentors to help students make quality choices and develop sound decision making skills.

Applications for the next competitive grant cycle are due January 24, 2018. For more information on grant eligibility, and ways to support the endowed funds that make these grants possible, visit www.mpacf.org.

2017 Youth Needs Assessment: Local Youth Say Bullying is Number One Concern

National studies suggest that one in four children are bullied. But, is that the case here in Isabella County?  Six hundred and thirty Isabella County students completed an online survey last spring and bullying topped the list of their concerns.

The survey, conducted by the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation’s Youth Advisory Committee (YAC), asked eighth and tenth graders to help identify the greatest issues being faced by youth in our community.  Students from Beal City Public Schools, Mt. Pleasant Public Schools, Sacred Heart Academy, and Shepherd Public Schools participated in the 2017 Youth Needs Assessment.  

Top issues identified varied by grade, gender and school. Overall results showed that the greatest concerns for youth in the community are:

• Bullying - 57%

• Stress/School Pressure - 52%

• Depression/Suicide/Loss - 46%

• Alcohol and Drug Abuse - 46%

• Self-Esteem/Respect for Yourself and Others - 43%

The YAC is comprised of 7th-12th grade students from all schools in Isabella County, and serves as a pivotal agent in the empowerment of youth and in the development of young leaders. The YAC advises the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees on the awarding of grants from the Kellogg Youth Fund, an endowment that supports charitable projects and events that benefit the young people of Isabella County. YAC student leaders spend time positively influencing their community while learning about service and civic engagement. The YAC meets at least once per month to review grant applications, to receive leadership and philanthropy training, and to plan community service projects.

Every 2-3 years, the YAC surveys 8th and 10th graders in Isabella County to help identify what they see as the greatest needs and problems facing youth in the community. The Youth Needs Assessment helps the YAC determine funding priorities as they review grant applications. View  a full summary of the 2017 Youth Needs Assessment results here.

Over the past 25 years, the YAC has awarded more than $560,000 in grants from the Kellogg Youth Fund, and YAC members learn how to raise funds to continue to grow this endowment fund too. Members have planned a social media campaign to raise additional funds for the Kellogg Youth Fund between now and #GivingTuesday on November 28th. The YAC would like to raise $25,000 to add to the Kellogg Youth Fund to celebrate 25 years of youth philanthropy in Isabella County. Donations to the Kellogg Youth Fund may be mailed to the Community Foundation at PO Box 1283, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48804, or may be made online.

Sue Guevara Encourages Local Women to Embrace the Challenge

The Women’s Initiative 2017 Look Who’s Talking luncheon held last week featured keynote speaker Sue Guevara. Born in Saginaw, Michigan, Sue attended Saginaw Valley State University where her coaching career began. She simultaneously worked as the head coach of the softball team, and assistant coach for the women’s basketball team. Sue was named Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Softball Coach of the year in 1984.  She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education, then attended Ohio State University to receive her Master’s degree in Athletic Administration. Before becoming the head coach at Central Michigan University, Sue was an assistant and associate coach at Michigan State for nine seasons, head coach at the University of Michigan for seven seasons, and assistant coach at Auburn for three seasons. Guevara is now beginning her 10th season at CMU. She is the university’s all-time winningest basketball coach.

During last week’s luncheon, Guevara shared her journey and some of her hardships along the way, encouraging those in attendance to do what they love no matter the obstacles. From the basketball court to everyday life, Guevara talked about working her way through tough times to get to where she is today. “It’s all about embracing the change daily,” she said to an audience of more than 400 women. Each participant received a purple bracelet to remind them to “E.T.C.: Embrace the Challenge.” McLaren Central Michigan and Mercantile Bank of Michigan sponsored this year’s speaker.

The Women’s Initiative Fund was established at the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation in 2003 to address the needs of women and girls in Isabella County. More than 200 women have made pledges to the permanent endowment fund, and nearly 2,100 individual gifts have been made to date. Since 2003, forty grants have been awarded to local nonprofits and programs serving women and girls, all while maintaining the value of every gift given.

Five organizations receiving grants from the Women’s Initiative Fund in 2017 were on hand during the luncheon. Christmas Outreach of Isabella County received $3,000 to purchase women’s winter coats and boots. Isabella County Foster Closet received $1,000 to provide 13 girls in foster care a new outfit of their choosing from a local store. Christian Counseling of Mid Michigan received $2,500 to start-up a postpartum mental health group. Mid Michigan Community College received $1,000 to provide busing, lunch and motivational materials to girls participating in the Isabella County 8th Grade Girls Luncheon CHAT (Character, Heart Ambition and Talent).  Women’s Aid Service received $1,500 to restore the front steps of their shelter.

The Women’s Initiative serves as a legacy of women helping women and girls in Isabella County, now and for generations to come. A committee of local women host two fundraising events each year for the Women’s Initiative. The next, Kay’s Day, will be held on May 23, 2018. Tickets for this networking and social event will available in the spring.

Local Youth Celebrate 25 Years of Philanthropy

“YAC gave me the confidence as a young person to feel like my voice and my actions could have a real impact on the community,” said Olivia Rau, Beal City High School graduate and former Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) member. Several alumni expressed similar feelings in a recent video created by MacTV to celebrate 25 years of youth philanthropy in Isabella County.

In the early 90s, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation challenged community foundations throughout the state to create a permanent training ground in the voluntary responsibilities of citizenship for Michigan’s youth and to engage adolescents in the grant-making process.  “The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation accepted the challenge, and the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) was formed,” reported Bob Wheeler, Community Foundation Trustee and former YAC advisor, during a recent breakfast event.

Brian Rush was one of the first students asked to serve on the Youth Advisory Committee. In 1992, he was a senior at Sacred Heart Academy. Twenty-five years later, he proudly serves as a Community Foundation Trustee. “The Youth Advisory Committee provides young people with the opportunity to experience philanthropy at an early age,” Rush said. “With some adult support, youth learn about community needs, fundraising, volunteering, grantmaking, and leadership during their time on YAC.”

The Youth Advisory Committee is comprised of students, grades 7-12, from schools throughout Isabella County. “The biggest lesson was learning to work with a diverse group of people—different schools, different ages, and with adults—coming together to make decisions as a board,” said Jena Eisenberger, Shepherd High School graduate and former YAC member.

With a financial match of $125,000 from the Kellogg Foundation in 1993, the Community Foundation started a permanent endowment fund focused on youth. The YAC is responsible for raising funds to grow the Youth Fund and for reviewing all grant requests related to youth projects and programming. Over the years, the YAC has advised the Community Foundation Board to award nearly 400 grants totaling more than $555,000.

Erica Davis, Mt. Pleasant High School graduate and current YAC member, put forth a challenge to the community last week during the Community Foundation’s annual breakfast. “Members of the YAC are going to be doing a social media campaign to raise additional funds for the Kellogg Youth Fund between now and #GivingTuesday. Will you help us spread the word?” Davis asked the crowd. “We’d like to raise $25,000 to add to the Kellogg Youth Fund to celebrate 25 years of youth philanthropy.” Donations to the Youth Fund may be mailed to the Community Foundation at PO Box 1283, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48804, or can be made online.