Community Programs Receive $600,000 Boost

Improved housing resources, mental health services, and enhancements to the Crow Wing County drone program all received financial support following Sourcewell's Community Impact Funding Review Day, June 16.

Eight nonprofit projects and three local government proposals applied for financial support from the Community Impact Funding program. Presentations were given live from Sourcewell in Staples, while voting participants watched online.

Project champions shared their projects with a group of peers and answered questions regarding each respective project. Eligible event participants had an opportunity to vote and select the projects to receive Sourcewell funding.

Programs voted to receive financial support include:

Nonprofit funding

Project: Lakes Area Housing Security Program
Organization(s): Presented by Bridges of Hope, Legal Aid of Northeastern Minnesota, and Lutheran Social Services
Description: $100,000 for the Bridges of Hope's Lakes Area Housing Security Program, a coordinated point of entry for individuals and families in Crow Wing County and surrounding communities (Aitkin, Pillager, and Pine River-Backus school districts) seeking resources to avoid and/or navigate foreclosure and eviction.

Project: Helping Heal with Neurofeedback
Organization(s): Presented by Port Group Home and the Mid-Minnesota Women's Center
Description: $100,000 to provide a resource for healing secondary and vicarious trauma for caregivers and clients through neurofeedback. The primary focus will be on members in the Region 5 area (Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd, and Wadena counties) and the project impact will span the state of Minnesota.

Project: SMILE - Supporting, Mentoring, Inspiring, Life in Everyone
Organization(s): Presented by Cuyuna Regional Medical Center and Smiles for Jake
Description: $75,000 for a multifaceted program aimed at reducing suicide rates, depression, anxiety, and mental health stigmas in central Minnesota.

Government agency funding

Project: Region 5 Collaborative Intensive Bridging Services
Organization(s): Presented by Morrison County Social Services
Description: $240,000 to help provide care for children ages 8-17 and their families/caregivers using three phases of treatment. Through the system, multiple agencies, families, and their informal support networks work together to provide an intensive mental health intervention and support.

Project: Enhancements to the Crow Wing County Unmanned Aerial System Program
Organization(s): Presented by Crow Wing County Emergency Management and the Brainerd Fire Department
Description: $88,000 to provide enhancements to the existing program to better serve the community. These enhancements include performance management software, additional unmanned aerial systems, and a system to allow for continuous flight from a fixed location.

To learn more about Sourcewell Community Impact Funding, visit sourcewell.co/Funding.