At Wednesday's meeting, Clear Water welcomed 5 organizations that are receiving funding from our club in the 2024-2025 season. Each organization gave a brief overview of themselves, and how they are using Clear Water's funds to improve the lives of children in our community.
Fierce Freedom (nominated by Mary Edna Hagen)
Fierce Freedom was represented by Cat Morgan (Executive Director) and Debbie Hong (Volunteer Coordinator). Fierce Freedom's mission is to end human trafficking by providing services upstream to prevent trafficking in the first place. They do this by working with high-risk individuals, such as youth that either have had issues with the law, are in or were formerly in foster care, or come from high-risk situations. One program they have been developing is called "Power Youth." This program focuses on reminding youth of their worth and dignity and explores problem solving and decision-making skills. Recently they took this program into the ECC Juvenile Detention Center. With the funds received from Clear Water Kiwanis, Fierce Freedom will be expanding their Power Youth program to include videos.
Chippewa Valley Museum/WI Logging Museum (nominated by Melissa Peterson)
The Chippewa Valley Museum/Logging Museum was represented by Carrie Ronnander (Executive Director). Last year's Clear Water funds were used for the children's exhibit in the logging museum called "Paul Bunyun's Boot." Fun fact: Ann Kaiser's husband helped renovate Paul Bunyon's boot last year. This year, Clear Water funding will assist with a children's exhibit in the Chippewa Valley Museum called "History Heroes." "History Heroes" is meant to encourage children to explore and save the past. The exhibit will include science elements, areas to dig up history, and make a game of doing it.
Girls on the Run (nominated by Maureen Mack)
Girls on the Run was represented by Rose Dolan-Neill (Executive Director) and Shelly Reynolds (Board Member). Girls on the Run's mission is to give girls a joyful experience, while practicing healthy mental and physical health. Girls on the Run serves 6 counties, with girls being in the 3rd - 5th grades. The goal of each practice of Girls on the Run is to practice social and emotional learning, while also engaging in physical activity. Their moto is "moving forward in any way." Girls on the Run is always looking for coaches that work as mentors to the girls. Funds from Clear Water Kiwanis will be used to fund their scholarship program. 30% of all participants receive either a full or partial scholarship.
The Community Table (nominated by TJ Atkins)
The Community Table was represented by Avery Judnic. The Community Table feeds 90-110 people every day, 365 days a year, for anyone that needs a hot meal. The Community Table is always looking for volunteers to prepare and serve the main meal, as well as donations for food and equipment. Funds from Clear Water Kiwanis will be used for those purposes.
Family Resource Center (nominated by Ann Kaiser)
The Family Resource Center was represented by Deneshia Honadel (Rural Parent Educator), and Mariam Nagi (Parent Advisory Council Member). The Family Resource Center is celebrating 25 years this year! The Family Resource Center provides a safe, supportive space for parents and their children to learn and thrive. Their newest initiative is a partnership with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. This program sends a book to a child every month from birth to the age of 5, free of charge. Their goal is to increase the number of children signed up for this program within the ECASD. Funds from Clear Water Kiwanis will go towards supporting this program. It costs about $2 per book, per child. Each child receives about 48 free books.