ASB donates to kindergarten classes
American Solutions for Business raised $500 for local kindergarten classes in Glenwood.
Every September, ASB’s internal Stewardship Committee holds raffles for the school and distributes the proceeds to the areas with the greatest need. This year, the school counselor indicated that each kindergarten family is asked to pay $30 to help cover snacks for the year. This is a struggle for some families. The funds raised and donated by ASB will help cover the costs and alleviate some of the financial burden local families are facing.
The Stewardship Committee at American promotes the American culture and fosters fellowship among employees while coordinating events, activities, and fundraisers to benefit the communities in which they live and the causes to which they are dedicated. The group focuses on six to eight charitable causes each year but as needs arise, the team may sponsor other benefits.
Throughout the year, the Stewardship Committee also donates to Pope County Hospice, Pope County Food Shelf, Pope County Humane Society and Rainbow Rider to help the local Head Start children get a ride to school.
Child care providers recognized at regional event
Child care providers from eight local counties have been named 2021 Sourcewell Child Care Providers of the Year.
This year’s recipients included Alisha Hoekstra in Douglas County.
Alisha Hoekstra (right) received a Child Care Providers of the Year award from Sourcewell. (Contributed photo)
The announcements were made at the fourth-annual Regional Family Child Care Network Conference hosted by Sourcewell. More than 80 providers viewed the virtual event.
Participants of the online conference were licensed in-home family child care providers from counties that partner with Sourcewell for family child care licensing, including Becker, Cass, Crow Wing, Douglas, Morrison, Stevens, Todd, and Wadena counties.
“This was our second year hosting the conference virtually and we felt the participation level increased, and attendees were more engaged than previous years,” said Sourcewell Lead Regional Licensing Specialist Michelle Tautges. “Providers appreciate this annual training because they can obtain five hours of professional development to go toward their annual requirement of 16 hours at a low-cost.”
Recipients of the Sourcewell’s Child Care Provider of the Year award are nominated by families of children in their care or professionals in the industry.