Sheltering Arms Foundation Funds Advocacy Programs
for Minnesota Children and Families

The Sheltering Arms Foundation's 2005-06 grants will go directly to service organizations and advocacy groups working to improve the day-to-day lives of Minnesota children and families. The investment will have a direct impact in greater Minnesota communities, such as Bemidji, Owatonna and Duluth, as well as many neighborhoods in the Twin Cities metro area.

"Our grantees' determination and commitment is amazing as they work to help improve the lives of Minnesota children and families and, in turn, strengthen our communities," said Denise Mayotte, the foundation's executive director. "We witness or read about their successes every day, yet children's needs are still great. Impactful programs such as Cornerstone or Freepops provide vital support and resources to our most vulnerable young citizens. They are helping thousands of children and families who rely on their services build a better future."

The foundation awarded more than $70,000 to support public policy programs with a focus on children's issues such as accessible health care for low-income children and improving early childhood learning resources. A $15,000 grant to Family & Children's Service will fund public policy work for the Minneapolis Children's Advocacy Network, a group of advocates dedicated to improving the healthy development, well-being and education of children in Minneapolis.

Grants support organizations that serve a diverse group of children and families representing Minnesota's most at-risk populations, such as homeless families, refugees, teen mothers and children in need of essential after-school programs. One such organization is the Boys and Girls Club of the Bemidji Area. A grant of $15,000 will help the club develop Native American arts and drumming programs as well as a youth basketball team.

In all, the foundation awarded 37 grants totaling $460,000. For more information about the foundation, visit the Sheltering Arms Web site.

> More headlines