$1 Million Capital Grant from General Mills to Washburn Center for Children

Source: Washburn Center for Children 12/16/2010

Washburn Seeks to Create a New Space for Young Minds to Heal & Grow by 2013

MINNEAPOLIS – Dec. 16, 2010 – Washburn Center for Children, the leading children’s mental health center in the Twin Cities, announced today a $1 million gift from the General Mills Foundation in support of its capital campaign for a new building.

The gift reflects the General Mills Foundation’s commitment to children and the long-time connection to Washburn Center for Children.

“General Mills supports this capital campaign not only because our histories are intricately tied together, but also because we recognize the tremendous work Washburn Center for Children does with children and families in the Twin Cities community,” said Ellen Goldberg Luger, executive director of the General Mills Foundation. “Children’s mental health is a critical component to the success of a child and General Mills is proud to support Washburn as it expands to meet the growing need within our community.”

Washburn Center for Children was founded as the Washburn Memorial Orphan Asylum in 1883 through a bequest from Cadwallader Washburn, founder of the Washburn Milling Company, when a mill explosion orphaned children from 14 families. The Washburn Milling Company later became General Mills. Washburn has evolved over the last 127 years to meet the changing needs of the community’s children and families.

In 2009, the nonprofit served 2,150 children and 6,000 family members – a more than 60 percent increase than five years ago.

“I am inspired by General Mills’ generosity and its commitment to help Washburn create a space for young minds to heal and grow,” said Steve Lepinski, executive director of Washburn Center for Children. “General Mills recognizes that strengthening our community’s children makes a stronger community for all of us.”

Washburn’s growth over the past several years has made securing a new building a top priority for the organization. The new space will support Washburn’s renowned clinical work, enable expansion of clinical training and help meet the growing need for mental health services.

“Children’s mental health is a widely stigmatized issue, not just here in the Twin Cities but across the country,” said Don Shelby, former WCCO anchor and chair of Washburn’s capital campaign. “Other communities don’t have resources like Washburn, and I am grateful to the General Mills Foundation for helping the Twin Cities sustain this vital community resource.”

Children’s mental health treatment works. Research shows that when children struggling with experience social, emotional or behavioral challenges receive treatment, they do better in school, build better relationships and are better able to focus on being a kid. However of the one in five children and adolescents that experience mental health challenges – only 20 percent will get the help they need.

About Washburn Center for Children
With more than 127 years of experience in assisting high-risk children in the Twin Cities area, Washburn Center for Children is a leader in helping children with social, emotional and behavioral problems and their families. As a community mental health center focused on children’s mental health, Washburn strives to integrate innovative research into program practice, implement meaningful evaluation methods and provide effective training and consultation for agency staff and community collaborators. http://www.wilder.org

About the General Mills Foundation
The mission of the General Mills Foundation, celebrating more than 50 years of giving, is to nourish communities. In fiscal 2009, General Mills awarded $91 million to communities across the country, representing more than 5 percent of company pretax profits that year. Of the total, the Foundation contributed $21 million in grants in the targeted areas of hunger and nutrition wellness, education, social services, and arts and culture. In addition, 82 percent of employees volunteer in the communities where they live and work.

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For more information:
Amy Pfarr Walker
Washburn Center for Children
612-767-6328
apfarrwalker@washburn.org