Edina Rotary Foundation awards 2014–2015 local grants

Organizations that received local grants from the Edina Rotary Foundation for the 2014–2015 Rotary year were recently announced. Members of the Community Service (Local Grants) Committee solicit applications from area organizations for specific projects that might need funding help. The committee vets all applicants and makes recommendations to the ERF board of directors for grants that fit the parameters of the local grant guidelines. The board then approves the grants, and successful applicants are notified. Each grant recipient is invited to attend a Rotary Club of Edina meeting to share with members the mission of their organization, and how the grant will impact the community.

 

The following organizations, along with many other local and international projects, receive funding from the ERF. The Rotary Club of Edina raises money each year for ERF by holding a Fundraiser Gala. This year's gala is Saturday, Sept. 26. 

 

 

 

Our Club is pleased to announce our partnership with Can Do Canines. This organization is one of our 2014–2015 local grant recipients. Can Do Canines is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities by creating mutually beneficial partnerships with specially trained dogs. The specific grant is for the purchase of a small, efficient van to be used in Can Do Canines’ program department (shown above). The vehicle will be used to transport dogs and puppies to and from four prison programs on a regular basis, visit animal shelters, take dogs to veterinarian visits and to work with clients in their homes and community. This grant is combined with grants from the Rotary District 5950 and other Rotary Clubs.

 

Cornerstone Advocacy Service also has been selected as one of our annual grant recipients. Specifically, our Club awarded a grant to purchase mobile computers to allow Cornerstone’s Criminal Justice Intervention Advocates access to mobile technology to efficiently and effectively serve victims.

 

Here is some background about Cornerstone:
For over 30 years, Cornerstone staff have been serving adults and children traumatized by unhealthy, destructive relationships based on power and control. Throughout our history, we have dedicated ourselves to helping people build healthy and violence-free lives for themselves and their families. Understanding the intersections between domestic violence, sexual violence, human trafficking, we provide comprehensive services and support for victims of interpersonal violence and their families in Bloomington, Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Crystal, Eden Prairie, Edina, Maple Grove, Richfield, Robbinsdale, and St. Louis Park. Cornerstone provides safe housing to anyone in imminent danger, regardless of whether or not they live in our target cities.

If you’re living with abuse, it can feel like there is no way out. At Cornerstone, we want you to know that no matter what your current situation, there are options available to you. We are here to help you find your way.

Mission:
Cornerstone’s continuum of service helps to create communities where individuals and families are safe and children thrive. We advocate, educate and lead the way to social change.

Goal:
Cornerstone’s ultimate goal is to reduce the prevalence of interpersonal violence. Healthy futures are possible when we coordinate an effective crisis response, implement trauma-informed support services, mitigate the impact of violence on children and youth, and confront the roots of violence.

Philosophy:
We are committed to a society in which violence in families and relationships no longer exists. Domestic violence, sexual violence, dating violence and human trafficking are crimes. They are a violation of human rights. The use of violence is a choice and can be prevented. All community members have a responsibility to confront the roots of violence and eliminate oppression.

 

 

 

 

Another of our local grants was awarded to the Fishing for Life organization. The grant will help Fishing for Life to purchase supplies to assist in their Reel 'Em in Kids- Rod Rebuilding Program. Items include the purchase of fishing line and tackle for boxes. Fishing for Life hosts a number of their Rebuilding Days in various communities in the Twin Cities Metro area.

 

More on Fishing for Life:
Founded in 2004, Fishing for Life has been serving kids, families and communities through fishing and outdoor programs for more than a decade.
That's our mission, but here's what we're really about: relationships.
First and foremost is our relationship with Christ. He is the reason why we do what we do. We intentionally seek ways to enter into relationships with kids, families and communities through various fishing and outdoor programs. These programs range from youth events to family events to men's groups to wounded warrior support and more. FFL is comprised of hundreds of men and women who use their love, excitement, passion and knowledge of fishing and other outdoor activities to be the hands and feet of God.

 

 

 

Fraser in Minneapolis also received a local grant from ERF. 

 

Here is information about Fraser:

Fraser serves children and adults with more than 60 types of mental and physical disabilities, and is Minnesota’s largest and most experienced provider of autism services. Fraser School provides childcare and early childhood education for young children with typical needs and special needs. Fraser offers an array of housing and in-home support options for people with disabilities in the Twin Cities area. Our programs are nationally recognized for their high quality, innovation, and individualized, family-centered approach. 

 

 

 

We are proud to partner with Minnesota Life College by providing them a grant to train community members, including Minnesota Life College staff, in a course designed to teach key mental health first aid skills. This evidence-based training results in significant improvement in handling mental health crises and will be provided by Fairview Southdale Hospital mental health professionals.Together we make a difference in our community.

 

Here is some background on the College:

Since 1996, MLC students have been engaged in a challenging work-readiness curriculum and participated in internships with job coaches. This has been combined with training in critical independent living skills, in which our teaching takes place in the environments where our students will use the skills: in their apartments, at the grocery store, at the health club, on public transportation, etc. But what makes this place so special is the opportunity our students have to learn social skills among their peers and develop true healthy friendships that, for many, will last a lifetime. In all of our programs we help individuals with learning differences and autism spectrum disorders reach their potentials with support and guidance; we take great pride and responsibility in connecting our students and graduates with a community of opportunities. The families we serve are proud of the personal integrity and leadership qualities our graduates embody.

 

 

 

Our Club is proud to share that the Edina Rotary Foundation grant will provide funds to Camp Ihduhapi to purchase a new motor for the Camp’s emergency boat and to purchase material to repair four existing canoe racks.

 

More on the Camp from their website:
WHY DAY CAMP IHDUHAPI?
Day Camp is a wonderful place for your child to experience fun outdoor adventures this summer. New and returning campers thrive during a week packed full of exciting, structured activities. They’ll learn new skills and build self-esteem while practicing the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

 

Congratulations to all the organizations that received grants!