Northfield Youth Micro-Grant Program launched
Funds available to support the start of youth-led entrepreneurial efforts

The Healthy Community Initiative (HCI) is proud to partner with the Northfield Union of Youth on the new “Northfield Youth Micro-Grant Program.” This program will provide funding to Northfield students under the age of 19 who would like to start their own businesses. The intention of the Northfield Youth Micro-Grant is to help young people learn valuable skills, interact with community mentors, and potentially form a profitable business.

HCI dedicated $5,500 to form this youth micro-grant program. No more than $1,000 will be granted to any one student/application. The first deadline for applications is November 1.

If available funding remains or additional funding is secured, there will also be deadlines on January 15, 2009, and April 15, 2009.

After each deadline, a board made up of adults and youth will review the applications and distribute the funding. Interested students will be asked to fill out an initial application, which requires little more than a basic business idea. After the initial application is received, the student will be matched up with a mentor based on his or her project. After meeting with a mentor, the student will complete a more detailed secondary application to be reviewed by the selection committee. If the student receives funding, he or she will be invited to attend informative seminars that highlight important business skills or other relevant information.The review board will look highly on projects that will contribute something valuable to the Northfield community.

Applications are available by visiting www.unionofyouth.org (click on the microgrant heading). Any questions about this program can be directed to Josh Hinnenkamp at mainstreetmentors@gmail.com or Wade Hauser at hauser@stolaf.edu.

Northfield was honored as one of the nation’s “100 Best Communities for Young People” at the America’s Promise Alliance’s “100 Best National Forum” in Washington, DC, on September 22-23, 2008.

Three members of the Northfield Mayor's Youth Council (who submitted the Northfield application) accepted the award from Alma Powell, chair of America’s Promise and wife of General Colin L. Powell. The Mayor’s Youth Council representatives included Andrew Tiano (chair), Hattie Ryan (vice chair), and Daniella Espinoza.

The forum included a series of workshops on best practices around increasing graduation rates and supporting positive youth development in one’s community. The Northfield youth also had the chance to talk with representatives from the other 99 winning communities and hear about initiatives underway in their cities and towns.

“Attending this conference allowed me to learn what other communities are doing to involve youth,” said Tiano. “Now I am better able to apply these new ideas and strategies here in Northfield.”

“Attending the forum broadened my horizons to new ways of collaborating with other organizations in order to create the most impact on the community,” added Ryan. “I am excited to see the next steps for our community.”

America’s Promise provided funding to help with the costs of the youth attending the conference. Additional financial support was given by HCI.

To learn more about the 100 Best Communities for Young People award, visit: www.americaspromise.org/100best.

Campaign for Children Committee wins "Making a Difference Award"

The Campaign for Children Committee has been named the September/October recipient of the Healthy Community Initiative’s “Making a Difference Award.” The award celebrates those groups and individuals in the community who have a positive influence on Northfield youth.

For 13 years, a small group of women from the Northfield United Methodist Church – known as the Campaign for Children Committee – has provided backpacks and school supplies for children whose families participate in the social services programs of the Northfield Community Action Center (CAC).

On August 20, 2008, the Campaign for Children women – along with the Northfield CAC – distributed new backpacks and school supplies to 411 children from 225 households. All of these children attend school in the Northfield School District. As one can imagine, it takes a lot of time and effort to shop for, package and distribute backpacks and school supplies for 411 children. This group of highly-organized women is truly committed to helping make sure that all children in the Northfield School District get the best possible start to the school year.

Members of the Campaign for Children Committee include Joyce Briggs, Gwen Daniels, Jean DeLong, Donna Kuhnau, Kathy Neil, Nancy Pietz, Marge Randolph, Donna Rock, Virginia Stickley, and Lou Witman. Congratulations and thank you to these incredible women for their outstanding community work!

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The Healthy Community Initiative and the Northfield News present the Making a Difference Award cooperatively. If you know an individual or group that you would like to nominate for this award, click here for nomination guidelines and the easy-to-complete application. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and are selected by a review team of HCI board members and local youth.

In This Issue:

Two new support groups underway in the community

Northfield Youth Micro-Grant Program launched

Northfield receives its "100 Best" recognition

Campaign for Children Committee wins "Making a Difference Award"