Foundation supports community events and mental health

ALLAMAKEE COUNTY, Iowa — A summer music series, new farmers market opportunities and brain health education are all getting a boost thanks to the Allamakee County Community Foundation’s emerging needs grant program. “Mini-grants” will support these programs to help improve local quality of life and the well-being of county residents outside of the Foundation’s regular grant cycle.

Main Street Lansing was awarded $450 to help re-establish the community’s farmers market and provide more access to locally grown food and locally made goods. The market will take place on the first and third Thursdays of the month, June through September. The grant will support event promotion and organization.

The City of Lansing received a $500 award to support its emerging Music in the Park program. Monthly outdoor concerts will coincide with the newly organized farmers market, providing both an opportunity for locals to gather and an additional tool to attract visitors. Grant dollars will help pay for promoting the concerts and organizing the events.

A third grant was made to Mental Health Today-Matt Howe Tribute (MHT) for $500 to host a THRIVE workshop for Allamakee County youth, families and educators. Mental Health Today is partnering with Worldmaker International, the Allamakee County Community Foundation, Waterville Foundation and Gundersen Lutheran to host What’s Your Word, a workshop to clarify personal values, set goals, and learn tips for persevering through setbacks. 

The one-hour workshop will be offered at three different times on March 30 to accommodate busy schedules. Youth and families, educators, health providers, seniors, and all community members are invited to attend the event and stay after to socialize and make a minted bookmark or bracelet with their compass word to take home. 

“The workshop this grant supports will go a long way toward responding to requests from concerned parents, community members, educators and school staff, and students. People are seeking tools to support brain health and resilience-building, and we aim to provide them with what they need,” says MHT co-founder Rachelle Howe.

Emerging Needs Mini Grants are available in January, July and October. Grants up to $500 are available for organizations with a 501(c)3 designation, along with schools and municipalities. As part of the Foundation’s broad efforts to partner with local organizations to address pressing needs and help residents thrive, grants are awarded in the areas of health and human services; education; neighborhoods and community development; environment; children, youth, and families; and arts and culture (including historic preservation). Organizations should visit dbqfoundation.org/accf for more information.

For more information, call Foundation Coordinator Betty Steege at 563-586-2046 or visit dbqfoundation.org/accf.