22 Jan A New Year – A New Plan for MRCI

The following is a guest blog post from MRCI. MRCI welcomes 2021 with exciting new programming based in the community.

MRCI made the decision to move its employment and life enrichment programs entirely to the community. It was originally a five-year plan but COVID pushed up the timeline.

To make the plan happen MRCI has closed buildings in Chaska, Shakopee, Rosemount, Fairmont and New Ulm, and consolidated two buildings into one for its Mankato headquarters. The concept has been discussed for several years, but COVID-19 nudged the organization to move from concept to reality. The change impacts about 1,400 program participants.

22 Jan Local Programming Ensures 200 Youth Continue to be Supported

Learn more about the YMCA's Mentoring Programs through this guest blog post from Allison Braswell, Brother/Sister Program Advocate and Recruitment Coordinator. As we reach out to serve the greater community during the pandemic, our continued efforts are bringing comfort and stability to our youth.  The “not to be forgotten” story, tells how the mentoring program ensured that over 200 youth in our community were still cared for.  Even though the early stay at home order suspended the in-person mentor/mentee weekly match meetings, we successfully found a solution, so mentors were still contacting their mentees to let them know they were not forgotten.

There are many issues in our community that the YMCA is addressing as a socially responsible organization; however, without mentor volunteers we stand a chance of not supporting the youth in our community who need it most.  We need your help to keep the Brother/Sister and School-Based mentoring programs strong. Our intention is to meet every commitment and provide the youth in our community with the qualified quality mentors.  Your support is key in solving this problem.

19 Jan Applications Being Accepted for Blue Earth County’s Business Assistance Grant Program

Greater Mankato Growth encourages Blue Earth County businesses to review the recently approved Blue Earth County Business Assistance Grant Program. The funds have been allocated to Blue Earth County from a COVID relief package by the State of Minnesota.

Eligible business owners may apply for a one-time grant to cover operational expenses. Operational expenses may include, but are not limited to, insurance costs, legal fees, payroll, rent, utilities, property taxes, marketing/advertising, licensing fees, accounting fees, routine maintenance, travel/vehicle expenses, office supplies, repairs to existing building and equipment. Grant awards will be based on business type and employee count. Businesses must be able to demonstrate they were adversely affected by Executive Orders related to COVID-19.