ELLSWORTH –Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services (PPCS) recently awarded first-quarter grants to local non-profits. The Pierce Pepin Cares board approved $2,000 through the Federated Youth Foundation (FYF). FYF is funded through abandoned capital credits.

AutismLM Corp. received a $1,000 grant to support their mission of educating and normalizing autism through reading resources and presentations that help prevent judgment, loneliness, bullying, and misunderstanding.

“We donate books to area schools, libraries, therapy centers, preschools, and daycares. The Little Lindsey book series covers the following topics: getting a haircut, being a picky eater, making a friend, and going to therapy,” said Lauri Moreland of AutismLM Corp. “Additionally, we provide reading resources to adults through our family story, which is based on living, surviving, and thriving in a world affected by autism.”

Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley’s (FRCSCV) $1,000 grant will be used to support Special Events and multiple Play & Learn series in Pierce County. This funding will enable FRCSCV to provide programming to well over 100 families. All the programming is free to attendees.

“FRCSCV’s programming is evidence-based and is designed to provide education and support to families with children prenatal through kindergarten,” said Neil Kline of FRCSCV. “FRCSCV is here to ensure parents have the education and support they need to raise their children successfully, and we all benefit when that happens. Early life is critical to establishing the basic skills needed to succeed in school and, eventually, in the workforce.”

“Federated Youth Foundation funds are used to support educational needs in our community,” said PPCS president and CEO Nate Boettcher.  “FYF is funded by PPCS members through abandoned capital credits. The educational efforts supported by FYF empower everyone in our community to turn dreams into reality and foster a bright future for all.”

Pierce Pepin Cares provides charitable contributions to nonprofit organizations that offer programs and support projects to enhance the quality of life for those within the communities PPCS serves.  Pierce Pepin Cares grants are awarded quarterly by the Pierce Pepin Cares board of directors. All nine PPCS directors serve on the Pierce Pepin Cares board of directors, along with one PPCS member and one PPCS employee.  Nonprofit organizations interested in applying may visit www.piercepepin.coop or call 800-924-2133 for information. The next application deadline is June 15. 

Submitted by Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services