Spring Valley Seniors Staying Put was the recipient of the $10,000 impact award from the Power of 100 Women – Ellsworth group at its second impact meeting Thursday, April 12 at The Bluffs in Hager City.

As people get older, staying in their own homes is important to many of them. Nothing compares to the comfort and independence of home. But sometimes, senior citizens need a little help to be able to stay in their own homes. That is where Spring Valley Seniors Staying Put comes in.

The nonprofit, founded in 2014, coordinates volunteers to help seniors and adults with disabilities, primarily in the Spring Valley and Elmwood areas currently, to maintain their independence. Volunteers provide them rides to church, hair and doctor appointments and community events. They drop in for friendly visits, help with light chores, or deliver groceries, books and medications. They plan and host social gatherings, give caregivers a break and provide information on services.

SVSSP President Sue Christopher said the organization is overwhelmed by its selection for the April impact award.

“We are so excited and grateful for their extremely generous gift,” Christopher said. “Words seem inadequate to express how much this boosts our spirits. Our staff and volunteers can be proud that the Power of 100 recognized how Staying Put helps seniors and adults with disabilities remain independent.”

The money will be used to help expand SVSSP’s service area and connect more volunteers with clients. The organization expanded to Elmwood and Rock Elm in 2022 and now serves 157 clients with 187 volunteers.

“Power of 100 is an amazing group of women making a difference in the greater Ellsworth area – thank you all!” Christopher said.

The other two finalists were Friends of the Ellsworth Public Library and E-Town Arts / Ellsworth E3 Community Development Corporation, narrowed down from several applications.

Friends of the Ellsworth Public Library is a nonprofit organization whose goals are to support, improve and promote library services through fundraising and assisting with programs and fun events. The library, which recently relocated to 388 W. Main St. (the former BMO Harris Bank building), is raising money to install a community gathering space around and beneath the old drive thru.

The E-Town Arts Committee is dedicated to bringing public art experiences throughout Ellsworth. Members are currently working on a mural walk in Ellsworth’s East End business district. Two murals have been completed and the group is working to raise money for future murals. The idea is to turn the East End into a hub for arts and culture with murals, events and live performances.

How does Power of 100 work?

Organizations submit applications to the board to be considered for the $10,000 impact award. The board received 12 applications for their inaugural event last October, which they narrowed down to three through rounds of voting. The top three are then invited to present for seven minutes at the impact meeting to the full group, who selects its winner.

Once the winner is chosen, each woman writes a $100 check; some employers match donations, which could result in even more money for the winner. Usually, the other two finalists walk out with significant donations as well. The women can donate to the other two finalists separate from the main impact award.

The group plans to hold an impact meeting twice per year; the next meeting will be held in October. The application is kept simple on purpose: How are you going to impact Ellsworth and use these dollars? Their mission is also simple but powerful: To uplift and support the community through the positive and powerful collaboration of passionate and generous women.

To learn more about Power of 100 Women – Ellsworth, join the waiting list, or apply for an impact award, visit www.powerof100ellsworth.org