United Way
of Southwest Minnesota

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Born Learning Trail Open & Ribbon Cutting Planned!

United Way of Southwest Minnesota, the City of Granite Falls, Granite Falls Kiwanis, Bursch Travel and The Sawmill are excited to bring a Born Learning Trail (BLT) to Granite Falls to help parents and caregivers support early education and active learning for young children. The Born Learning Trail is a fun, easy way for parents, grandparents and caregivers to use our outside environment to help teach children the skills that are necessary for their success in school. The series of 10 signs are designed to help adults interact with children to boost language and literacy development and also support early learning in everyday moments.

 

The Born Learning Trail was installed in Granite Falls on Thursday, July 10, 2014 along the sidewalk that borders Minnesota Avenue near the playground and shelter. The BLT is now open for use by area children and families. 

 

The public is invited to the Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening on July 24, 2014 at 11:30am at Trail. 

 

For more information, contact United Way of Southwest Minnesota at 507-929-2273 or unitedway@unitedwayswmn.org. 

 

United Way is an autonomous, local organization working to create lasting changes in people's lives and the communities in Lincoln, Lyon, Murray, Yellow Medicine, western Redwood, and portions of Cottonwood, Lac Qui Parle, and Nobles Counties.

 


Brittany Gatzke, a senior at Southwest Minnesota State University, double majoring in Early Childhood Elementary Education and Early Childhood Special Education successfully completed a 60 hour internship with the United Way of Southwest Minnesota. She assisted with many projects including writing/updating lesson plans for our mobile learning home daycare initiative. 

Pictured (L to R): Brittany Gatzke and United Way Education Coordinator, Stephanie Cordes





Stuff the Bus Volunteers Needed!
We have a limited amount of volunteer shifts open on August 6th & 7th for sorting and packing of supplies.

We also need help with supply pick-up and school delivery to some of the schools in our service area.

Contact Stephanie Cordes, Education Coordinator, at 507-929-2273 or stephanie.cordes@unitedwayswmn.org for details.

More than 44,000 supplies will be distributed to 26 area schools benefiting 3,500 K-12 students this year.

Last year, we assisted 1,000 students in 16 schools.
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July Schedule:
Thursday, July 17th
Band Shell Park, Tyler

Tuesday, July 22nd
Gullord Park, Slayton

Thursday, July 24th
Sebastian Park, Tracy

Tuesday, July 29th
Swimming Pool Park, Westbrook

Thursday, July 31st
Milroy City Park, Milroy

All sessions are from 9:30-10:15am.
All ages are welcome, however books and activities are directed to pre-school age children.

Visit www.UnitedWaySWMN.org for the entire summer schedule.
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