West Central Initiative welcomes Greta Hentges as its new Marketing & Communications Specialist. In this role, Greta will help lead communication planning efforts, oversee the organization’s social media strategy, and enhance its digital storytelling. Additionally, she will collaborate as a strategic partner with the West Central Initiative team to advance its regional mission, with a…
You’re invited to prepare a short “love letter” to your community/city/town. We want to hear what you love about your community and what makes your city great! Instructions Please fill out the form below to submit your love letter. The letter must be about a community in west central Minnesota and be no more than 500…
SoapWerks Naturals, a Fergus Falls staple known for its sustainable and local approach to natural bath, body, and home products, is embarking on a new chapter with new owner Chrissy Davenport. Creative Solutions Lead to Entrepreneurship Chrissy is the owner of Hay Ewe Hill Farm, a small farm with sheep, cattle, and chickens outside of…
This September, west central Minnesota was brimming with energy as communities came together to celebrate Welcoming Week. From Mexican Folk Dancers twirling vibrantly in Moorhead to an Aztec dance group sharing traditional rhythms in Elbow Lake—these events were just a glimpse of the cultural richness that unfolded across our region. These events and many more…
Providing a Home, Hope, and Healing In 2009, Becky Weers recognized a growing need to support single, pregnant women who had nowhere to turn. Driven by compassion and a desire to make a difference, Becky founded Welcome House, Inc. to provide a safe place for soon-to-be single mothers. Since then, Welcome House’s objective has evolved. Over the…
Eight local nonprofits received grants of up to $75,000 West Central Initiative was selected by the Otto Bremer Trust as a philanthropic intermediary partner to administer and distribute funds through its new Community Responsive Fund. “West Central Initiative awarded grants to eight outstanding organizations serving west central Minnesota. These organizations have shown their capability to…
West Central Initiative welcomes Ben Schierer as Director of Civic Partnerships and Griffin Peck as Climate Resilience Officer, bolstering the organization’s regional development work. Schierer will engage with government entities, communities, and organizations to foster strong public-sector partnerships and advocate for regional needs at legislative levels. Peck will spearhead efforts to help communities adapt to…
West Central Initiative awarded $700,000 in grants to 46 organizations working across west central Minnesota to address sustainability, equity, rural social isolation, and rural democracy. “The quality and breadth of the important work being done by these grant recipients in our region is inspiring,” said Director of Development Rebecca Lynn Petersen. “This year, we’ve more…
Haga clic aquí para español. Ana Cecilia Villela, the founder of the retail store Cielito Lindo, began her business in a corner of a room in her home. Quickly, the business took over that room and then more of the house, growing into her current location in Morris City Center Mall. Cielito Lindo sells clothes…
West Central Initiative is pleased to announce the appointment of Trevor Gervais as the organization’s new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This key appointment reflects West Central Initiative’s commitment to enhancing its financial strategies and ensuring sustainable growth for the organization and the region it serves. Trevor Gervais brings a wealth of expertise in financial management, having…
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