The weather is changing in Minnesota -- cooler days and earlier sunsets makes everything feel slower around us. However, at ResourceWest, we aren't slowing down in our community work. We are right in the thick of the Winter Warm Wear Program! Keep reading to learn more about the impact this program has and ways you can support us during this time.
Winter Warm Wear Program
We are one week away from the first day of appointments for the Winter Warm Wear Program! This program provides a free winter coat, hat, and gloves to each child registered, so they have a safe and warm Minnesotan winter.
We have been collecting donations, organizing coats by size, and sorting through gloves for the last few weeks, preparing for the program.
This program not only supports youth in our community, but the entire family. By providing these free supplies, caregivers in the household can use the money they would have spent on winter items, toward household necessities. Families are also able to connect with our Social Services Staff to get access to any further resources they might need, like referrals to housing support, food support, or even energy assistance.
The Winter Warm Wear Program is designed to support the entire family, and it starts with providing free winter gear to the youth in our community. The impact this program has creates a positive ripple effect on the family, and even the community.
Last year, we served 1,055 youth through the Winter Warm Wear Program, and 325 families. That means we provided 1,055 winter coats, 1,055 hats, and 1,055 pairs of gloves.
This year, we anticipate serving 1,200 youth in our community. With the rising cost of items, we expect that more families will need the support of our program and organization.
The support we provide through this program is boosted through the support from people like you. When we as a community come together to support our neighbors, we create a strong foundation for everyone in our community.
Interview with Staff
Tracie Stanton, Executive Director
Tracie answers questions about current programming and upcoming projects at ResourceWest.
Why is the Winter Warm Wear Program important?
"The Winter Warm Wear Program has been a critical resource for West Metro youth for 30 years. With the continued strain that high interest rates and record inflation place on families, more families than ever are struggling to make ends meet.
We know that many of our West Metro neighbors are spending more than half of their income on housing costs. This leaves little money to cover other necessities like food, childcare, transportation, and clothing.
Families who register their children for our program allows them to utilize the $75+ (per child) that they otherwise would have spent, toward other monthly expenses. It gives them a bit of breathing room during challenging times."
What is one project you're working on right now?
"At ResourceWest, we recently began a strategic planning process that will help us identify strategies that best enable us to continue to grow, meet emerging community needs, and advance our mission. Our staff and Board of Directors have already been engaging in the planning. The process of bringing everyone together to plan for the future has been energizing, and we look forward to sharing more with you along the way.
I am looking forward to the additional opportunities for collaboration with community partners, that our strategic planning process will necessitate."
What is something you're enjoying outside of work currently?
"I am enjoying all my favorite things about fall right now! The crisp autumn air, gorgeous leaves, bonfires, and football. Watching my high school junior play for the Eden Prairie football team as wide receiver is a highlight."
Come Say Hi!
ResourceWest staff and volunteers have been busy in the community! We just attended the Minnetonka Community Resource Fair, Excelsior Fire Department Open House, and the Hopkins Health Fair!
We still have a few more events we'll be at over the next month! Stop by and say hi.
Donate to Winter Warm Wear
We are collecting donations for the Winter Warm Wear Program!
We anticipate serving approximately 1,200 youth through the Winter Warm Wear Program. Right now, we have just over 900 winter coats and only 150 pairs of gloves.
We need about 300 more coats and over 1,000 pairs of gloves to adequately serve our community!
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