The Board of Directors of the Stillwater Area Foundation (SAF) has just awarded a grant of $3,000 to Youth Matters, formerly known as Youth Alcohol and Drug Partnership. It is a Stillwater area coalition that was started by Stillwater Sunrise Rotary in 2007. Its mission is to reduce the use of drugs and alcohol by promoting opportunities for personal growth for students in School District 834. Their current initiatives focus on Stillwater Area middle schools and include support for parents.
SAF Board Chair Maria Reamer says that this particular grant to Youth Matters is specifically for the annual Courage Retreat for 7th graders in ISD 834. This day-long event in September builds community in the new 7th grade class. The retreat will facilitate the learning and practice of ethical decision making to build personal integrity and respect for self and the school community.
Youth Matters’ Nance Purcell says that the Courage Retreat was designed and is facilitated by Youth Frontiers, whose staff provides instruction and practice in skills that build positive communities where students thrive socially, emotionally and academically. Youth Frontiers’ retreats provide a foundational experience that encourages students to think about how their decisions and actions impact themselves and the greater community.
Board Chair Reamer said that the Board of the Foundation is pleased to be able to support such a worthwhile program for Stillwater area youth.
The Stillwater Area Foundation was founded in July, 2010 as an Affiliated Foundation of the St. Croix Valley Foundation. It is one of ten such Affiliates and exists to serve the local communities of Stillwater, Oak Park Heights, Bayport and Marine on St. Croix.
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