UNITED WAY OF BEMIDJI AREA

Women United Impact Breakfast set for July 10

Pioneer Staff Report — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 15:30:00 GMT

BEMIDJI — The United Way of Bemidji Area will hold its quarterly Women United Impact Breakfast at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 10, at Bemidji State University's Beaux Arts Ballroom.

The doors will open at 8 a.m., with breakfast to follow. This quarter's panel will feature a presentation by Ashlea McMartin and Becky Secore of Sanford Behavioral Health, who will speak on "Boundaries and Life Balance at Home and in the Workplace," a release said.

"McMartin and Secore bring years of experience in leadership roles and have spent their lives supporting individuals and families through mental health services, with a focus on practical strategies for wellness and resilience," the release added.

Attendees will also receive updates on United We Grow: A Mentoring Program for Women, part of Women United’s continued focus on leadership, growth and community connection.

Women United is a group of community-minded individuals dedicated to creating opportunities and providing support through United Way’s focus areas: Financial Stability, Healthy Community and Youth Opportunity.

Tickets cost $20 for nonmembers. Women United members will receive free admission but are encouraged to pre-register online.

To register or purchase tickets, visit unitedwaybemidji.org/women-united.

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Disaster Relief Grants available for local nonprofits

Pioneer Staff Report — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 20:00:31 GMT

BEMIDJI — The United Way of the Bemidji Area invites local nonprofits to apply for Disaster Relief Grants following the June 21 storm.

Nonprofits may apply for funding on behalf of their clients or their organizations, a release noted.

Individuals, for-profit businesses, and organizations that are not 501c3 charitable organizations are not eligible to apply.

Guidelines and the application materials are available online at unitedwaybemidji.org/grant-opportunities.

"The application and funding process are designed to have a quick turnaround time, so agencies can then respond to community and individual needs," the release said. "Grants will be awarded on an ongoing basis and agencies may apply more than once."

Questions can be directed to Gretchen Anderson at gretchen@unitedwaybemidji.org.

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Someone Special Volunteers: United Way nominates Abbey Swanson, Megan Hill

Pioneer Staff Report — Sat, 28 Jun 2025 15:00:00 GMT

The Bemidji Pioneer, Paul Bunyan Broadcasting, Ken K. Thompson and the United Way are recognizing “Someone Special Volunteers” who have made significant contributions to the community.

United Way of Bemidji Area has nominated Abbey Swanson and Megan Hill.

Swanson, a certified public accountant at Miller McDonald, has diligently served on the United Way’s Community Investment Cabinet for the past six years, where her financial experience and care for the community have made her an important asset to the whole Cabinet, as they review local agencies annually for funding, a release said.

Her dedication to the United Way also includes volunteering for Thanksgiving Meals, as well as helping pack Backpack Buddies food packs.

Hill, an owner of Bemidji Brewing, is involved in many behind the scenes efforts at United Way. Since the Community Investment Cabinet in 2020, she has made her mark by dedicating many hours reviewing local nonprofits for funding.

She has also been dedicated to Bemidji Brewing’s annual Spread the Love event, which has raised funds for United Way for the past 11 years.

Hill's commitment to serving the community extends to both the United Way Backpack Buddies and Thanksgiving Meals programs, and she has recently extended her volunteerism to serving United Way partner nonprofits as well.

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Someone Special Volunteers: Habitat for Humanity, Great River Rescue nominate Brunetta, Pinsonneault, Brown

Pioneer Staff Report — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 15:00:00 GMT

The Bemidji Pioneer, Paul Bunyan Broadcasting, Ken K. Thompson and the United Way are recognizing “Someone Special Volunteers" who have made significant contributions to the community.

Northwoods Habitat for Humanity nominated Brian Brunetta and Jim Pinsonneault.

Brunetta has been a dedicated Northwoods Habitat for Humanity volunteer for over 10 years. He supports both the construction sites and the ReStore, helping build homes and repair donated items for resale.

"Brian's skills, reliability, and generosity make him an invaluable member of our team," Northwoods Habitat said in a release. "His efforts help create safe, affordable housing and extend Habitat's reach in the community. His impact is immeasurable."

Pinsonneault has also been a dedicated volunteer at Northwoods Habitat for many years. He serves in a number of capacities including home building, family selection committee, home visits, ReStore, donation pickup, home repairs and is a member of the Board of Directors.

He is always willing to step up and help when a need arises and likely does much more than what his logged volunteer hours reflect.

"Jim truly cares about the mission of Habitat and serves wholeheartedly," the release said. "Although Jim never seeks any recognition, he certainly deserves it."

Great River Rescue has nominated Jean Brown.

Brown willingly shares her time, skills and gifts for the betterment of animals, helping wherever she can fill a need at Great River Rescue.

She provides delicious lunches during the Pet Fixers Clinics, then spends the afternoon volunteering at the clinic. Brown also spends hours doing laundry and helps with fundraising events: brainstorming, providing props, setting up and breaking down.

She also fosters many cats during pregnancy and cares for them and their babies, investing significant time and energy into every kitten in each litter.

"Jean has an enormous heart, and we are blessed that she shares her love for animals with us," Great River Rescue said in the release.

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Have spatula, will help: United Way connection helps feed hospital staff and patients after storm

Dennis Doeden — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 20:28:06 GMT

BEMIDJI — When the last major storm hit Bemidji on July 2, 2012, Mychal Stittsworth was on the receiving end of help.

His Stittworth’s Nymore Food Mart was damaged so badly that it had to be shut down. Friends, family, neighbors and strangers showed up to offer help.

“We were kind of lucky this time, but we got crushed by that 2012 storm,” he recalled. “So we were on the other end of things.”

It was a different story this past weekend after an even more devastating storm hit the Bemidji area. Stittsworth’s home north of town, his meat market on Paul Bunyan Drive, and his processing plant in Turtle River all escaped damage.

So he found himself grilling hamburgers on Saturday.

It all started when Denae Alamano, United Way of the Bemidji Area’s executive director, received a phone call from Sanford Bemidji Medical Center. The hospital did not have power, and asked if Alamano could mobilize some people to grill food for staff and patients.

She thought of Stittsworth right away. He’s a former United Way board member. Then she thought of Jason Rylander, a current board member.

“Stittsworth’s is an easy place to think about,” Alamano said. “And knowing Jason’s capacity, I thought he would be a good person to call.”

A couple of hours later, Stittsworth and Rylander had spatulas in hand, and lunch was served.

“The (hospital’s) food service person just kept bringing us burgers and we just kept frying them,” said Rylander, whose day job is general manager at Bernick’s of Bemidji, a beer distribution and beverage supplier. “Everybody was very thankful to get a quick lunch. It just seems like there were so many things like this, with people helping others.

"As bad as the situation was, it was pretty dang awesome to see the community just come together and help each other out. I've never seen anything like this in any community.”

Stittworth was helping a relative in town when he got the call from Alamano. He had done all he could do at that home, so he headed for the hospital.

“I thought I could be of better use there,” he said. “They were appreciative of us cooking for them, but the thing that was eye-opening for everyone is how quickly the whole town kind of came together.”

Dr. Daniel Hoody, chief medical officer and chief physician at Sanford Bemidji Medical Center, noted his gratitude.

“We are very appreciative of any support we get from the community when our care teams rise to the challenge of these crises such as the weather event this past weekend,” he said.

When the pair was finished at Sanford Bemidji, Stittsworth went to his meat market and started making hamburger patties for the workers at Beltrami Electric Cooperative, who were busy trying to restore power to their members. He donated burgers and bratwurst for them to cook for their workers.

Rylander did not stop after the grill was turned off, either. His company donated water to Evergreen Youth and Family Services, where a family made meals through a United Way connection.

Meanwhile, United Way has added a disaster recovery page to its website, available at unitedwaybemidji.org/disaster-recovery, where people can donate or find opportunities to volunteer.

The Northwest Minnesota Foundation got things started with a $15,000 donation to the site and contributed another $15,000 to NMF’s own Northwest Minnesota Emergency Disaster Recovery Fund, which will support response and recovery in communities throughout the region.

“Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the devastating storm in Bemidji. In moments like these, the strength of our community shines through,” NMF President and CEO Karen White said in a release. “We are deeply grateful for the tireless efforts of emergency responders, volunteers, and local leaders who have stepped up to help their neighbors. We’re proud to stand alongside the United Way and support its vital work as we begin the journey of recovery together.”

Alamano said 100% of the funds raised for the United Way's disaster recovery efforts will stay in the Bemidji community.

“We're talking to our partner agencies and assessing what the needs are to fully define what those funds are all going to go toward,” she said. “Wherever the gap is, we're trying to help fill it.”

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Mobile food drop set for June 30 in Bagley

Pioneer Staff Report — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 14:00:00 GMT

BAGLEY — North Country Food Bank is partnering with the United Way of Bemidji Area and the Clearwater County Food Shelf to offer a mobile food distribution on Monday, April 30, along Great Northern Drive SW in Bagley.

Food will be available from 11 a.m. to noon, or until food runs out.

At the events, people can drive up and receive food. Attendees should be mindful not to block driveways, a release said.

Those receiving food will be asked to identify themselves and answer a few simple household questions by staff from North Country Food Bank. The Food Bank is collecting this information to allow access to more food items for these mobiles, the release added.

To find out about weather cancellations and other mobile food distributions in the area, visit North Country Food Bank on Facebook.

For more information, contact Scott Johnson at (218) 399-7367.

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Someone Special Volunteers: Bemidji Community Table, Hope House, Village of Hope nominate volunteers

Pioneer Staff Report — Sat, 21 Jun 2025 15:00:00 GMT

The Bemidji Pioneer, Paul Bunyan Broadcasting, Ken K. Thompson and the United Way are recognizing “Someone Special Volunteers” who have made significant contributions to the community.

Bemidji Community Table has nominated Theresa Wilander, Hope House has nominated Shannon Stormy Reyes and Village of Hope has nominated Sue Snider.

Bemidji Community Table serves a ready-to-eat meal four nights a week. They encourage an open table atmosphere where anyone needing food can get a meal, no questions asked.

"Wilander has a wonderful way of getting to know people," a release said. "She is comfortable asking about people's situations and finds ways of responding to their needs."

She has donated fleece blankets and winter gear that she has made. Wilander also takes on extra shifts as needed and even jumps right in to help prepare the meal and get it out and served. She gives her heart and hands each time she serves, added the release.

Hope House provides community support services and Adult Rehabilitative Mental Health Services skills training for adults with long-term mental illness to increase independence, avoid hospitalization and meet personal goals.

Stormy Reyes joined Hope House as a board member, recruited an applicant who became the Hope House activity coordinator, provided fundraising ideas, took board minutes and taught the first ever Swing Into Spring painting fundraiser.

"Our volunteers are priceless, bringing energy, ideas and support," the release said. "Shannon's enthusiasm, talent, and knowledge invigorated the fundraising committee and brought stability to drop-in center activities."

Village of Hope is a 60 to 90-day emergency homeless shelter that serves the needs of pregnant women and families.

"Snider’s dedication over two decades has been transformative for Village of Hope," the release noted.

As a volunteer board member, she provided strategic guidance and hands-on support, especially during the 2021 flood, securing emergency lodging and using her knowledge to find the resources to repair and save the building.

Her leadership, advocacy, fundraising and mentorship have shaped Hope House's mission, ensuring dignity for families in need.

"Sue’s unwavering commitment and belief in resilience make her an exceptional volunteer," the release said. "She has been a trusted voice, a generous contributor, and a pillar of our organization."

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Someone Special Volunteers: Senior Center, Moonspots and Mudboots nominate MaGaurn, Paulson and Grauman

Pioneer Staff Report — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 15:00:00 GMT

The Bemidji Pioneer, Paul Bunyan Broadcasting, Ken K. Thompson and the United Way are recognizing “Someone Special Volunteers" who have made significant contributions to the community.

The Bemidji Senior Center nominated Kelly MaGaurn and Lanee Paulson.

MaGaurn has been a dedicated volunteer at the Bemidji Senior Center for many years.

He washes dishes during the center's monthly pancake breakfast fundraiser and is great about stepping up and filling in wherever there is a need. He is very friendly and good at what he does and even trains other dishwashers when someone new volunteers.

Paulson has also volunteered at the Bemidji Senior Center for many years.

She currently teaches a Matter of Balance Class twice a year. She also works as a clerk in the gift shop. In the past, she volunteered to do free tax preparation and taught art classes.

Moonspots and Mudboots Academy nominated Jeanne Grauman.

"When a beloved child care provider, and mother to 11, suffered a sudden health crisis, Jeanne Grauman quietly stepped in to hold the heart of the community together," a release said.

For six weeks, she offered unwavering care, preparing meals, creating routines and ensuring each child felt safe and loved. Her calm presence brought stability amid chaos to the childcare center, allowing families to work and a household to stay intact.

"With grace and humility, she became a guardian of continuity," the release noted. "Her quiet heroism is a powerful reminder of the strength found in compassion and the life-changing impact of showing up when it matters most."

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Golf shootout event raises more than $7,000 for United Way

Pioneer Staff Report — Sat, 14 Jun 2025 16:30:00 GMT

BEMIDJI — Jake Bluhm State Farm Insurance Agency and Up North Sports recently raised more than $7,000 for the United Way of Bemidji Area during its summer golf shootout.

The event, held on May 24-25 at the Bemidji Town and Country Club, drew more than 80 golfers who were organized into two teams.

A total of $7,019 was raised to support the work of the United Way.

"United Way extends its thanks to Jake Bluhm State Farm Insurance Agency, Up North Sports, the Bemidji Town and Country Club and all the golfers who participated," a release said. "Your support made this tournament a great success."

The United Way's mission is to transform lives in our community by uniting people and organizations to maximize donor impact.

To learn more about United Way of Bemidji Area, visit unitedwaybemidji.org.

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Someone Special Volunteers: Boys and Girls Club nominates Tracy Parthun and Michele Brielmaier

Pioneer Staff Report — Sat, 14 Jun 2025 15:00:00 GMT

The Bemidji Pioneer, Paul Bunyan Broadcasting, Ken K. Thompson and the United Way are recognizing “Someone Special Volunteers” who have made significant contributions to the community.

The Boys and Girls Club of Bemidji Area has nominated Tracy Parthun and Michele Brielmaier.

The Boys and Girls Club offers a safe, supportive space where kids and teens build academic success, health, leadership and career readiness.

A favorite activity at all three Club sites in Bemidji and Blackduck is reading to Bemidji Area Reading Canines. Parthun coordinates the BARC teams, who visit each site to help kids grow their literacy skills.

"Thanks to her dedication, youth improve vocabulary and reading comprehension while bonding with furry friends," The Boys and Girls Club said in the release. "Thank you, Tracy, for bringing joy, tail wags, and belly rubs to reading time and helping kids succeed."

Brielmaier is a dedicated board secretary and gala committee member, helping create policies and minutes, leading the effort to reach out to business sponsors and coordinating gala volunteers. She also cares deeply for staff, the release said.

This year, Brielmaier's family spearheaded the reconstruction of over a dozen deteriorated greenhouse garden beds to enable hundreds of club youth to grow thousands of pounds of produce in our educational garden area.

"Michele is an extraordinary club advocate, thinks creatively, asks people to join our efforts, and wholeheartedly shares the club’s mission," the release said. "Her cheery, go-get’em attitude is infectious and appreciated."

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