Touchstone
The Touchstone Awards honor visionary nonprofits and strategic partnerships that are making a meaningful, long-term impact in our community. The 2024 honorees are recipients of grants from our Community Opportunity Fund, made possible by the generosity of donors committed to creating lasting change and transforming lives.
The 30th Annual Touchstone Awards was broadcast on Thursday, November 14, 2024. Thank you WDIO News for your partnership!
Duluth Center for Women & Children: Food Forward
TOUCHSTONE 2024
The Food Forward initiative in Duluth’s Central Hillside addresses high poverty and limited access to healthy foods by empowering local women, the “First Ladies of the Hillside,” to run a meal-kit service for low-income families. This project supports families in need by breaking down barriers like transportation and cost while helping women transition from welfare to work. To sustain the program, it includes paying clients and sponsorships for families requiring assistance, fostering community health and economic resilience. Focus Area: Opportunity
Tourist Center Senior Citizens: Kitchen & Garden Expansion
TOUCHSTONE 2024
This center fosters a sense of belonging for older adults at risk of loneliness and isolation by offering social opportunities all aimed at building meaningful connections. Expanding activities like cooking, baking, and gardening promotes both social and physical well-being, helping to prevent the mental and physical decline that can result from isolation. The center’s impact is seen in improved physical and emotional health and reduced feelings of isolation and hopelessness among seniors. Focus Area: Belonging
New Day Advocacy Center: Child Advocacy
TOUCHSTONE 2024
The New Day Advocacy Center’s Child Advocacy Center project provides vital support to child abuse survivors by offering free, child-friendly forensic interviews, education, and family advocacy services. This initiative addresses the urgent need for prevention and intervention to mitigate the long-term effects of abuse on children’s mental and physical health. By focusing on these critical services, the center plays a key role in reducing the impact of abuse and neglect on youth in northwestern Wisconsin. Focus Area: Resilience
Mixed Blood Theatre Company: The Iron Range Project
TOUCHSTONE 2024
Duluth Children's Museum: Discovery for All
TOUCHSTONE 2024
The Discovery for All program at the Duluth Children’s Museum provides scholarship memberships to financially disadvantaged families, ensuring equitable access to educational resources and experiences. By expanding to offer 200 additional memberships, the program promotes inclusivity and community engagement, helping families overcome educational barriers. This initiative aims to foster a supportive, inclusive community where all children and families can thrive and participate in continuous learning. Focus Area: Opportunity
Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light: Resilience Network
TOUCHSTONE 2024
The NE Resilience Network aims to protect low-income communities from climate-driven weather emergencies by establishing resilience hubs with site-specific infrastructure and emergency services. By partnering with local leaders, the network will enhance social connections, support educational efforts, and secure public funds for green energy and sustainability initiatives. This project promotes community resilience, helping vulnerable residents better withstand and recover from environmental disruptions. Focus Area: Resilience
A heartfelt THANK YOU to our 2024 Touchstone Sponsors
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