Wishing Wheels Fund: 80 Bikes Given in 2014

The Wishing Wheels Fund was established late 2014 with the Fremont Area Community Foundation. Funds raised are made available to purchase bicycles, helmets and locks to be given area children in need.

The Low Income Ministry, in conjunction with a local group of cyclists, co-sponsor the annual bicycle giveaway at Christmas. Children ages 4-16 are eligible for the program, and additional bicycles are given to the Masonic Home and Jefferson House. In just a few short years, the program has seen dramatic growth from 8 bicycles in 2011 to 80 bicycles in 2014. 

Read more about Wishing Wheels in this article that was published in the Fremont Tribune.

Summer Lunch Program: Pioneering Efforts to Impact Poverty

A shift in economic status over the past decade has led to an increased poverty rate in Fremont, and with that has grown an increasing number of school-age children who qualify for free or reduced school lunches. But for students whose only meal of the day might come from the school cafeteria, summer break can present a difficult situation. The Fremont Family Coalition (FFC), formerly Early Childhood Coalition, stepped in to help bridge the gap. Assisted by a grant from the Fremont Area Community Foundation, it coordinated efforts to offer the Summer Lunch Program for children ages 1 to 18. 

The Fremont Family Coalition, spearheaded by the Fremont Area United Way, is a group comprised of community members, ministerial groups, nonprofits and for-profits, Fremont Public Schools, Midland University, the Fremont Area Community Foundation and others that convened in 2012 to address some of the community’s underlying issues, many related to family poverty. It has made such an impact in its three years of existence, state and federal officials are looking to it as a potential model that can be duplicated in communities across Nebraska.

With efforts underway to enhance school readiness; address gaps in access to food, housing and utilities; and provide education and support as a bridge out of poverty, the FCC is rising to the challenge with fresh ideas and a collaborative spirit.
 
According to Shawn Shanahan, Executive Director of the Fremont Area United Way, “The success of the coalition illustrates what can happen if community partners work together to address community issues and focus on community outcomes rather than the program outcomes of a single agency.”

Rebuilding Together, Greater Fremont Area, Inc.: Building to Improve Lives

Rebuilding Together focuses on home modifications and community-centric programs that serve a variety of populations: low-income homeowners, elderly-at-risk, veterans and military families, families with children, people living with disabilities and victims of disaster. Since the Fremont chapter of the organization was started by Loren Nothwehr in 2007, it has provided services to more than 75 homeowners in the community.

The organization’s “Safe at Home” program addresses home repair and maintenance issues that present a safety risk or limit access within the homes of elderly or disabled persons. This strategy is driven by Rebuilding Together’s vision of a safe and happy home for everyone. The Fremont Area Community Foundation provided a $10,000 grant toward the project.

Many projects require skilled contractors for construction, electrical and plumbing improvements. Through those relationships, they are able to address many issues that could prevent homeowners from remaining in their home. Countless volunteers have also helped with yard work, painting and cleaning.

Homeownership is a fundamental asset to the health and continued growth of communities across the county. Rebuilding Together helps provide safe and healthy homes for homeowners who may not be able to make the necessary improvements on their own. 

One homeowner assisted by Rebuilding Together was unable to use her back door and patio.  Volunteers came in and gave her mobility around the house and use of the back yard again. “I am overwhelmed at your kindness and hard work in helping those of us who need assistance – in so many ways words cannot express my gratitude and thanks for the hard work and kindness sent my way by many. Thanks to all.” 

Focused on Fitness

Last year, the Fremont Area Community Foundation helped lay the groundwork, literally, for some fitness-inspired projects throughout the Fremont area.

A grant of $20,000 was provided to the City of Fremont for development of the Ridge Road Trail that will connect the Fremont State Lakes to Hormel City Park. The 2 ½ -mile stretch will provide a safe, off-road route for bicyclists and hikers who are expected to use the trail year-round.

This project will enhance quality of life for Fremont residents and improve access to the Fremont State Lakes recreational area that sees approximately 800,000 visitors each year.

A grant of $14,000 was made to the Fremont Public Schools Foundation “Project Fit America” initiative for installation of state-of-the-art fitness equipment at Johnson Crossing and Linden Elementary Schools. The Fremont Area Community Foundation pulled together with other community partners to bring home this national initiative that builds sustainable physical education programs for grades K-8.

“Project Fit America” is a national agency that works at the grassroots level with schools and front-line educators to create new opportunities for children to be active, fit and healthy. Its program includes curriculum with games, activities and challenges for students using outdoor and indoor equipment, on-site teacher training and in-class instruction, all designed to get children fit and foster a love of movement for a lifetime.

Grants totaling $2,000 were made in December to the Low Income Ministry and Masonic Eastern Star Home for Children to help provide a record 66 bikes to area youth, just in time for the holidays. This is the second Foundation grant for the Ministry’s annual bike giveaway and this year the effort really gained traction. After a record 27 bikes in 2012, the 2013 giveaway more than doubled that record, thanks to the support of a local cycling group, area banks, service clubs, private donations and the Community Foundation.

At the Fremont Area Community Foundation, we believe that the Fremont area is a great place to live that gets better all the time. Your support this year helped enhance our community by providing quality opportunities for health and recreation.