Pictured are, left, to right, Kori Bjorne, WEHF; Karl Lehmann, WEHF; Kristy Basolo, of the Negaunee Senior Citizen Center; Brian Sheridan, WEHF; Thomas Edmark, WEHF (Photo courtesy of the West End Health Foundation)

ISHPEMING — The West End Health Foundation awarded the grant recipients for the spring capital, school and special grants through a check presentation recently. Spring capital grant awards totaled $46,000, while school grants were $100,000 and special grants were $20,000. 

“We are proud to support organizations and schools that are making a real difference in the health and well-being of our West End communities,” said Kori Bjorne, board member of the West End Health Foundation. “These grants reflect our commitment to addressing local needs; from mental health services and access to healthy food, to facility improvements and youth programs. By investing in these impactful initiatives, we’re helping to build a healthier, stronger future for residents across our West End community.”

The breakdown of distribution for spring capital grants includes the following; Champion Township received $5,400 for healthy drinking water, safe food storage, and preparation in its new town hall; Courage Incorporated received $2,300 for equipment maintenance, upgrades, and purchases; David and Thu Brule YMCA of Marquette County received $8,000 for its Negaunee YMCA Lift; Hope Free Evangelical Lutheran Church received $2,000 for its Feeding Hungry Neighbors program; Ishpeming Skiers’ Training Facilities, Inc. received $10,000 for Ishpeming Ski Club Facilities Modernization – Phase 1 Snow Making Pilot Program; Negaunee Senior Citizen Center received $2,500 for expanding with technology; Northwoods Airlifeline Ltd. received $10,000 for aircraft upgrades; and Superior Shore Systems Inc. received $5,800 for its Feeding America West End food distribution.

Special grants award distribution included Start the Cycle receiving $10,000 for the purchase of raffle bikes and U.P. Children’s Therapy receiving $10,000 for Project Sideline. 

NICE Community School District received $25,000 for funding a full-time school nurse for 2025-26, Ishpeming Public School District received $25,000 for student mental health support, Republic-Michigamme School District received $25,000 for its mental health rescue plan, and Negaunee Public Schools received $25,000 for a district health coordinator as part of the WEHF’s School Grants. 

“Our district is incredibly grateful to have received this grant, which will be dedicated to supporting the physical and mental well-being of our students. This funding will allow us to expand essential programs and provide meaningful resources that promote healthier, more supportive learning environments,” said Dan Skewis, Negaunee Public Schools Superintendent, in an email to The Mining Journal. “We sincerely thank the West End Health Foundation for investing in the success and well-being of our students and school community.” 

For more information about the West End Health Foundation or its grants, please give them a call at 906-226-6591 or visit their website at westendhf.org.

Abby LaForest can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 548. Her email address is alaforest@miningjournal.net.