I would like to express my gratitude to the Austin Area Foundation for its generous donation to the Seibel Center and for supporting and providing comfort and security for parents and children in difficult times of transition in our community.

The Michael H. Seibel Family Visitation and Exchange Center began as a vision but after much collaboration from the community became a reality. The center was named after the late Honorable Judge Michael H. Seibel, who was dedicated to ending violence against women and children. The Center offers a safe setting in which non-custodial parents and their children can interact.

In 2011, 129 new children came into the Seibel Center to participate in visitation or exchange issues; 1,369 hours in visitation took place and 687 exchanges were completed.

Heather Steinkamp, Director

Michael H. Seibel Visitation and Exchange Center

Mar. 6, 2012 (Austin, MN) – Austin Area Foundation distributed $1,000 to help children and families through support of the Michael H. Seibel Family Visitation and Exchange Center.

Austin Area Foundation board member Nitaya Jandragholica distributed the funds to Heather Steinkamp of the Seibel Center, the Austin-based organization that facilitates the exchange and visitation of children by and between custodial and non-custodial parents while monitoring and maintaining safety for all participants. The center, started in 2009, promotes safety and a gentle environment for children and families during custody visits and exchanges.

Austin Area Foundation supports the community by providing grants to local non-profit organizations, schools and groups to further their objectives. Non-profit agencies and organizations have until September 1st to submit applications. Each year, AAF selects and awards grants to support a variety of local improvements and projects.

Applications can be found at Austin Public Library, Austin Area Chamber of Commerce or Austin Area Foundation website
www.austinareafoundation.org

A list of
past grant recipients and projects can be found at the Austin Area
Foundation web site, http://www.austinareafoundation.org/

Their recent grant was used to help purchase some much needed office equipment. The upgraded equipment will allow the Art Center to produce its own posters, brochures, and other promotional and educational materials. This will greatly help us by defraying printing costs and allowing us to live more within our budget.

We appreciate your generosity, not only with our organization, but with the rest of the community as well. Your kindness provides many opportunities to the good citizens of Austin.

William Olson

President, Austin Area Art Center

http://www.austindailyherald.com/2012/02/08/thanks-to-foundation/

Austin Area Foundation is offering an innovative and free seminar to local nonprofit organizations in October.  Make sure your organization is in compliance legally with new tax and legal law changes for nonprofits, AND learn how to strengthen donor support.

RSVP by October 1 and plan to attend this 2 hour meeting designed to provide important information to area nonprofit organizations.  This is a great opportunity to check to the pulse of your organization and see if changes are needed.  Get ideas for connecting with potential contributors and take a fresh look at fundraising strategies.

Three experts will present overviews and answer questions on basic legal, accounting and compliance topics.

The seminar is free but with limited space so bring several from your organization and RSVP now!

RSVP by Oct. 1

Email: info@austinareafoundation.org

Call: 507-433-1657

 Colleen Weimer donating the $600 from the Austin Area Foundation to the United Way.

United Way was able to purchase 40 coats with the donation.
 
All totaled we have served 412 children to date through the coat drive.  We had to purchased more than 300 coats. 

We are incredible grateful for the donation from the Austin Area Foundation.