KIDS PLUS PROGRAM

The KIDS PLUS Program is dedicated to improving the well-being of children and youth. Since its inception in 1990, KIDS PLUS has expanded into a whole family of programs. Those include the Minnesota Early Childhood Initiative, the Minnesota Thrive Initiative, the Youth Leadership Academy, Youth in Philanthropy, and the KIDS PLUS Institute.

With 26 KIDS PLUS Communities, 10 Early Childhood Coalitions, and the new Duluth-Proctor-Hermantown Minnesota Thrive Action Team, northeastern Minnesota is a regional, state, and national leader in valuing and nurturing our future generations.

With help from KIDS PLUS coordinator Damita (center), teenagers Brady (left), Samantha (right, also pictured upper right), and Ashley (not pictured) brought their school library to life this summer.

KIDS PLUS
Floodwood

The tiny town of Floodwood, like many rural communities, lacks the resources to provide much in the way of youth activities. Since 1995, KIDS PLUS has helped fill that gap.

With inspired leadership from KIDS PLUS Coordinator Damita Miller-Chasson, Floodwood youth not only enjoy a variety of healthy activities, they also learn the importance of giving back.

Last fall, Miller-Chasson encouraged teenage KIDS PLUS members Brady, Ashley, and Samantha to attend a Northland Foundation grantwriting seminar. There, the teens hatched a plan: they would keep the school library – the only one in town – open over the summer and present a reading program for young students. The three girls worked with the school, wrote grants, and successfully led an enthusiastic group of second graders on a summer-long reading adventure.