Grand Forks Head Start Classroom and Playground Project Receives Otto Bremer Trust Grant

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – The Grand Forks Foundation for Education is thrilled to announce the Grand Forks Head Start classroom and playground project at 4000 Valley Square has received a $40,000 grant from the Otto Bremer Trust.

Grand Forks Head Start joined with Valley Memorial Homes last year to locate two classrooms and a playground at 4000 Valley Square, located at 4000 24^thAve. S in Grand Forks. The project is a collaboration between the two organizations and respective foundations – the Grand Forks Foundation for Education and Valley Memorial Foundation.

“We are grateful for the opportunity that the Otto Bremer Trust has given Head Start and Valley Memorial Homes to secure a playground for our students and the residents and their families,” said Tracey Johnson, Director of Grand Forks Head Start. “This playground will allow us to provided outdoor programming for our students and the residents in a safe and secure environment.”

These classrooms, opening in the Fall of 2018, will align with the concept of intergenerational learning, or the informal process of passing down culture and knowledge. This unique program setting will enable easy interaction between our community’s valued elders and young children.

“The Grand Forks Foundation for Education understands that intergenerational programming works with adults and children to foster stronger, healthier communities,” said Charlotte Johnson, co-CEO and trustee, Otto Bremer Trust. “This grant will help bring together children who need support and the adults who have the time and inclination to provide it.”

Since 1965, the Head Start program has provided comprehensive early education and support services to low-income children age 3 and 4 and their families by supporting their development in a comprehensive way. Focused on the "whole child," these services include early education addressing cognitive, developmental, and social-emotional needs; medical and dental screenings and referrals; nutritional services, parental involvement activities; referrals to social service providers for the entire family; and mental health services.

“This grant from the Otto Bremer Trust has helped us reach our fundraising goal and will allow us to complete our project this fall,” said Emilia Hodgson, Director of the Grand Forks Foundation for Education. “They see the value in our intergenerational learning experiment, helping us bring the young and the young at heart together.”

For more information about the project, please contact Hodgson at 701.787.4867.