Stakeholder Networks
We convene and co-convene a number of networks plus host town hall-style events to bring stakeholders together to discuss and strategize about issues...always looking to see if there's a way that we can bring philanthropy or leadership to the table. Below are the various networks and events that we're involved in...and we invite you to join us, whether personally or professionally!
The Grundy Partnership for Children (GPC) is a network of agencies and physicians who serve families with school-age children.
The goal is to assure that
- services are available
- services are accessible
- families are aware and participating in services
Projects have included the Back-to-School Fair, early childhood screenings, and increasing the relationship between agencies and pediatricians.
Hosted by the Grundy County Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Business Education Council (Biz-Ed) is a network of educators of all age levels, local business, trades, and nonprofits to assure that local workforce needs are being addressed by education - and vice versa.
Projects of BizEd over the years include:
- "Hands-On" 8th Grade Career Fair - All 8th grade students in and around Grundy County come learn about the large array of careers available locally, plus the high school and post-high school classes, certificates and degrees required.
- Certificate of Employability - using Chamber members, 1-hour monthly presentations are given to high school students who want to prepare for that first job. Skills such as proper attire, cell phone use, promptness, and customer service are reviewed.
- Summer Intern Program - Coordinated by GAVC, GEDC, and Senator Rezin's office, area high schools encourage successful high school juniors and seniors to apply for summer internships at area companies, especially those in healthcare and science. Students learn that local corporations hire all sorts of disciplines plus increase their awareness of great careers right here at home.
For more information about BizEd plus the next meeting date, please call Christina Van Yperen at the Chamber at 942-0113 or Devan Gagliardo at the Foundation at 941-0852.
The BHA is a network or agencies, organizations, and private practices who provide mental and behavioral health services across the entire spectrum of issues and disorders.
The BHA meets monthly, which includes a guest speaker. Larger trainings (usually with CEUs) are scheduled throughout the year.
The BHA meets on the 4th Tuesday at 3:00 pm in the conference room at the Canalport Community Center, 518 W. Illinois Avenue, in Morris.
For more information, please call Devan Gagliardo at 941-0852 or [email protected].
Agencies and organizations who serve our county's seniors are invited to this bi-monthly meeting to share services and strategize to fill service gaps.
For more information and the next meeting date, please call Devan Gagliardo at 941-0852 or [email protected]/
In partnership with the Grundy Economic Development Council, the GCAP is a product of the "Land Use & Protection" portion of Communityworks. GCAP is a convening of elected officials, planning officials, planning & engineering professionals, and related organizations where we bring training, education, and awareness to planning decisionmakers so that their land use decisions are based on Best Management Practices.
For more information and the next meeting date, please call Julie Buck at the Foundation at 941-0852 or [email protected].
The GCIC has been around for over four decades and is a monthly forum for area agencies and social services to learn about one another's services so that our referrals are accurate.
Each month highlights a member and each month a different member is the guest on WCSJ's "People Are Talking."
GCIC members also have access to a members-only listserv to pose questions and share news.
GCIC meets on the 3rd Tuesday at 8:30 am at the First Prebysterian Church, Route 47 & Jackson, in Morris.
For more information please call GCIC President Ken Buck at the GC Veterans Assistance Commission at 941-3152.
Challenges of the Future are town hall-style meetings around hot topics.
At these events we bring in experts on topics to address the audience of stakeholders for education, collaboration, and hopefully action.
Past topics have included:
- child care
- stormwater management and water supply
- subdivision design
- local solutions for public school funding
- environmental health
As a result of three natural disasters in two years (one flood and two tornadoes), the Foundation houses the Disaster Fund for Grundy County plus is a leader with our county COAD - Community Organizations Active in Disaster.
For each disaster, 100% of donations received were granted out to families affected by that particular disaster via an application process.
In addition, Foundation staff has served on Long Term Recovery Teams.
The COAD's main role is to organize and communicate with municipalities, churches, corporations, and nonprofits before disaster strikes to understand what each player is willing and able to bring to the table in times of disaster.
Please click here to watch a short video of the GC-COAD.
For more information, please call Julie Buck at 941-0852 or [email protected].