Giving Tuesday Non-Profit Spotlight: Keweenaw Family Resource Center

The Keweenaw Family Resource Center first partnered with Copper Shores Giving Tuesday as a part of the day’s initial group of non-profits. KFRC Executive Director Iola Brubaker says that across those years it has been incredible to work with the foundation and see the support from the community. Adding that giving Tuesday funds, just like many of the other groups, has major impacts on the center’s ability to keep services affordable, improve programs, and maintain their facilities.

“Copper Shores has been a great partner to have for us to meet our mission of enriching and strengthening family life in the copper country. Part of it is because we work with the same purpose in mind. We want families and children to have access to things that support not just their physical health, but their mental, social, and emotional development. So we’ve partnered with them closely. Everything we do at the resource center provides families with the tools and access to programs and individuals that can help them raise healthy strong families. And that will improve health outcomes for outcomes for our community.” Iola Brubaker, Executive Director, Keweenaw Family Resource Center

The Keweenaw Family Resource Center had an exciting year in 2023 after joining the Michigan Family Resource Center network. Becoming the first resource center in the Upper Peninsula to meet national standards of quality thanks to a variety of programs offering resources to families. Such as the well-known indoor tree-house, and playtime in the park.

 “Some of that includes visiting babies in the hospital and providing parenting education. Running the treehouse indoor playground where you can network with other families, and so kids have somewhere to play in the winter. We provide in-home visiting. Which I call the instruction booklet we always wish our kids came with. But It provides education and support for families that may just have questions about parenting. We also run the baby closet that provides diapers, baby wipes, and items to families that are in need in the community.” Iola Brubaker, Executive Director, Keweenaw Family Resource Center

Giving Tuesday with the Copper Shores Community Health Foundation last year raised over 650,000 dollars from individuals in the community and from friends of the Keweenaw Peninsula. Annually the foundation has provided a match sum to add to the day of giving’s total. Adding up to over 2.7 million dollars spread throughout the copper country over the past six years. Find more information about Giving Tuesday with the Copper Shores Community Health Foundation here and more about the Keweenaw Family Resource Center here.