Peggy Wheeler Joins MPACF as Trustee

Mount Pleasant, MI - Peggy Wheeler has joined the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation as the organization's newest Board of Trustee member. With an extensive background in banking, Wheeler brings valuable skills to the Foundation.

Peggy serves as the chief operations officer for Isabella Bank. She has worked at the bank for over 46 years, and has been a member of the management team for many of these years. Peggy is currently the treasurer for RISE Advocacy and sits on the Foundation's grant review committee.

She graduated from Shepherd High School and received a Bachelor of Science degree from Central Michigan University. Peggy moved on to receive graduate-level education with the School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Wheeler has lived in the community her entire life, specifically Chippewa Township. She is married with 3 children and 3 grandchildren. She is a graduate of the Rollie Denison Leadership Institute and the Dale Carnegie Executive Development program.

Peggy’s goal for the community is to continue to support Isabella County through her time and leadership on the many committees she serves.

“I see the Foundation continuing to grow. This is based on the strong leadership of the Foundation and the commitment of many influential members of our community that have the passion to give back to our community,” Peggy said.

For more information about the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation and its programs, please visit www.mpacf.org.

Leadership Learning Lab 2023 Participants Announced

Mt. Pleasant, MI - 8/30/23 - The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation is pleased to announce the participants for the Leadership Learning Lab program. This several-month-long leadership development initiative is designed to empower emerging leaders from various fields and equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to enhance both their organizations and communities. This program is made possible through the generous support of Rotary Charities of Traverse City, the Frey Foundation, and 11 northern lower Michigan Community Foundations.

The 2023 Leadership Learning Lab participants are Maisha Andrychowski, Alexa Carey, Emily DeJong, Lizzie Dilg, Bethany Ervin, Julia Eigenbrood, Quana Hoffman, Hannah Martin, Hali Williams.Learn more about each participant below and why they are looking forward to LLL.

Maisha Andrychowski, Financial Director at Mid Michigan Community Action Agency. “My interest in the Rotary Charities Leadership Learning Lab stems from the opportunity to further develop professionally within a community of civic-minded people.”

Alexa Carey, Executive Director at Mid Michigan College Foundation. "I am excited to identify my leadership style and enhance my career development and confidence in a leadership role. I'm also looking forward to connecting with rising community leaders.”

Emily DeJong, Executive Director at Christian Counseling of Mid Michigan. "I am looking forward to developing my skills as a leader so that I can translate that directly into helping CCMM become an even more effective service to the Mid-Michigan community.”

Lizzie Dilg, Executive Director at Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum. "I am so excited to participate in LLL. I am looking forward to learning skills to ensure I am leading my organization to the best of my ability! I am particularly interested in learning about time management and fund development.”

Bethany Ervin, Real Estate Agent at Weichert Realtors, Broadway Realty. “I am interested in learning leadership from the view of a different lens. Absorbing techniques and communication strategies will truly be helpful as I take a more community-focused career path.”

Julia Eigenbrood, Executive Director at The Care Store. “I'm most excited to learn about ways to harness my strengths as a leader and find ways to learn and improve upon my weaknesses.”

Quana Hoffman, Member Experience Manager at Isabella Community Credit Union. "I am most excited to learn more about myself and how to utilize my leadership style to make a more positive impact on my teams and my community. I am also excited about developing the network of support within the Leadership Learning Lab.”

Hannah Martin, Communication & Events Coordinator at Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce. “The Leadership Learning Lab will give me the opportunity to expand my leadership skills, create connections, and learn about valuable resources that will help not only in my current role but in the future as well.”

Hali Williams, Trust Operations Supervisor at Isabella Bank. “I am interested in the Leadership Learning Lab because I have a constant desire to be better. I want to always challenge myself and my team to make our department and then organization a better place.”

For more information about the Leadership Learning Lab and its mission to cultivate effective leadership, please visit https://www.rotarycharities.org/leadership-learning-lab.

Farewell Message from Nancy Wheeler

Please join us on July 27 at the Hersee House (306 S University) as we say goodbye to Nancy and thank her for all that she has done for the Foundation. We will be hosting an open house from 1-5 pm. Desserts will be provided.

Gratitude is recognizing the good things you’ve been given and giving thanks in return, so it is with deep gratitude that I remember nearly 23 years ago now, coming to the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation, “just to help out”, and ending up with the best job I NEVER wanted!

Working for the Foundation has become one of the best things I have had the privilege to be involved in. I’ve connected with countless individuals who walked through our door or called on the phone, it’s been a pleasure to see and experience people at their best. So many have selflessly done something special in order to make our community a better place. I have been watching you through the years and am thankful to have learned from your examples.

Community members, coworkers (including five different CEOs), interns, donors, grantees, our awesome volunteer receptionists, committee members and Trustees, you are all so wonderful and important to the work of the Foundation! I thank you for the collective impact you have made. You have my respect and a place deep in my heart.

And then there is the dear YAC (Youth Advisory Committee) who for 22 years let me be a part of their meetings, their activities, their service projects, and their lives. My apologies, but I will not miss putting out the flocks of flamingos in yards at 6:00 a.m.! Thank you for your compassion and kindness shown through your service to the young people in our community. It will have an effect on them, and on you, all throughout your lives.

When I started this job, the Foundation office consisted of a very small back room, with no window, which was lent to us by a local business. It was adequate for the humble beginnings of the Foundation. But then we grew. I am in awe of the beautiful office we now have at the Hersee House. Thank you to the Hersee and Olson families for your precious gift. This home has helped to nurture the growth of something very good.

I am ready to have an opportunity to spend more time with family – my children, my grandchildren, my brothers and sisters, and even my husband Bob! I do consider the Foundation family too, so might need to visit once in a while.

I am confident MPACF will continue to grow, serving as a leader and addressing the needs and wants of our community. As I walk out the back door, I go with a grateful heart. I am confident that the good work of the Foundation will continue. It is in great hands.

- Nancy Wheeler

Tera Albrecht Assumes Role as Administrative Officer of Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation

Mount Pleasant, MI – Tera Albrecht has joined the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation as administrative officer. With a background in higher education and customer service, Albrecht brings valuable experiences to the role of ensuring efficient office operations, managing donor records and supporting the foundation's mission.

“I have had the pleasure of knowing Tera for more than a decade. She is dependable, a team player and has impeccable organizational skills. Tera will always greet you with a genuine smile and a friendly hello. She will be a great addition to the MPACF team,” CEO Alysha Pasquali said.

Tera will be succeeding Nancy Wheeler who has been with the foundation for more than 20 years. More details on Nancy’s July 27 retirement will be forthcoming.

Born and raised in Sandusky, MI, Albrecht now has developed deep roots in Isabella County. After completing her undergraduate studies at Central Michigan University, she embarked on a career at CMU dedicated to serving student-athletes and promoting academic success. Albrecht's journey led her to various roles, including Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Services.

Albrecht's dedication to philanthropy and community development is evident through her family's fund at the Sanilac County Community Foundation. Originally established as a memorial fund to honor her late father, it has now evolved into the David W. and Judith A. Albrecht Family Scholarship Fund, recognizing the contributions of both her parents. The fund supports Sanilac County youth and education, embodying the Albrecht family's commitment to making a lasting impact.

Albrecht's passion for youth engagement extends beyond her family fund. She serves as Youth and Family Ministry Coordinator at Faith Lutheran Church in Mt. Pleasant and works with the local youth group, Compass Point.

"I want the community to feel comfortable approaching me, sharing their stories and connecting with one another," Albrecht said. "I'm excited to embark on this new journey, eager to learn and contribute to the Foundation's mission. Together, with my team members, we will navigate this path and make a positive impact in our community."

For more information about the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation and its programs, please visit www.mpacf.org.

Community Foundation Announces more than $139,000 in Grants

MT. PLEASANT, MI – The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation is thrilled to announce $139,805.61 in competitive grants to organizations making a significant impact in Isabella County.

Chippewa Watershed Conservancy received $3,650 from the Fabiano Family Fund, John Neyer Family Fund, and Sherwood Family Fund to buy and install signage for Starks Preserve, Meridian Road Preserve, Winawa Preserve, and Hagen Preserve.

Christmas Outreach of Isabella County was granted $8,000 from the Harkins Community Fund to provide essential household items to over 480 local households during the 2023 Christmas Outreach event in December.

City of Mt. Pleasant received $1,600 from the Mary Ellen Brandell Access to Recreation Fund for the purchase of an ADA-accessible picnic table at the Horizon Park Community Garden.

Clothing INC received $3,900 from the Kellogg Youth Fund, Morning Sun Community Fund, Ralph and Sonja Baumgarth Family Fund, and Rapaport Family Fund to purchase new clothing for males in need in Isabella County.

Clothing INC received $1,000 from the Kimber and Judy DeWitt Family Fund and Missy and Doug LaBelle Family Foundation Community Impact Fund for the purchase of two Point of Sale systems.

Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan was awarded $6,000 from the Barbara A. Bissot Fund, Kellogg Youth Fund, and Women's Initiative Fund for Girl Scouting through the PEAK program, which will provide access to educational programming for 150 Isabella County girls from resource-limited families.

Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan received $16,000 from the Community Impact Fund, Denison Unrestricted Fund, Hersee Family Fund, Jane McNamara and Louise Williams Fund, and Women's Initiative Fund for roof updates to the Jane Harris Cabin.

Gratiot Isabella Technical Education Center received $1,500 from the Shepherd Community Fund Honoring Robert H. Bates for student leadership in technical education, which will help cover student expenses.

HopeWell Ranch was granted $1,500 from the Women's Initiative Fund to offer a free workshop on human rights abuse, in partnership with R.I.S.E Advocacy, INC., Zonta Club of Mt. Pleasant and Mid Michigan College.

Humane Animal Treatment Society received $3,870 from the Myler Family Community Impact Fund, Ranck Family Fund, Staples Family Fund, and Thomas J. Sullivan Memorial Fund to support the purchase of 500 vaccines and rescue disinfectants for the Parvovirus Prevention project in Isabella County.

Isabella Community Soup Kitchen received $8,000 from the Harkins Community Fund for the Food Sharing Program, which shares food with other local nonprofits and covers the delivery costs of providing hot lunches to nonprofits with guests who cannot get to the soup kitchen.

Isabella County Child Advocacy Center was granted $2,000 from the Women's Initiative Fund to provide transportation assistance in the form of gas cards to the caregivers of victims of child abuse and neglect.

Isabella County Commission on Aging received $5,922 from the Isabella County Health Improvement Fund for the purchase of dementia bracelets for individuals 60 years of age and older in Isabella County.

Isabella County Commission on Aging received $777.61 from the Healthy Youth Healthy Seniors Fund to provide medication lock bags and lock boxes for Isabella County seniors.

Isabella County Restoration House received $5,000 from the Harkins Community Fund to support local homeless women and their families by providing skill development training during their stay at the shelter.

Mid Central Area Health Education Center received $3,868 from the Kellogg Youth Fund and Shepherd Community Fund Honoring Robert H. Bates for the Health Careers Pipeline Program, which empowers local high school students to pursue careers in the health professions.

Mid-Michigan Industries was granted $6,500 from the Harkins Community Fund for the "Expanding Horizons" program, which provides local women with disabilities with the opportunity to expand their cultural horizons and experience day-to-day activities that will offer new skills, socialize with new friends and develop a greater sense of self.

Mount Pleasant Discovery Museum was granted $7,500 from the Access to Recreation Fund, Brewster Family Access to Recreation Fund, James Dale Ervin Memorial Fund, Janet Maar Strickler Access to Recreation Fund, Mt. Pleasant Rotary Club Access to Recreation Fund, Ruth S. and Gerard R. Felter and Florence F. Battenfeld Family Fund for the “Mid-Michigan Mechanics” project which will promote the automotive and trade career fields and increase STEM learning opportunities for local youth.

Mount Pleasant Police Department received $4,000 from the Kellogg Youth Fund for the Youth Police Academy, which is a program that provides hands-on learning about public safety for 24 local students.

Mt. Pleasant Little League received $3,468 from the Bovee Family Fund, David B. and Susan K. Keilitz Family Fund, Harkins Community Fund, and Theunissen Family Fund for the updates on two dugout roofs at Pickens Field, which will provide weather protection for local youth playing baseball.

Mt. Pleasant Public Schools received $3,000 from the Harkins Community Fund will be used to provide sporting and fitness equipment for physical education at Ganiard and Vowles Elementary Schools.

Mt. Pleasant Public Schools Instrumental Music Boosters received $6,200 from the Andy Wheeler Community Needs Fund, Connor J. Puhlman Memorial Fund for Youth, Darlene Bond Memorial Youth Fund, Fisher Companies Community Impact Fund, Gilmore Family Fund for Youth, W. Sidney Smith and Judith French Smith Family Fund, and Weisenburger Family Fund for the purchase of a new synthesizer and synthesizer cart for the Mt. Pleasant Public School bands and marching band.

Presbyterian Villages of Michigan Foundation received $10,000 from the Access to Recreation Fund, Brewster Family Access to Recreation Fund, James Dale Ervin Memorial Fund, Mt. Pleasant Rotary Club Access to Recreation Fund, Ruth S. and Gerard R. Felter and Florence F. Battenfeld Family Fund, and Summit Petroleum Fund to build a permanent ADA accessible senior-friendly, outside structure at The Village of Rosebush Manor.

R.I.S.E. Advocacy Inc. was awarded $10,000 from the John P. and Ann S. Jensen Community Impact Fund, Kay Smith Family Fund, Olson Family Fund, Ronald H. and Donna M. Cooper Family Fund, and Women's Initiative Fund to support staff training in mental health, trauma-informed advocacy, and domestic violence and sexual assault advocacy.

The Care Store received $5,000 from the Kellogg Youth Fund for the Not Just Skin Deep project, which provides specialty skin care products for TCS guests.

Village of Shepherd was granted $4,050 from the Shepherd Community Fund Honoring Robert H. Bates for the purchase of a drinking fountain to be installed along the walking path in the Village.

William and Janet Strickler Nonprofit Center received $7,500 from the Dr. Leonard E. and Louise A. Plachta Unrestricted Fund, Jerry M. and Marilyn A. Morey Community Fund, Schafer Community Impact Fund, and William and Janet Maar Strickler Community Impact Fund to improve front door accessibility to the building for tenant agency clients seeking services.

 Applications for the next competitive grant cycle are due September 13, 2023. For more information on grant eligibility, and ways to support the endowed funds that make these grants possible, visit www.mpacf.org.

A Successful Day of Communitywide Fundraising. $79,686 Raised for Local Charitable Organizations in 24 Hours.

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. — The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation is thrilled to announce the success of Give Local Isabella 2023, a 24-hour communitywide fundraising event held on May 2. This year, 24 local charitable organizations joined forces and raised a combined total of $79,686 in support of their missions and endowments.

Throughout the day, these organizations competed for various prizes, each worth $500, totaling $5,000. The organizations also competed for matching funds, valued at $25,000. The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation was the 2023 sponsor for prizes and matching funds.

The top three organizations that secured the highest amount of donations were: Renaissance Public School Academy, Chippewa Watershed Conservancy and Community Compassion Network. The generous contributions made by the community will have a lasting impact on the participating organizations and the people they serve.

Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation CEO, Alysha Pasquli, expressed gratitude for the community's support: "The amount of work that goes into this 24 giving campaign is monumental. However, it is community support that makes the event successful. I’m continually impressed with our community and will forever be grateful to call Mt. Pleasant home. Together, we will continue to do good things.”

Give Local Isabella will be back next year, continuing its mission to support local organizations and make a difference in the community.

For more information, visit www.mpacf.org or contact the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation at 989-773-7322.