Four local groups awarded Kalamink Wind Community Grants

Info from Apex Clean Energy

Kalamink Wind and Apex Clean Energy have announced four local programs and organizations as the recipients of the first round of Kalamink Wind Community Grants. A project of Apex Clean Energy, Kalamink Wind is a proposed community-based clean energy opportunity for rural Ingham County.

The program, launched earlier this year, seeks to support community organizations making an impact in the following areas: building healthy communities, economic development, environmental sustainability and promoting education. 

Recipients of the grants include the Stockbridge Area Chamber of Commerce, Stockbridge Community Outreach, CHUM Therapeutic Riding in Dansville, and Mount Hope Church of Williamston.

Kalamink Wind provided a sponsorship grant to the Stockbridge Area Chamber of Commerce’s “A Day in the Village” festival that took place the weekend of June 19 in downtown Stockbridge. 

“For the first time ever, we had a Lego “Build Your Town” contest, open to kids 12 and under,” said Cherie Van Blaircum, president of the Stockbridge Area Chamber of Commerce. “We were excited to have Apex Clean Energy sponsor this event with the grand prize of a Lego wind turbine kit awarded to the winner of the best Lego building!” 

Stockbridge Community Outreach strives to fight food scarcity in the Stockbridge area and will use the grant to fund its Milk Bucks Program, providing much-needed nutrition to those who would otherwise be without. 

“This grant will help to cover the cost of our program for three months and allow us to continue to provide milk coupons to our clients,” said Karen Smith, program director of Stockbridge Community Outreach. “Outreach Milk Bucks are redeemable at Mugg & Bopps, Stockbridge Sunoco, and Plane Food Market, so the program has the additional benefit of supporting local businesses. Thank you, Kalamink Wind!” 

A Kalamink Wind Community Grant also will support two cadets on their road to recovery through CHUM Therapeutic Riding. Since 1999, CHUM has provided equine-assisted activities and therapies assisting those with and without disabilities. 

“It is heartwarming to have organizations able and willing to continue to help support programs that serve our communities regardless of the current challenges. You are a blessing to all whom we serve,” said Bonnie DePue, president of CHUM Therapeutic Riding.

To assist in reaching its congregation, Mount Hope Church of Williamston was provided a grant for upgrading camera equipment and video production, allowing for the safe spreading of their message.  

“This donation allows us to reach those that are hurting, connect families that are apart, and highlight many of the great things our community has to offer. We are grateful for your giving and look forward to continuing to bring Williamston and the surrounding areas together,” said Matthew and Karla Mangan, pastors of Mount Hope Williamston.

Apex Clean Energy is pleased to supply the grants to the worthy programs and organizations.

“Over the past year we have seen these organizations step up to serve their community, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and hard economic times,” said Brian O’Shea, public engagement manager with Apex Clean Energy. “Their work has supported communities throughout eastern Ingham County, and we are proud to support them.”

To learn more or apply for a future grant, visit kalaminkwind.com/grant.