LA CROSSE, Wis. (WLAX/WEAU) – There are some familiar names on the winners list of Altra Federal Credit Union’s Best Life Community Awards. The list was announced today (11/13/23) and no fewer than 10 local nonprofits will be receiving funds as winners.
To be eligible, the organization must be in active 501©(3) status with the IRS and direct impact in one of the counties served by Altra Federal Credit Union. Included in that list are the counties of La Crosse, Trempealeau, Monroe and Vernon, Wisconsin, and Houston, Olmstead, Fillmore, and Winona, Minnesota.
Impact Award:
$7,500 granted to one recipient, selected by past BLCA recipients
First Teen Clothes Closet – “The First Teen Clothes Closet is a non-profit, equitable, free service to youth concentrating on the teen ages. Our mission is to provide free, gently used and some new, in-style clothing and personal care items for late elementary, middle, high and post-high school teens in need. We offer junior/adult size clothing, sizes 7-15 shoes, and many personal care products. FTCC volunteers collaborate with the La Crosse County area schools, social service agencies, and other supportive community groups to promote area teens to utilize this service.”
Employee’s Choice Award:
$5,000 granted to one organization in each of Altra’s core community states (Minnesota, Wisconsin, Tennessee, and Texas, voted on by Altra employees
Safe Families for Children – “Safe Families for Children (SFFC) Wisconsin connects parents to a network of support through family-like relationships with volunteers. Our volunteers are fully vetted and trained to provide support and resources to parents while they get back on their feet. What makes SFFC so unique is there are many roles in our Circle of Support so everyone can do something!”
Community Assistance Award winners:
$2,500(or more) awarded by a panel of judges
Holmen Area Food Pantry – “Our mission is to share with our guests whatever we have. The items we have to share with you our guests, have been generously offered by the parishioners of St. Elizabeth’s, friends of St. Elizabeht’s and community groups.”
Adult and Teen Challenge Western Wisconsin – “Our goal at Adult and Teen Challenge of Western Wisconsin is to be a place of refuge for those who are stuck in the bonds of addiction. Our desire is to assist people in gaining freedom from chemical addictions, as well as other life-controlling problems. We take a holistic approach and address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of each individual.
GearUp Inc – “GearUp, Inc.’s mission is to provide lower-income and first-generation college students graduating from La Crosse area high schools with the supplies they need to start their post-secondary journey.”
Holmen Booster Club – “Holmen Booster Club is ambitious and determined to maintain, promote and enhance the interscholastic athletics and activities of the Holmen School District.
Centering Onalaska – “Our mission is beautification of the downtown Onalaska area. We work to sustain our historic downtown area by helping to create a positive identity: beautifying the area, enhancing access to the lake and waterfront and complementing a thriving business district with places to eat, enjoy, live and shop.
Friends of the Blufflands – Friends of the Blufflands is a nonprofit based in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Our mission is to promote sound conservation practices in the Coulee Region Blufflands and to be a voice for a wide variety of Blufflands users who value the area Blufflands for the increased quality of life they provide.
St. Josephs Ridge Lions Club – To empower Lions clubs, volunteers and partners to improve health and well-being, strengthen communities and support those in need through humanitarian services and grants that impact lives globally and encourage peace and international understanding. To be the global leader in community and humanitarian service.
Winona Arts Center – To provide a venue for creative performances, exhibits and education experiences in the arts.
Five Altra employees will also be rewarded based upon volunteerism with a $1,500 donation on their behalf to a nonprofit organization of their choice. Checks are being presented to the nonprofits this week.
Complete list of winners and more information on the Better Life Community Awards.
