Kirtland Foundation Graciously Acknowledges Contributions from Local and National Entities
The Kirtland Foundation expresses profound appreciation for the support it has garnered, notably through a generous grant from The Wade Family Donor Advised Fund of the Roscommon County Community Foundation and a grant from the Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund. These contributions are pivotal in propelling the Foundation’s Path to Success (PTS) program forward, dedicated to cultivating substantive engagement among junior and high school students within the district. The allocated funds are poised to play a critical role in achieving the program’s objectives, thereby reinforcing the Foundation’s commitment to advancing educational initiatives.
“Funding from both of these grants will help continue the PTS program for the rest of the school year, allowing students to grow academically and socially,” said Kirtland Foundation Director Heather Appold. “The Foundation is grateful that the Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund and The Wade Family Donor Advised Fund of the Roscommon County Community Foundation have chosen to support local youth and their development.”
In both rural and urban settings, the Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund supports hundreds of important organizations and programs in the communities where they operate with funding, time, expertise and resources. Weyerhaeuser made its first charitable donation in 1903 and has provided more than $260 million in grants through its formal giving program, which was established in 1948.
John and Liz Wade played an instrumental role in the establishment of the Roscommon County Community Foundation as an independent community foundation. Demonstrating their commitment to philanthropy, the Wades endorsed the proposal for a grant aimed at directly benefiting students within their residing county. Through the Wade Family Donor Advised Fund of the Roscommon County Community Foundation, their contributions will significantly enhance resources for students in the Crawford, Oscoda, Ogemaw, and Roscommon (C.O.O.R.) Intermediate School District who actively engage in the PTS program.
“[We] love the concept of helping these kids become successes,” said John and Liz Wade. “C.O.O.R. does a fabulous job, and it now will dovetail with a program at Kirtland. Good for them!”
Path to Success is a program organized by the Kirtland Foundation, which convenes 7th-12th grade students from educational institutions such as Charlton Heston Academy, Grayling, Houghton Lake, Our Lady of the Lake, and Roscommon area schools. In the current academic year, the program proudly welcomed 26 new 7th grade students, resulting in an impressive total of 72 participants across diverse grade levels.
Crafted to offer students a comprehensive experience encompassing both social and academic facets, Path to Success curates a calendar of events aimed at fostering a dynamic learning environment and facilitating meaningful connections among the participating students. Events featured in this year’s program include engaging activities such as a tour of Camp Grayling, trip to Art Prize in Grand Rapids, photography lessons, water color instruction, community service projects and mini exploration days of various programs offered at Kirtland.
“Path to Success is a place where the students can come and learn outside of the classroom with a new group of peers. In this area there aren’t many options, and Path to Success opens their options and allows them to step out into the world. Some students have never thought of continuing education, but Path to Success has helped them to consider there is more for them and want to continue with their education.,” said Kirtland Foundation Assistant Director Alice Furstenau. “These grants that we receive are a tremendous help to keep Path to Success going and growing. Without the support of generous donors, Path to Success wouldn’t be able to function. We are so appreciative to everyone who has helped with grants, donations and volunteering. It means so much to me and to the students.”
