In this episode, we sit down with Katie Benner, President of the Merrick County Child Development Center Board, for an inspiring conversation about the vital role high-quality, reliable child care plays in sustaining and growing our small communities. Katie shares her personal journey with the center—first as a parent, then as a board member—and highlights how access to child care empowers local families and supports economic development.

We also break the news of an exciting $12,650 grant awarded to the center from the Merrick Foundation to renovate a 20+ year-old classroom. From updated flooring to energy-efficient lighting, these improvements ensure a safe, modern space for local children to thrive.

Whether you’re a parent, donor, or simply passionate about helping small towns thrive, this episode is packed with insight, gratitude, and ways to get involved.

Ever wonder how 179 students received scholarships from the Merrick Foundation this year? In this episode of Making an Impact Together, Shauna sits down with Rachel Brandquist to pull back the curtain on the entire scholarship process—from the first application clicks in December to the powerful, emotional moments at the Scholarship Awards Ceremony in April.

You'll hear how the Foundation matches students to opportunities, what makes an essay stand out, and how a team of 30+ volunteer reviewers helps keep it all running smoothly. Plus, Rachel shares insider tips for students applying, how the selection process stays fair, and what role donors do (and don’t) play in the final decisions.

Whether you're a student, donor, parent, or just curious about how community scholarships work—this one’s packed with insight, inspiration, and impact.

In this episode, Shauna Graham talks with Vicki Wardyn about Maplewood Corners, an affordable housing community in Palmer. Vicki shares the vision behind Maplewood, how funding and grants support the complex, and how recent upgrades improved residents’ quality of life. She addresses misconceptions about affordable housing, explains resident qualifications, and highlights ways the community can support Maplewood’s mission.