Mayo Clinic Health System Oakridge, Osseo, 2021 Community Benefit

Supporting After School Intervention and Enrichment Exploration

As part of its commitment to rural communities and reducing health disparities, Mayo Clinic Health System in Osseo contributed $25,000 to the Osseo-Fairchild Elementary school. With limited after-school programming and care available to elementary-aged children in the Osseo-Fairchild School District, the funding will allow the school to continue, and hopefully improve, their after-school program while also giving children a free and safe place to stay while their caregivers are still at work.  
The program will provide internet access, homework support and academic enrichment activities as well as extra outdoor play and a nutritious snack. Administrators of the program hope to also be able to offer a free meal to the students and families once a month and include Love & Logic resources and information during that time.   
“With the additional funds, our building will be open later, which means that this grant plays a huge role in providing a safe place after school for students at no cost to the families. This grant will allow us to focus on their overall well-being, character building, academics and so much more.” said Jimi Zawacki, principal at Osseo-Fairchild Elementary School. 
Mayo Clinic Health System in Northwest Wisconsin is aiming to harness partnerships with local school districts as a powerful opportunity to imagine opportunities to serve rural populations in new ways, including those with a focus on reducing food insecurity and increasing public access to physical activity.