Carroll Gets Grant from Ron Griffith Young Leaders Fund

Emily Carroll, diabetes coordinator at Healthfinders Collaborative, is the newest grant recipient of the Ron Griffith Young Leaders Fund. The fund supports and develops the capabilities, talents and motivation of young adults in the Northfield community. It is a collaboration between the Northfield Area Family YMCA and Just Food Co-op. With the proceeds of her award, Carroll participated in a workshop called “Understanding Somali Cultural Beliefs, Attitudes and Practices in Maternal Healthcare.” The workshop was intended to provide a deeper understanding of the Somali culture and the issues that surface when working with Somali women. Carroll will use the knowledge gained workshop to strengthen Healthfinders’ ability to partner with and reach out to the Somali community living in and around Northfield. The Ron Griffith Young Leaders Fund is named for the late Ron Griffith, a member of the Just Food Co-op founding team. He was widely recognized for his desire to inspire and train young leaders as a means of building a strong and sustainable Northfield community through collaboration and cooperation. Grants are awarded by the executive director of the Northfield YMCA upon the recommendation of the fund’s Grant Committee. Money is available to the community’s young leaders between the ages of 18 and 35 who need help getting their projects off the ground. Those with great ideas or projects, but without the funds to bring them to life, should contact the Northfield Area Family YMCA at (507-645-0088 or info @northfieldymca.org). Organizations and individuals interested in contributing to the Ron Griffith Young Leaders Fund are also invited to contact the YMCA.