We are proud to announce that Michelle Kocak Jones, a member of the Monticello Women of Today, was honored at the Minnesota Women of Today Winter State Awards Banquet with the Lois M. Christensen Outstanding Women Who Impact Award. Michelle was nominated for this award based on her contributions as a member of our chapter, a teacher in the Monticello School District, and within the area community around Monticello. She has been a member of our chapter for about 20 years and has taught in the Monticello school system for over 30 years, with an emphasis in youth programs for students with disabilities. Congratulations, Michelle!!

Monticello Women of Today members are helping with Kids Kitchen from June 11 through August 13 to benefit Monticello school district area families.  The Monticello Foodshelf provides a variety of food items to be distributed this summer to families in the community.  About 230-250 kids are served each week!  Thanks to all our volunteers.  This is another example of the Monticello community pulling together to help out.

Do you know what happens when a lot of chapters come together across the state and volunteer their time and donate money to great causes?!  We make an IMPACT!  It’s estimated that about 40-45% of our chapters report their donated funds and volunteer hours.  For our 2015-2016 year, here were the reported statistics – aren’t they impressive?!

Breaking Free programming area:  $40,502.73 in dollars and in-kind donations

Women’s Wellness projects:  $2,658.04 in dollars and in-kind donations

Youth of Today projects:  $48,288.73 in dollars and in-kind donations

Community Connection projects:  $68,095.44 in dollars and in-kind donations

The total volunteer hours reported were worth a total of $411,498.96 (valued at $23.56 per hour).

That is a GRAND TOTAL of $571,043.39 in donations and volunteer hours!  WOW!