Merrick Foundation: Making an Impact Together

Three years ago, Little Storm Childcare opened its doors with a vision to help meet a growing need for quality childcare in our area. Today, they’re full, have a waiting list, and are already seeing families plan ahead for future openings.In this episode, we sit down with Tina Thies at Little Storm Childcare to look back at how it all began, the challenges and successes along the way, and just how much has changed over the past three years. It’s a great example of what can happen when a community recognizes a need, people step up to meet it, and others come alongside them to help make it happen.

What started as a simple idea has turned into something pretty incredible growing right here in Central City. In this episode, Bill Bolte, Laurie Dexter, and Pastor Francis Kinyua from the Central City United Methodist Church join us to talk all things community garden — how it got started, who keeps it growing, who it helps, and the big dreams they have for the future. From volunteers and partnerships to fresh produce and community connections, this garden is doing a whole lot more than growing tomatoes. If you’ve ever wondered how it works, wanted to volunteer, or just love hearing good things happening in our community, this episode is for you!Want to get involved? Call 308-946-2853 — they’d love to have you dig in! 

We sit down with Central City junior Fyn Fasbender to talk about youth philanthropy—what it looks like, what motivates it, and how to get more young people involved. From being “voluntold” at a young age to finding real passion in giving back, Fyn shares honest insight into why connection, purpose, and even just having a friend alongside you makes all the difference. It’s a practical, real-life conversation for anyone wanting to better engage youth in their community. 

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.

Grants can open doors, but the application process can also feel overwhelming. In this episode, we’re answering the 10 most common grant questions to help you navigate our application with confidence. From eligibility requirements to writing a winning proposal, we’re covering everything you need to know to maximize your chances of success.If you’ve ever wondered: What information do I need to include?  What if we don't have some of the financial templates? What makes an application stand out? How do I avoid common pitfalls?Then this episode is for you! Tune in and take the guesswork out of grants.

In this episode, we sit down with Andrew and Natalie Pearson, the inspiring leaders behind the Central City Track Club. They share what motivated them to start the club, its mission, and how it has grown over time.Andrew and Natalie also highlight success stories, the training and mentorship they provide, and how a recent Merrick Foundation grant will help the club continue to thrive. Plus, they share how you can get involved—whether through volunteering, donations, or cheering on the athletes.If you’re passionate about youth sports and building a stronger community, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

In this episode of "Merrick Foundation:  Making an Impact Together", we sit down with Kellie Granfield, Founder of The Good Life Rescue, to talk about her passion for saving dogs and cats and the incredible work her organization is doing.  From the challenges of rescue operations to heartwarming success stories, Kellie shares what it takes to give animals a second chance.  We will also explore how you can get involved!

 Welcome to the very first episode of the Merrick Foundation podcast! For 65 years, Merrick Foundation has been dedicated to making a difference in Central City, Nebraska, and beyond. In this episode, we’re excited to share more about who we are, what we do, and how we’re working to impact our community. Join us as we kick off this new journey together!