Community Steps program helps students start school year 'on the right foot'

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  2. Community Steps program helps students start school year 'on the right foot'

Forty local children will “start off on the right foot” for this upcoming school year when United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN) brings the Community Steps program to International Falls.

The program provides K-12 children with a community meal, ride in a fire truck, and new shoes for the school year – that they shop for themselves.

Families from Koochiching County school districts can apply to be a part of this program for their K-12 students to receive new shoes for the school year. To qualify, families must be under the 200% Federal Poverty Guidelines/Receiving SNAP, MFIP, or Reduced or Free school lunches.

Community Steps originated on the Iron Range in 2021 spearheaded by the Mountain Iron Fire Department (MIFD). The department asked UWNEMN to get involved to ensure the program served students across the area. It has grown progressively to include multiple law enforcement and fire departments and serve hundreds of children.

“Many local families are facing financial challenges that can compound during back-to-school time. UWNEMN is so proud to continue to expand Community Steps, which is having a very serious impact on local students and their families,” said UWNEMN Resource Developments and Events Director Elizabeth Kelly. “Seeing the children’s faces light up when they get to pick out their new shoes is incredible.”

Community Steps will be held August 9th in International Falls. Area students and their families will share a meal at Backus Community Center and shoe shop at Ronnings. International Falls Fire Department, International Falls Police Department, and Koochiching County Sheriff’s Office have signed on to participate as well, carrying on the original spirit of the program.

“The support of the International Falls community for this new program was so inspiring,” said UWNEMN Community Impact Director Katy Lofquist. “Everyone was immediately on board to do something special for local students.”

Community Steps is offered free in International Falls with support from PCA, TruStar, and donations to UWNEMN. Applications are due August 1st. To apply – or donate to support this program – visit www.unitedwaynemn.org/community-steps.