June 2024
Grant from the Matthew J. Stratman Foundation Supports Lakota Families
Reach Out Lakota is the recipient of a significant grant from the Matthew J. Stratman Foundation that will help the organization meet the needs of families during tough times – particularly around the holidays this year.
The foundation carries forward the legacy of Matthew J. Statman and his spirit to help others in need, as Matthew’s family continues to increase the foundation’s outreach to local children and families. Its past grant funding has focused on support for athletes requiring financial assistance, families who have suffered the effects of an AVM (Arteriovenous Malformation), and Christian mission trips.
Now, with a gift to Reach Out Lakota’s food and clothing pantry, Matt’s love for people extends to families in the Lakota School District who face food insecurity.
“Just as Matthew treated people with friendship and kindness, his legacy and this gift will allow us to assist families who face the worry and stress of not being able to provide enough food for their loved ones,” said Reach Out Lakota’s executive director, Brenda Yablonsky.
The grant will support the pantry, in particular its Holiday Meals Program. December holidays can be an especially trying time for families who are struggling to meet daily needs. The Holiday Meals Program helps to alleviate some of these stressors by providing boxes of food meant to provide three meals a day between Christmas and New Year's Day – the time when children are off of school and eating more meals at home. The program served more than 400 families from Lakota School District last year.
The Stratman family presented the donation to Reach Out Lakota during a visit to the pantry last week. Pictured below: Members of the Stratman family (Ron, Julie and their daughter Eva) with ROL board members Tim Harmon, Tim Van Leeuwen, and executive director Brenda Yablonsky.
