About Merrick Foundation: Making an Impact Together
Welcome to Merrick Foundation: Making an Impact Together, where we bring you the stories, voices, and ideas that are shaping our communities. Each episode dives into the heart of Merrick County, showcasing the people, organizations, and initiatives that are making a lasting difference. Tune in for inspiring conversations and real-life impact—because together, we’re building something greater.
From an Idea to a Waitlist: Little Storm Childcare
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 ...
18 May 2026
Planting Seeds of Community: The Story Behind Central City's Community Garden
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 tha...
22 Apr 2026
Giving Back Starts Young: A Conversation with Fyn Fasbender
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.
19 May 2025
Building Brighter Futures in Merrick County: A Conversation with the Merrick County Child Development Center
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 aw...
22 Apr 2025
From Application to Award: The Story Behind 179 Student Scholarships
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 reviewe...
3 Apr 2025
Housing with Heart: A Look at Maplewood Corners
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.
17 Mar 2025
The 10 Most Common Grant Questions - Answered!
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 stan...
5 Mar 2025
Running Towards Opportunity: Andrew & Natalie Pearson and Central City Track Club
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 athlet...
17 Feb 2025
Rescuing Hope: A conversation with Kellie Granfield of The Good Life Rescue
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!
3 Feb 2025
The Start of Something Great
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!
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