Gogebic Range Health Foundation

04/08/2026

Did you know that over the past 8 months, we have been exploring the idea of a county-wide community center, supported by a Rural Readiness Grant through the Michigan Office of Rural Prosperity?

To guide this work, we formed a Community Center Planning Team (CCPT) made up of diverse community members, including Robert Brown, Yvonne Clark, Megan Hagen, Tom Bergman, Noah Hofstede, Klaus Kutschke, Yolanda Lozano, Suzanne Toth, Ashley Tarro, Lynne Wiercinski, Kassi Huotari, and Will Andresen.

This group was created to “plan to plan”—making sure we are intentional about understanding the needs, gaps, and opportunities across Gogebic County before any decisions are made.

The CCPT has been:
➡️ Researching models and ideas
➡️ Brainstorming possibilities
➡️ Engaging community members through conversations and focus groups

All of this is helping shape a thoughtful, community-informed vision for what a community center could look like.

Now, we’re asking for your input.

📋 This short survey will help inform the next phase of this work:
gogebicrangehf.org/survey

Your voice is an important part of this process.

Read the full press release here: gogebicrangehf.org/cc

04/03/2026

ADRC’s Memory Cafe with Grown-Up Show & Tell and Trivia is back next Wednesday, April 8th at 10am at the Northwoods Hub (Mercer Senior Center). Free and open to all adults.

03/09/2026

🚨 Grant Process Open 🚨

Our 2026 Community Health Grant process is open!

💰 $35,000 available for organizations serving Gogebic County, MI and/or Iron County.

This year we’re taking a conversation-first approach, and we’ll be adding additional meeting dates in early April to allow extra time for prep and idea development.

Learn more: gogebicrangehf.org/apply

2026 Community Health Grant Process The Gogebic Range Health Foundation is shifting to a more relationship-centered grantmaking process in 2026. Our goal is simple: less paperwork, more conversation. A Conversation-First Approach Instead of submitting a full written application, applicants will: Rev...

03/02/2026

We’ve been participating in meetings with other UP funders and health organizations to help bring Rx Kids to the Upper Peninsula — and now Gogebic County families can apply! 🥳

The program gives expecting parents cash support to help with their baby’s well-being 💲

Learn more and apply here: https://rxkids.org/communities/gogebic-county/

😍 Applications for Baraga, Delta, Dickinson, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Keweenaw, Marquette, Menominee, and Ontonagon counties are now open! 🥰 Rx Kids is a program that provides all pregnant moms with no-strings-attached cash of $1,500 during pregnancy and $500 each month throughout the baby's first 6 months of life. Learn more and apply at RxKids.org ❤

Michigan State University Public Health GiveDirectly Marquette County Health Department Public Health, Delta & Menominee Counties Dickinson-Iron District Health Department Western Upper Peninsula Health Department LMAS District Health Department

03/02/2026

Last week, our Executive Director, Kassi Huotari, attended the first in-person session of the Leading Rural Michigan program in Ga***rd, MI! While the year-long program kicked off virtually in December with monthly sessions, there’s always something special about connecting face-to-face.

This photo highlights the Upper Peninsula leaders in the cohort - it was inspiring to meet fellow participants, share ideas, and grow together. The program focuses on developing skills for engaged local leadership, including collaboration, civic engagement, and community visioning.

Learn more about the program here: https://www.myupnow.com/news/emerging-up-leaders-chosen-for-12-month-rural-leadership-program/article_16d16291-940d-4674-aee0-b7f9e6224e52.html

https://www.michigan.gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/office-of-rural-development/rural-readiness-program/leading-rural-michigan?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

12/19/2025

By MEGAN HUGHES [email protected] BESSEMER - With the help of several donations, the Iron Belle Trail now will benefit from a brand new snow groomer to maintain the trail system. Paul Anderson, chairperson of the Michigan's Western Gateway Trail Authority, reported the news during a Dec. 5 int...

12/11/2025

Our Executive Director, Kassi Huotari, has been selected as one of the U.P.’s Emerging Leaders for the 2025–26 Leading Rural Michigan cohort. 🎉

This 12-month program—hosted by the Michigan Office of Rural Prosperity and MSU Extension—supports rising rural leaders in building skills in collaboration, communication, civic engagement, and community development.

Kassi will join leaders from across the peninsula to strengthen connections, elevate rural voices, and continue advancing GRHF’s mission to improve health and well-being across the Gogebic Range. 💚✨

Here’s to empowered leadership and a bright future for the Western U.P.!

Learn more here by clicking the link below!

UPPER PENINSULA, Mich. (WBUP/WJMN) — Individuals from several Upper Peninsula communities will participate in a 12-month program designed to develop the skills needed to be engaged local leaders.

12/03/2025

We’re making steady progress this Giving Tuesday! 💙

Thanks to your support, we’ve raised $3,790 so far — and every dollar given before midnight will still be doubled to strengthen community health across the Gogebic Range.

Your gift today goes directly into community health grants supporting youth, families, food systems, and overall wellness in Gogebic County, MI and Iron County, WI.

There’s still time to double your impact and make a real difference before the match ends: bit.ly/GRHFGT2025

12/02/2025

We’re making progress! 💙 $3,440 raised toward our $32,300 Giving Tuesday match — $28,860 to go! Thank you to everyone who has already made a donation!

Every dollar donated today is doubled and goes directly into community health grants supporting youth, families, food systems, and overall health across Gogebic County, MI and Iron County, WI.

Let’s keep the momentum going and strengthen community health together: bit.ly/GRHFGT2025

Or mail a donation to:
Gogebic Range Health Foundation
PO Box 161
Ironwood, MI 49938

12/02/2025

It’s Giving Tuesday and we’re off to the races! 🏁 We’re at $2,640 and need to reach $32,300 to unlock our full match.

Every dollar supports community health grants improving the well-being of Gogebic County, MI and Iron County, WI—and today, every dollar is doubled.

Give now: bit.ly/GRHFGT2025

Or mail a check to:
Gogebic Range Health Foundation
PO Box 161
Ironwood, MI 49938

12/01/2025

Help us unlock our match and today. Giving Tuesday is TOMORROW 😲

Donate now: bit.ly/GRHFGT2025

Donate now: bit.ly/GRHFGT2025 Or mail a check to the Gogebic Range Health Foundation at: PO Box 161, Ironwood, MI 49938

11/30/2025

Giving Tuesday is almost here—2 days left! ⏰ All donations are matched, doubling your impact for our community.

Donate now: bit.ly/GRHFGT2025