As I reflect on the work we do at United Way of Bemidji Area, it’s easy to identify the role that partnerships play in creating real, lasting change within our community. Our mission — to transform
lives in our community by uniting people and organizations — depends on partnerships that are rooted in a shared vision, trust and mutual benefit. In fact, some of the most impactful relationships we’ve formed have been with other Bemidji State University alumni who, like me, believe that our connection to BSU goes far beyond the years we spent on campus.
Partnerships strengthen communities by pulling together resources, experiences and dedicated community members with diverse backgrounds. No single organization or person can solve complex challenges like education gaps, food insecurity or transportation hardships. However, when we bring together schools, local businesses, healthcare providers, nonprofits and individuals, we create a network capable of addressing these issues in ways that make a measurable difference. And when partnerships like these are woven into our everyday lives, they become the foundation upon which communities can thrive.
At United Way, partnerships allow us to amplify our impact. A clear example of this is our work on mentorship programs, including our Women United initiative, United We Grow, which empowers local women to share knowledge and guidance with younger generations. Or our Wheels to Work car repair program, which supports local families who need a vehicle repair for work, school and/or daycare. The program is a partnership between United Way, Dondelinger GM and Northwest Technical College’s Automotive Service and Performance programs, and allows for wrap-around services. Programs like these would not be possible without the business partnerships and commitment of community volunteers, many of whom are BSU alumni who bring diverse skills and life experiences to the table. These partnerships not only benefit the people directly involved but also contribute to a culture of generosity and support within our community.
Similarly, our partnerships with local businesses (many of which are led by BSU graduates) enable us to support events like Sanford Health’s Taco Fest, Beltrami Electric Cooperative’s Touchtone Energy Open Golf Tourney and Riverwood Bank’s Community Brat Feed. These events raise critical funds, support those in need and foster a spirit of togetherness that fuels further collaboration. By working together, we maximize resources, engage the community and create an environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Partnerships encourage us to learn from one another, to utilize each other’s strengths and to push the boundaries of what we can achieve together. Bemidji State University instilled in me a sense of responsibility to my community and helped teach me that collaboration and giving back are essential. As I work to create connections that strengthen our community, I often see that same drive in my fellow BSU alumni. It is this shared commitment that empowers us to move forward, to address the needs of our community and to make a difference in the lives of those around us.
In the end, partnerships are not just about shared goals – they’re about shared values and the belief that, together, we can do more than any one of us could do alone. I am grateful to BSU for inspiring that vision, and I am honored to be a part of a community that continues to thrive through the partnerships we have forged and continue to foster every day.
By 2007 Bemidji State graduate Denae (Fisher) Alamano Executive Director, United Way of Bemidji Area