Board members Megan Bollman and Robin Kelley met with school district staff to present a check for $5,000.  From left to right: Robin, Kyrsha Tollefson, Megan, Mike Johnson, Melissa Gunnes, Stephanie Travis, and Sarah French.

Wednesday, November 3rd, 2021 marks the 3-year anniversary of the unspeakable tragedy that took Jayna, Autumn, Haylee, and Sara from us so suddenly.  The Jayna Kelley Memorial Foundation is dedicated to preserving the memory of our beloved Jayna and making the world a better place in her honor.  Over the 8 days leading up to the 3rd, Jayna’s 2021 gifts to the world will be announced.  Each of the 6 foundation board members, along with Jayna’s sister Terra, were asked to help us spread the available funds in order to make a broad impact on the community.  We can’t wait to show everyone how Jayna is continuing to improve MANY lives by her foundation’s support of 10 local causes!  She couldn’t have done this without the amazing generosity of so many people.  Thank you!!

Thursday, October 28th

Eau Claire Area School District GATEWAYS – $5,000

GATEWAYS (Grow, Achieve, Transition, Empower, Working At Your Success) is a community based transition option for Eau Claire area school district special education students between the ages of 18-21, supporting the transition from school services to adult life.  The program is an extension of pre-existing transition services in the district, currently being held at Memorial High School, which are required nationally by the Individuals with Disabilities Act. It works to provide young adults the skills and knowledge to lead empowered meaningful lives and achieve their lifelong goals.  The program also aims to work with area businesses to provide job and internship opportunities.  

The need for an improved space for a larger population of students in transition services sparked the development of the GATEWAYS project. The Eau Claire Public School Foundation supports the cost of the lease and construction, though the ECASF is relying heavily on fundraising efforts to outfit the space with furniture, appliances, and workplace decor. The Jayna Kelley Memorial Foundation has been happy to help with this need, especially during the time that the funds donated were eligible for bonus grants through the ECASF.  We are excited to see the benefits that this program brings to the students and the community.