MFN Meeting Notes 2-14-26
Janice Welsch
MFN Meeting Notes February 14, 2026
Chairs: Ruth Kelly and Suzan Nash
Program Suzan Nash, the Executive Director of the Western Illinois Regional Council-Community Action Agency (WIRC-CAA), for 40 years, introduced Stacy Nimmo, current Executive Officer of WIRC-CAA. Suzan reminded us that Stacy came in as Executive Officer after a chaotic eight-year period (2017-2025) when seven different persons were at the helm of the agency. Stacy is just completing her first year at WIRC and has focused much of her attention on helping the staff resurface after this traumatic experience. When introducing herself Stacy pointed out some similarities between the experiences of WIRC clients and her own dependence on a food pantry and Christmas gift program. She grew up in a very conservative family and married into another.
In her thirties, then a single mother of five, Stacy came to the realization that without more education and a better paying job, she would never be able to care for her children independently and thrive as she wanted to. With scholarship assistance--and a strong will--she was able to go to college while working full-time and caring for her children. She believes in Maslow's model of needs, which begins with the satisfaction of basic physical needs--food, water, shelter--as well as safety, stability, and a sense of belonging before one can focus on self-esteem and self-actualization. While in Red Wing, MN, she developed programs with a network of partners that facilitated this kind of growth through education and entrepreneurship. While offering emergency assistance, she also wants WIRC to be able to go beyond that and is developing the connections necessary to make this possible.
Stacy noted our high rate of poverty in our area and the many people seeking assistance to cover energy costs and supplement food purchases, this at a time when the federal government is cutting back on assistance and making it more difficult for people in need to qualify for it. Looking ahead, she wants to partner with the Chamber of Commerce and others to provide scholarships for at-risk students, going beyond basic needs and helping them thrive. She believes in female leadership and in collaboration. Though too early to initiate contact with the MHS and SRC about the Career and Tech Center, she hopes to partner with the center when that becomes an option.
When Stacy mentioned that many people in the area are not familiar with the resources WIRC-CAA, members suggested getting in touch with Rich Egger about a TSPR podcast about WIRC and with the Community News Brief to draw attention to the agency’s resources and valueto the community. Stacy is interested in returning to the MFN and was invited to attend the March Writing Women into History Reception.
Treasurer & Membership Reports (Becky Parker) Members: 37, with 6 Life members. Money on hand: $2901.16.
Continuing Business
Proposed Programs for 2025-26
Jan, filling in for the WWIH Committee, reminded members that the 2026 Writing Women into History Reception is scheduled for March 7, 9:30 to noon at the Wesley Community Center. Honorees are Julia Abarracin, Charlene Callison, Lynne Campbell, and Patti Hutinger. The WIU resources we have been tapping into for catering are no longer available. After checking catering options in the area, the WWIH Committee chose The Old Dairy. They will provide a brunch similar to those we’ve had in the past. It is not clear if TOD will need help with the brunch buffet or with clean-up. Jan will check with the Committee and it can email members if it foresees needing help.
The program for April 11 was discussed, but because there was no record of the original suggestion--Multiage Recreational Options--no final decisions were made. Sue Marshall volunteered to look into possible presenters.
Announcements Sandy Nelson explained the mission of Loaves and Fishes, shared a flyer detailing how L&F works, emphasized its importance, and invited members to support it by volunteering or donating funds. She also suggested members attend Bill Maakestad’s February Final Friday when donations received then will go to L&F.
Information about the wide availability of the LWV video documenting its February 10 Candidate Forum was shared as was information about the 2026 One Book One Community Festival.