Superior Health Foundation Awards Over $200,000 in Grants to Health-Centered Organizations: Retiring Executive Director Jim LaJoie Reflects on 11 Years of Service

The Superior Health Foundation recently hosted its 2024 Spring Grants Celebration, where they awarded over $200,000 in grants to various health-centered organizations. One of the grants was presented to the Lakeview School Garden Growing Gardeners project, which aims to create a healing garden within the school’s garden and provide hands-on gardening and learning opportunities for students.

Sarah Weaver, Chair of the Negaunee Public Schools Garden Project, expressed her gratitude for the $8,500 grant received. She stated that the project helps children develop important skills such as teamwork, collaboration, and understanding where food comes from by teaching them about gardening and farming.

Superior Health Foundation Executive Director Jim LaJoie highlighted the organization’s goal of giving back to the community through grants that support indigent care. He mentioned some of the organizations receiving grants, including the Great Lakes Recovery Centers and Cancer Care of Marquette County. LaJoie also shared that this was his last grant celebration as executive director before retiring after 11 years of service.

LaJoie reflected on his time with the Superior Health Foundation, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to make a positive impact through grant funding. He noted that the organization has awarded over $6,000,000 in grants since 2012 and that being a part of the foundation has been the highlight of his career.