The Compassion Connection (TCC) was the grand recipient of nearly $1,800 donated to the organization by the Amy Chmielewski, American Family Insurance Agency in Becker earlier this week.

Chmielewski held her annual windshield chip repair event during Becker’s Freedom Days where her team asked for donations while drivers had their chipped windshields fixed by a crew from Abra. American Family makes it a practice to match the donation amount which was tallied at $891.52 during Freedom Days. A large bag of new winter clothes was also donated during the windshield repair event.

Amy Drehmel, Co-founder and President of The Compassion Connection was joined by Amanda Bost and Chmielewski’s team to accept the donation on Monday morning.

“Thank you Amy Chmielewski American Family Insurance for your incredible generosity and support,” a posting on The Compassion Connection’s Facebook page noted. 

“We are thrilled to share that together, with the generosity of our community during Freedom Days and the American Family headquarters, they have made a significant contribution to TCC as well as a large donation of new clothing.”

The post went on the say that TCC wanted American Family to know what a difference and how impactful this gift makes and the relief it provides for kids and families in crisis.

“We love the way so many truly love to give back to our community. Together, we can continue making a positive impact on the lives of foster children and families.

The Compassion Connection is a 501(c)(3) community-based non-profit. They partner with local public and private child welfare agencies and they fulfill emergency requests to expedite safe placement of babies and children and assist aged-out youth as they transition. 

At TCC’s Resource Closet (located at the Hub in Becker), they are committed to helping not only the foster community but families in need making most items in their Resource Closet available to all. They host regular community events to encourage awareness and motivate community participation in support of their most vulnerable children.

According to records, there are over 400,000 children in foster care. Many face unimaginable neglect, abuse, or abandonment and these children are left feeling rejected and alone. Children in the foster care system are more susceptible to a variety of challenges such as homelessness, incarceration, teen pregnancy, human trafficking, substance abuse, and limited education. 

Annually, over 20,000 age out of the system, many without the ability or support to transition effectively into independent living. TCC is committed to providing a helping hand to children and youth facing such daunting challenges.