Chaska Human Rights Award

In the spring of 2009, Jonna Herbstritt, a 7th grader began her commitment to fight against bullying words and actions directed at persons with special needs. She developed a pledge campaign that asked people to become more aware of derogatory words used to describe special needs individuals.

Guardian Angels Homebound Ministry Program has provided volunteers from the church to serve as pastoral care ministers and visit those who cannot make it to church.

Rev. Gordon Stewart from Shepherd of the Hill Presbyterian Church helped organize the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr - Human Rights Breakfast and "Tuesday Dialogues" a public discussion series that covered topics ranging from ethics to current events.

The Gathering Place, sponsored by St. John’s Lutheran Church provided free homemade meals and companionship to 60-75 persons each week.

In 2006, 4 women, Carol Benetti, Sarah Carlson, Sue Mueller and Garni Warner, believed they could make a difference in their community. The Blessed Bee Thrift Store provided a unique shopping experience and help to community members in need. The store inventory recycled community contributions with a unique boutique style and personable service. The volunteer staff generated more than $35,000 per year in financial support to the community and organized an annual winter clothing giveaway of 400-600 coats.

Launch Ministry was established to meet the needs of 18-29 youth in our community that were experiencing homelessness and needed help navigating the complexities of adulthood.  Launch Ministry’s programs offer life skills and mentoring to individuals struggling with becoming self-sufficient adults.  In 2014 Launch ministry opened a resource center in downtown Chaska which offers services, and short-term food and clothing provisions for youth.

LOVE INC nourishes relationships with local churches to meet the unmet needs that come from within our community. The local nonprofit helped local churches build and sustain a network of ministries to respond to gaps in local services and acts as a clearinghouse to those in need to connect with gap ministries, such as providing supplies for laundry, cleaning, personal care, baby care, linens, food and gas cards.

Libby Fairchild was active on multiple community boards. Her service on the boards was never as a mere place holder as she always served  as an active member, frequently assuming leadership roles and developing programs benefiting the citizens of Chaska. 

Libby has served on 

• The Chaska Human Rights Commission 
• Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Steering Committee Member
• Friends of the Chaska Library
• Ho-Chunk Nation Election Board
• Library Foundation of Carver County
• League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions
• American Red Cross Twin Cities Chapter
• Carver County Board of Personnel Appeals
• Families Moving Forward SW.

Barb Colhapp spent decades of service and dedication to advancing opportunity and human rights in our community through education. Barb was a dedicated teacher of English as a Second Language (ESL) for over 20 years. Barb led the project "National Issues Forums for the New Reader." which targeted adult students in Carver/Scott Counties - inmates of correctional institutions, adult basic education students, American Indian tribe leaders, and ESL students.

Lee Ann Winters served the Chaska community and surrounding areas for more than 12 years providing thousands of winter coats, hats, gloves and snow pants to families and individuals in need. Lee Ann's life of giving to others is reflected in her very high standard of collecting winter gear throughout the year, her home the base for sorting, washing and repairing (if needed) the donations that she receives.

The His House Foundation is a community based not for profit human service organization which  offers a resource center located in the lower level of the Chaska Moravian Church and provides clothing and household items and food sharing through the Abundance Food Program. Additionally, His House Foundation provides Housing stabilization case management counseling services.

Members Sidney Boechers, Justin Meyers and Vaness Fayching and others brain-stormed ideas to contribute to their community. Modeling on the practice of “Little Free Libraries” they planned, help construct and introduced the Little Free Pantry to the Chaska community. The pantry’s location at the Chaska Moravian Church in downtown Chaska has been ideal as it allows donating persons ease in restocking the pantry and for those who visit the pantry to help meet their food needs.

Latino V.O.I.C.E.S. organization goal is to aid individuals and families who may need support navigating and obtaining services from local organizations, businesses, and government agencies. Members of the organization provide translation services when needed to help explain programs and opportunities to individuals who experience English as their second language. Latino V.O.I.C.E.S. offers direct support and aid in bridging gaps with cultural activities to help foster a community that is respectful and engaging.

Mi C.A.S.A. was founded by six Latina women to promote and positively influence Latine lifestyles by raising awareness about mental health, encouraging healthy eating habits, and promoting an active lifestyle in Chaska, Shakopee, Carver, and Scott counties. The team works tirelessly to cultivate leadership, foster inclusion, and advocate for racial equity.

One of their main goals is to establish a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging and can thrive regardless of their socio economic, racial, religious, gender or cultural background.

In 2023, Brad and Marissa Nordling, owners of Little Roo's, did what they always do: released a calendar of events to promote community building, creative play, and fun through opportunities at their children's boutique. One of those events was a Drag Story Hour. It wasn't long before the event started to attract attention, with both supporters and detractors engaging in heated debate that crossed beyond drag itself to the broader LBGTQ+ community. The Nordlings faced tremendous pressure to cancel the story hour, and endured threats both personal and professional. Through it all, they remained steadfast in their commitment to providing opportunities for families to have a safe space to hear diverse stories from a wide variety of cultures.   

Beyond New Beginnings Program supports and nurtures young moms and their children as they gain independence in safe, stable homes while being actively involved in the New Beginnings High School Program, post-secondary education and/or employment by empowering them to become healthy, engaged, members of a community. For the past five years, the program has benefited young mothers and their children providing support and empowerment to create positive life changes.

Julie Janke is a former Chaska Police Community Partnership Specialist. Julie retired in 2024, but in her role of Community Partnership Specialist, which she began in 2009, she went above and beyond in connecting with the community. Julie was instrumental in bringing forward included Night for Neighbors, Growth Through Opportunity program, Neighborhood watch groups, bike and helmet distribution, and began a soccer partnership at Riverview Terrace amongst many other programs.