Ponies Care participants share their kindness rock designs. Photo: St. Croix Valley Foundation
When young people discover that their contributions matter and that they are connected to their community, the whole Valley benefits. Through Ponies Care, a program through Stillwater Community Education, students across the district are learning what it means to show up for their neighbors.
A 2025 Youth Enrichment Grant from the Stillwater Area Community Foundation, a local affiliate of St. Croix Valley Foundation, made it possible to expand the program to reach new grade levels and deepen partnerships that turn good intentions into meaningful action.
Ponies Care introduces service early to elementary-age students with activities like kindness rocks and welcome cards, teaching students that small acts of care can have a significant impact. Middle schoolers work with area organizations, including Community Thread on its Holiday Hope program and Washington County on foster care projects.
Every act of service is shaping a more compassionate generation, one student at a time. “We’re helping grow a generation that leads with empathy,” says Jennifer Andress, Ponies Care director.
Missy Austreng is the marketing communications coordinator at the St. Croix Valley Foundation.
