| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 3/5/2010 |
Contact: Terry Kenworthy 610-429-9400 terry.kenworthy@unitedwaychestercounty.org |
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UWCC ANNOUNCES YOUTH-MINI GRANT RECIPIENTS The purpose of the Out-of-School Youth Program and Training Project is to support Coatesville area youth by funding programs and activities that may currently have limited capacity but demonstrate a potential for increased effectiveness and growth with additional resources. Additionally, the program assists in building the capacity of smaller organizations by providing application/proposal training and technical assistance to help position these organizations to access other potential funding. Chester County District Attorney Joe Carroll says, “I am very happy with the awards that are being made today. I am familiar with the programs of some of the recipients and look forward to learning more about the others. It is fitting that money forfeited from Coatesville criminals is being used to improve conditions in the city victimized by their crimes. I am also very grateful to the United Way and the committee of Coatesville Area volunteers who carefully reviewed all of the applications to select those who could provide targeted services most effectively. It's one thing to know that kids need opportunities for growth and constructive recreation. But it's much more difficult to figure-out how to best meet those needs. My thanks go to all who helped throughout the process.” Claudia Hellebush, United Way of Chester County President & CEO, says, “The partnership with the District Attorney's office gives us an opportunity to support local youth serving organizations in Coatesville where many small, but effective organizations are poised to help kids. The organizations chosen for these grants demonstrate the potential for increased reach and effectiveness with the addition of financial and technical resources. We appreciate District Attorney Carroll's investment in this strategy." United Way believes that there is an opportunity to help smaller agencies put systems in place to begin measuring the impact that the agency programs are making on the social problem they are aiming to provide solutions for. These systems can then be used as a means to secure funding and support from multiple sources. Jordan Crans from The Bridge Academy & Community Center describes the value of the partnership resulting from the grants that reaches beyond just the dollars. “We are so pleased to be a mini-grant recipient. United Way doesn’t just give away money. The tools that go along with this partnership have allowed us to apply for other sources of funding & resources with proof that our program is viable and productive.” The 2010 Youth Program and Training Project Mini-Grant recipients are: Art Partners Studio ($10,000) – Art in the City offers in-school and summer camp programs for young people. A renewed effort has been made to measurable increase the Studio’s scholarship fund, ensuring access for all to this program. Bridge Academy and Community Center ($5,000) – Afterschool and evening program offering varying activities including free lunches to youth of all ages. Increased funding has allowed for increased services for additional youth. Children’s Theatre in Coatesville ($2,500) - Summer Theatre Camp program offers a three week summer camp and additional opportunities for enrichment through field trips to area productions. Coatesville Community Education Foundation ($5,000) - The United Way grant will allow the Coatesville Community Education Foundation to establish strategic business structures to guide key decisions and assess core services. Capacity building will support the development of well-targeted and crafted proposals, particularly important at this early stage of the organization. George Washington Carver Science Alliance, Inc., in partnership with Coatesville Area Public Library ($2,500) - The intent of this program is to introduce economically disadvantaged girls in Coatesville to non-traditional STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) fields through well orchestrated hands-on activities and direct contact with women mentors from underrepresented backgrounds. Greater Deliverance Development Outreach ($2,500) - Homework assistance, tutoring and enrichment activities including but limited to art classes, self-esteem workshops, cooking classes, field trips and social skill building. A foundation is set for participants to make informed decisions and take more personal responsibility. The W.O.R.D. Foundation, in partnership with Brandywine Health Foundation ($2,500) – Sports program for area youth with lessons around character and life skills development including discipline, respect, sportsmanship, and all the necessary character traits to be successful both in their particular sport but more importantly in everyday life. For more information, please contact Terry Kenworthy at 610-429-9400 or terry.kenworthy@unitedwaychestercounty.org. |