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At its final meeting of the year, the Youth Philanthropy Board for Sussex County, a program of the Delaware Community Foundation, presented a total of $10,000 in grants to four nonprofit organizations in Sussex County that provide after-school programs for elementary and middle school students, grades 3 through 8, that encourage a positive lifestyle.
Nearly 40 students, board advisors, grant recipients and their parents attended the event held at the CHEER Center in Georgetown on April 15.
“Our board members amaze me with their perceptions and insight as they go through the grant-making process,” said Hugh Leahy, senior vice president with the Delaware Community Foundation (DCF). “It’s wonderful to see how their hard work directly impacts the organizations they select to support. They know they are making a difference in the lives of many local children.”
This year’s grants included the following programs:
• Coverdale Crossroads Community Council, $3,000. Presented to Executive Director Evelyn Wilson, the grant will be used to provide an after-school program with mentoring and academic support for late elementary and middle school students of the Coverdale Crossroads community. In partnership with the Woodbridge School District and First State Community Action agency to accomplish this goal, this character-building program addresses positive youthful decision making, focusing on the prevention and awareness of teen pregnancies, substance abuse, civic involvement, and conflict resolution and life choices, such as parenthood and career choices.
• Southern Delaware Therapeutic & Recreational Horseback Riding, $2,000. Presented to Executive Director Georgia Truitt, the grant will be used to provide three disabled children from Sussex County, who are in grades 3 through 8, equine-assisted therapy for a one-year period. The positive effects of equine-assisted therapy are very tangible and usually immediate and include improved self-esteem and confidence, improved ability to problem solve and development of impulse control, increased muscle tone, and better communication skills. These benefits carry over into the children’s interaction with family members, peers, teachers and counselors.
• Sussex Community Crisis Housing Services, $1,000. Presented to Marle DiBattista, the grant awarded to Sussex Community Crisis Housing Services will be used to conduct seminars to teach children how role models available in their everyday communities can enhance their lives. Socialization and communication activities including art therapies, nutritional and parenting activities with foster grandparents will be funded.
• New Hope Recreation & Development Center, $4,000. Presented to Pauline Emory, the New Hope grant will be used to fund the after school summer program titled “Preparing Youth For the Future.”
Designed to prepare students to be responsible, achievement-oriented individuals with positive self image and sound organizational skills, work ethics and study habits; participants will learn to communicate effectively, think critically, and collaborate successfully with peers, parents and teachers.
The Youth Philanthropy Board (YPB) of the Delaware Community Foundation for Sussex County is composed of 13 students from public, independent and private high schools who live in Sussex County.
Since last September, YPB members have been studying youth issues in their neighborhoods and schools, learning about community service and grant making.
This year’s grants were made possible in part by the Janosik Family Charitable Foundation Fund at the Delaware Community Foundation established by Johnny and Mary Louise Janosik.
The Delaware Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that “connects people who care with causes that matter” by managing charitable funds and awarding grants to nonprofits to benefit Delawareans.
For information, call 302-571-8004 or 856-4393 or visit www.delcf.org.
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