CLINTON COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION AWARDS GRANTS

Non-profit organizations awarded more than $110,000 during first half of 2012

July 19, 2012 — The Clinton County Community Foundation has awarded more than $110,000 in competitive grants during the first half of 2012.

"The competitive grants process allows us to be responsive to the needs of our community," said John Shoup, chairman of the Clinton County Community Foundation Services Committee. "Through the foresight of our donors, we are able to work with local organizations to help support services and programs throughout the county. We thank our donors, organizations and volunteers for their commitment to the community."

The following agencies and programs were awarded grants:

$5,250 to Abilities Services will be used to purchase wheelchair accessible park tables with umbrellas and park benches. The benches and tables will be used in the Day Program by consumers in outdoor activities and programs. Outdoor activities will help build muscles, endurance and improve gross motor skills giving consumers the needed confidence to handle physical challenges.

$1,700 to the City of Frankfort supported the inaugural City of Frankfort-Clinton County Leadership Summit attended by county and city government officials, and school and community leaders to help develop effective communications among the entities.

$4,247 to Clinton Central School Corporation will be used to have artists in residence work with students in all grades on writing projects. Through 'Arts for Learning,' an Indiana affiliate of Young Audiences, a storyteller will work with sixth grade students and an author will work with tenth grade students to improve writing skills. The purpose of the project is to assist teachers with instructional strategies and best practices and to ensure students develop proficient communication skills.

$5,500 to the Clinton County Family YMCA will fund the installation of handicap accessible automatic doors at the main entrance of the YMCA.

$6,550 to the Clinton County Foundation for Youth - Camp Cullom will provide support to repair and refurbish the original Camp Lodge fireplace to be in compliance with safety code requirements.

$7,500 to the Clinton County Habitat for Humanity will be used to purchase construction tools, equipment and a trailer for use to help provide housing for low income citizens in Clinton County.

$1,250 to the Family Service Association of Howard County will provide support for the Healthy Families program in Clinton County. The program provides support and education to low income families with children under the age of three. Visits typically focus on child development activities, infant health and safety, discipline and parenting strategies. Funding will be used to purchase educational toys and books for Clinton County families who participate in the program

$7,000 to the Frankfort Community Public Library will be used to refurbish the Children's Room to create an interactive environment that promotes the pre-reading skills of talking, singing, reading, writing and playing. This area is designed to help students be more prepared when they enter school.

$10,000 to Frankfort Main Street will be used to purchase a sound system that can be utilized in the downtown and courthouse square areas.

$3,293 to the Humane Society of Clinton County will be used to install drainage tile and repair paving in the exercise yard.

$12,900 to the Learning Network of Clinton County will provide support to expand the free tutoring program and add transition to post-secondary services by working with the Clinton County College Success Coalition and Work One/Community Action Program. The expanded tutoring allows for more flexibility for youth and adults with scheduling conflicts.

$35,515 to the Paul Phillippe Resource Center will provide funding support to repair termite damage done to the building.

$14,000 to Wesley Manor will be used to assist low income seniors in the transition from a nursing facility or hospital to a safe and secure community. Funding will assist in covering the equipment needed for a centralized kitchen, refrigerators and microwaves for each apartment to qualified seniors who meet the nursing facility long-term level of care requirements.

The Clinton County Community Foundation is a not-for-profit charitable organization created in 1996. The mission of the Foundation is to improve the quality of life of the community through the accumulation and stewardship of enduring charitable gifts. For details about making a charitable gift or establishing a permanent endowment fund to benefit a charitable organization or interest in Clinton County, please contact the Community Foundation at (800) 964-0508 or visit the Web site at www.cfclinton.org.