Community Grants Chair, Rotarian Brenda Snider started her presentation by introducing the members of the Committee -- Tracey Vandervoort, Harold Brennan, Cassandra Bonn, Judy McKnight, Shannon Neely and Jared Bellemare. The process is fairly straight forward. Organizations submit a grant application to the Rotary Club of Belleville, Community Grants Committee where it is reviewed and the Committee determines what is the greatest need in the community. While the process is not complicated, the results are rewarding. Over the last three years, $63,000 has been dispersed into the community as outlined below.
The Children's Safety Village provides students with a safety training program facilitated by the Belleville Police Service, Fire Prevention Office, Internet safety and St. John Ambulance as well as VIA rail train safety is offered. The funds provided by Rotary support the transportation of students to and from the Village from the school. The training is provided no charge. Three Oaks Stage Two housing received funding to purchase playground equipment and toys. To assist with rehabilitation of youth in conflict with the justice system, mentorship is provided through the PACT Program. Rotarian Chris Finkle and his work crew purchased a 3D printer and offset the costs of making face shields for front-line workers to support programs and agencies in the community during those tough COVID days.
A weekly program is provided by Abigails Learning Centre in partnership with Belleville Quinte West Community Health Centre to help educate parents on parenting and other life skills as well as mental health support. Training is also provided to pregnant or new mothers with child care offered while in class. Funding was provided to the Strive to Thrive Care packages provided by the Children's Foundation for their virtual mental health program. The Good Baby Box program is supported through Community Development Council Quinte and provides families access to formula and diapers at affordable costs.
Volunteer Information Quinte received funding to support the Community and Youth Program facilitator to provide presentations to Grade 10 students regarding volunteer opportunities, benefits and supports and career planning. This builds youth self esteem and self worth, builds future leaders and offers youth the opportunity to develop skills and to network with others. Popular Camp Molly assists with firefighting training for young females as an introduction to consider a career as a firefighter. Big Brothers/Sisters facilitates a school mentoring program for children where they receive one on one matches with a volunteer and meet on school property, spending time reading, playing games, sharing stories where there is opportunity for the students to build self-esteem, self-worth and healthy relationships.
We have heard (today also) about the Humane Society Rescue Readers program. Check out the other story on the Literacy Committee.
Hospice Quinte received funding to support the 2nd Annual Caregivers Expo, bringing together all service providers for an event where families can attend and learn about programs and services offered for their loved ones, providing support for the caregivers as well as individuals and family members. Music to our ears? The Quinte Symphony received funding to assist with the 2023 Spring Concert.
And there you have it, all the hard work of the Community Grants Committee.