Following are the recipients of this year?s grants, with an explanation from each organization about its work and its intention for the money.
? Big Brothers Big Sisters of Marion County, $1,500. ?Bigs in Schools? is a one-on-one mentoring program that matches at-risk children with carefully screened, caring volunteers, many of whom are high school students. Mentors meet weekly with their child at school to eat lunch, do homework or just talk.
? Circles Marion County, $2,000. Circles is a handful of people seeking solutions to the problem of poverty. The population served are adults and families who are experiencing resource shortages, and if not rectified will result in long-term adverse effects for household members and the community as a whole.
? Families And Communi?ties Together (FACT), $2,000. The Hillsboro Area Family Financial Assistance Fund provides emergency financial assistance to families that reside in the USD 410 School District. ?Children and families function better in all areas of their lives if they have uninterrupted shelter with water and electricity, adequate nutrition, medical services and access to transportation.?
? Hillsboro Chess Guild, $500. The Chess Guild provides instruction, clinics and competition in the game of chess for about 30 students, grades kindergarten through 12. The grant will allow the guild to provide free lessons to students and opportunities to grow in skill, self-confidence, problem-solving skills and self-discipline.
? Hillsboro first-grade teachers, $2,000. The project will provide six iPads for first graders. The primary goal is to impact struggling learners by engaging them in the use of purposeful and intentional educational apps. These iPads will be shared by the three first-grade classrooms during core instruction, as well as during math and reading intervention times.
? Hillsboro Public Library, $1,750. The Kansas State Library has launched a new toddler/preschool program called ?6 x 6? whose main objective is to help parents/caregivers develop six pre-reading skills for their children before they reach 6 years of age and are ready for school. Our library sees preschool children who are not involved in any kind of reading program and we plan to give parents the opportunity to work on these skills with their children while in the library.
? Main Street Ministries, $1,000. Main Street Ministries? food bank serves those less fortunate in the community and surrounding area. Food is provided by donations and purchases from local grocery stores. An average of 75 to 125 families use the food bank each month, which equates to 205 to 470 individuals. Records are kept on the families who receive foods and recipients are allowed to receive food once every four weeks.
? Marion County Fair Association, $750. The goal is to bring nationally known gospel artists, Susie McEntire (and friends) to the area. Based on our county?s strong religious background, the MFCA board feels that her country gospel concert is an excellent fit. Funds will be used for lodging, meals, rent and advertising.
? Boy Scouts of America Troop 129, $1,300 (KHF Fund). The grant will provide 14 durable, all-season, two-man tents. Troop leaders hope to reinvigorate their camping and outdoor program and provide healthful activities for the troop. The troop serves all interested young men between the ages of 11 and 18 in the USD 410 area.
? Parkside Homes Inc., $2,500. Parkside Homes would like to help community members stay home longer after extended nursing facility stays. By checking on clients a week after they?ve gone home, we will help ensure their discharge plan is working effectively. Parkside will bring a prepared meal, a questionnaire and staff would help make contacts to get more assistance in place, if needed.
