With funds generated by last year’s Chili Cook-off, grants were awarded to nine non-profits by the Community Philanthropic Committee (CPC) on behalf of our Rotary club.Grant recipients included (front row, from left) Glenda Brion, Community Warehouse Project, Heather Robino, Parish Hall Kitchen, Jacquie Finnan-Hemmer, A Child’s Light, Kara Todd, Believe and Achieve Foundation, Kathleen Sanger, Home of the Sparrow, and (standing from left) Christine Scott, CPC Co-coordinator, Kenneth Winston, Charles A. Melton Arts and Education Center, Ken Hutton, Housing Partnership of Chester County, Don Neimetz, North Star of Chester County, Catherine Friedman, Rotary Club President, Courtney Zimmerman, Bournelyf Special Camp, and Rob Malone, CPC Co-coordinator.
These nonprofits have made significant strides in supporting vulnerable families, providing essential services, fostering community development, and expanding their outreach and positive impact on the lives of families and children.
Over the past 12 months, the Community Warehouse Project of Chester County has distributed household supplies to more than 540 households. This assistance helped families maintain stability and meet their basic needs. At the Charles A. Melton Arts and Education Center hundreds of families benefit from childcare, after-school care, and assistive services designed to keep children in school and families housed. As part of its commitment, the Melton Center will return to its original name, the West Chester Community Center, reflecting its historical roots.
North Star of Chester County focuses on improving financial literacy and supporting families in securing housing. Families can achieve long-term stability and success through financial education and access to essential housing services. Empowerment through housing and financial support is a goal at Home of the Sparrow. Our club fills a vital funding gap for HOS in directly impacting single women, many of whom are mothers, providing pathways to safe, affordable housing and essential life skills.
The Housing Partnership of Chester County provides diverse programs that assist families with first-time home ownership, home maintenance, and credit counseling. In addition, HPCC offers a fuel assistance program that helps families cope with rising utility costs.
The Believe and Achieve Foundation meets families’ needs, providing necessities and fostering growth and resilience. The foundation informs and inspires youth and their families, providing opportunities for development through training, outreach, and experiential learning. The grant will help with programs designed to build confidence and hope with families facing challenges.
Many thanks to Rita Brouwer-Ancher, reporting on how grant recipients innovative projects and tireless efforts inspire us, and to Suzette Webb who has put faces to many of these organizations.