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News
Foundation
Awards $57,000 to Local Projects
Posted 30 June 2008
The Buchanan County Community Foundation awarded over $57,000 last
week, providing funding for 16 local community projects.
The organization annually receives a percentage of Iowa gaming revenues
because Buchanan County does not have any state gaming licenses.
A complete list of award recipients, amounts received and a brief
description of the planned projects follow below.
1.) Little Island Child Care Center: $5,000. The childcare center
located in Fairbank is in the process of making improvements to the
outdoor play area and equipment. The grant funds will help defray the
costs of removing woodchips, pouring concrete foundation, adhering
rubber tiles, a handicap accessible walkway, reseeding of grounds, and
addition of gate and play equipment. Currently 78 youth are enrolled
between the ages of one and 12.
2.) Buchanan County Conservation Board: $6,804.11. The conservation
board's mission is to increase quality of life through programs of
conservation, education, and public recreation. The project
construction includes a shower house building, dump station, updated
restroom facilities and storm shelters at Jakway Forest campground and
Richardson-Jakway historic site south of Aurora. Grant funds will be
used to purchase the poured concrete, building materials, and cover
other costs associated with the project. It is estimated that 8,000
adults/youth will visit the site the first year following the
construction completion.
3.) St. John Elementary School: $8,040. The grant funds will be used
for technology upgrade/multimedia and curriculum enhancement. The
project is to create a single computer lab through dual-platformed
machines and to use the new technologies to maximize their potential.
The outcome of the project will be the demonstration of better
understanding of the topics being taught. Current enrollment at the
school is 170 students, ages 3-14.
4.) Independence Community Schools (Tips and Tools for Parents):
$4,000. The program is designed to provide an engaging and
informational dialogue for parents interested in their children's
education. The grant funds will be used to hire professional
presenters, educational materials, and cover costs associated with the
program, which will be made available to the parents of 1,450 school
district students.
5.) Independence Community Schools (Partners in Education): $4,000. The
program is to encourage volunteerism and involvement in school
functions and activities from the community, parents, and alumni
support across the school district. The grant funds will be used for
the marketing aspect of the project. The program will reach unknown
number of parents, business leaders and owners within the community,
and all alumni students.
6.) Jesup Public Library (Putting Seniors First): $1,375
The library goals over the past year were to increase in-library visits
by 10% and to especially target senior citizens. The grant funds will
be used to remove old steps, pour a new concrete handicap ramp
entrance, and update the restroom facilities. The ramps will allow safe
and easy entrance to the community room for 1,000+ senior citizens and
more than 30,000 people who use the library each year.
7.) Independence Area Support Group: $1,900. The group serves the
foster and adoptive parents and children of Buchanan County and
surrounding areas. Grant funds will be used to purchase training,
resources and educational materials for foster and adoptive families.
The program provides support to 51-100 youth and 55-60 families at any
one time.
8.) Jesup Middle School (Literacy Team Classroom Libraries): $2,500.
The literacy team is committed to increasing students' reading
proficiency in the areas of comprehension, vocabulary, and fluency. The
middle school provides a class called Second Chance for Struggling
Readers grades 5-8. Grant funds will be used for purchase of classroom
library books and independent reading materials to motivate the
struggling readers.
9.) Independence Public Library Foundation: $4,295
As the largest library in Buchanan County, there is a great need for
the library to become a community center and gathering place. The grant
funds will be used to purchase a projecting system and audio
capabilities for speakers, movies, workshops, musicians, etc., to meet
the ever-increasing needs throughout the library rooms.
10.) Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Northeast Iowa: $1,740. The BBBS is a
successful mentoring agency for Buchanan County children who are at
risk of failing in school or engaging in otherwise harmful behavior.
The grant funds will be used to seed money for a part-time coordinator
and create/market a quarterly newsletter. Currently the agency mentors
45-55 youth between the ages of 6 and 13.
11.) Operation Threshold: $500. Operation Threshold provides resources
and support to low-income families in rural counties where there are
fewer resources, employment opportunities, and education and
family/personal enrichment activities. The program Share the Warmth
will use the grant funds to purchase winter coats. It is anticipated 90
coats will be needed this year.
12.) Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa: $3,652. The purpose of Junior
Achievement is to provide young people with practical economic
education programs and to prepare to become productive responsible
members of society. During the 2008-2009 school year, 110 Buchanan
County students in second, seventh and eighth grade will participate in
the program. Grant funds will be used to cover the cost associated with
education programs.
13.) Lamont Kids' Center, Inc.: $3,500. Lamont's Kids' Center is a
non-profit after school program in Lamont. In 2006 the project Lamont
Kids' Center Community Garden began to educate youth in sustainable
garden techniques and nutrition. Grant funds will be used to expand the
garden space and implement a part-time position of garden supervisor.
14.) Friends of the Independence Library: $1,735. The group's purpose
is to raise and manage funds for programming and materials for the
Independence Public Library. Grant funds will be used to purchase a
laptop computer and printer. In 2006-2007, the library provided service
to approximately 50,000 people. With the new public library 2008
construction completion, the equipment will be in greater demand.
15.) Jesup Elementary School: $4,000. The elementary school reading
program is to improve reading comprehension and vocabulary. Grant funds
will be used to purchase additional multiple copy leveled books for the
guided reading program. The majority of reading books/material
purchased will be for students in second though fourth grade.
16.) Independence Area Food Pantry: $4,000. The Independence Area Food
Pantry supplies an emergency five-day food supply to clients based on a
referral from on of the social service agencies in the county. The
pantry is the only food assistance program in Buchanan County and all
funding is for private donations. Over 30 percent of the school age
students in the county receive free or subsidized lunch from their
school. Grant funds will be used to provide summer kids meal kids for
approximately 1150 youth during the months of June, July, and August,
when school is not in session.
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