Grants Archives - Barberton Community Foundation

Foundation announces 2021 first grant cycle awards

Foundation Board Meets, Announces Job Opening, First Cycle Grant Partners

Barberton Community Foundation’s Board of Directors met via Zoom on Thursday, March 18, to approve $87,200 in grants to eight area nonprofits, to share committee updates, and to discuss the job opening for a Director of Economic Development.

Josh Gordon was in good spirits as he hosted his first meeting as the Chair of the Board of Directors. He welcomed and thanked everyone for attending. “The Foundation has long-emphasized a strong focus on economic development, and we are thrilled to open the search for a talented professional on our team that will help attract successful businesses to relocate and grow in Barberton,” Gordon said. “In addition to a new staff role, I am very excited about our newest Board Members who bring experience in economic development, law, and education to our board. We have also more than doubled the size of our Friends of the Foundation program, enhancing the strength and capabilities of our committees. While we are all working well virtually, we are excited to meet in person to continue our work together.”

The newly posted job opening is for a Director of Economic Development. Applications will remain open through April 23, with the interview process commencing after. The job description is available on the Foundation’s website.

Dr. Suzanne Allen, Executive Director of Barberton Community Foundation, shared the reason for the new role. “This new position is part of the Foundation’s strategic focus. Working with the City and BCDC to build on the strengths that have served Barberton well, and helping us continue to serve the businesses and the residents of our city are key components of this new job.”

A New Grant Cycle

The board approved motions for the Foundation’s first grant cycle of 2021. The Grants Committee utilized a new granting format that focuses each cycle into specific categories. For this cycle, only grants focused on education, workforce, and economic development were considered.

The Barberton City School District received the largest grant this cycle, $39,700 for technology improvements including: 500 computer mice for kindergarten and first grade students at both elementary schools, eight mounted interactive boards for Barberton Preschool classrooms, and two interactive boards on movable carts at each elementary school.

Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority was awarded $18,000 toward the installation of WiFi in the Crimson Terrace and Van Buren Homes housing developments. A reliable WiFi connection at these locations will help students to access school work and seniors or individuals with disabilities to access telehealth sessions and the internet. The project is a collaboration between the City, Barberton City Schools, the Foundation, and AMHA.

The Foundation awarded the National Inventors Hall of Fame $7,500 to continue Barberton’s partnership with Camp Invention. Funding supports scholarships for elementary students who wish to attend. The camp focuses on a week of STEM activities and utilizes Barberton teachers in programming.

Tri-County Jobs for Ohio Graduates (JOG) was awarded $5,000 to support their programming in partnership with Barberton High School. Four JOG programs are currently provided at Barberton High School including Schools-to-Careers, YEAR-13, Out of School programming and Subsidized Employment for high school dropout prevention, recovery services and career pathway planning.

The Foundation granted $5,000 to Akron SCORE for their Barberton Community and Workforce Development program. Throughout the year, SCORE anticipates serving as many as 150 Barberton residents who are considering starting or expanding their businesses.

United Way of Summit and Medina Counties received $5,000 for their program called Financial Empowerment Services for Barberton Residents. The program provides no-cost financial coaching, tax preparation, and banking access. United Way has a financial coach dedicated to Barberton, spending one day a week at a local nonprofit to meet with clients.

Soap Box Derby (SBD) STEM Education program received $4,000 to continue their Mini SBD STEM program for all fourth graders at both elementary schools. The program involves 250 youth and builds STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) strengths, provides summer camp scholarships for five BCS students and supports materials for the Barberton High School Gravity Racing Challenge.

The Great Trail Council, Boy Scouts of America was awarded $3,000 to provide scouting scholarships for youth and adult troop leaders in Barberton. The Boy Scouts have seen a decrease in numbers due to COVID-19. Currently there are about 100 scouts in eight units in Barberton.

Tuscora Park Health & Wellness Foundation Announces Fourth Quarter Grants

TPHWF Announces Fourth Quarter Grant Recipients

Tuscora Park Health and Wellness Foundation is pleased to announce the fourth quarter grant awards of 2020. The Foundation granted a total of $42,406 to nine area nonprofits serving Barberton, southern Summit County and surrounding counties.

Magical Theatre Company was awarded $7,500 for their PBIS Video Project. This project builds on their long-standing collaborations with Akron Public Schools and Barberton City Schools to provide a series of videos for the elementary and middle schools’ Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program. The videos will focus on anti-bullying and the Three Rs (Respectful, Responsible, and Ready). Students will learn to appreciate differences in others, develop tolerance, improve conflict resolution, reduce disruptive and noncompliant behavior, insubordination and bullying among students.

Akron Canton Regional Foodbank was awarded $7,500 for their 2021 Barberton Direct Distribution Program. This is a long-standing program that supports the food insecurity programs at the Barberton Salvation Army, including the distribution of a high volume of fresh produce.

The Barberton Community Wellness Collaborative, through Red Oak Behavioral Health, was awarded $6,406. The Collaborative consists of seven community behavioral health agencies: AxessPointe Community Health Centers, CHC Addiction Services, Child Guidance and Family Solutions, Coleman Professional Services, Greenleaf Family Center, Limitless Ambition, and Barberton City Schools, along with the Parent Teacher Student Association. Their mission is to support PreK-12^th grade student success, strengthen resiliency and address the needs of the whole child, their families and school staff.

The CATCH (Coordinated Approach to Child Health) Program at Lake Anna YMCA received $5,000. CATCH provides latchkey afterschool programming to Barberton Schools. The program encourages overall health and wellness through physical activity and onsite food preparation demonstrations.

Family Promise of Summit County’s program called Family Wellness Initiative received $5,000. Family Promise works to help homeless families with children stay together while they achieve sustainable independence. Funds will be used to support case management, parent education, community resource referrals, and the purchase of oral care items, sanitizing agents, masks, hygiene products, toiletries, socks and underwear.

First Tee – Greater Akron was awarded $5,000 for their First Tee in Barberton 2021 program. First Tee is an educational, golf-based youth development program. It works with kids ages 4 to 18 with a focus on girls, minorities and urban, at-risk youth. With this grant First Tee will establish programs at Lake Anna YMCA and the Salvation Army in Barberton.

Services to Summit County Emancipated Youth in Foster Care, a program through Chair-ity, Inc., was awarded $3,000. This organization serves youth who age out of the foster care system at 18 and must begin independent living without the support system of parents, guardians, or relatives. Chair-ity, Inc. provides furniture and household goods.

The Foundation awarded Family & Community Services $2,000 to support their program called Meals and Supplements for Mobile Meals Recipients in Southern Summit County. This program provides meals to low-income and disabled individuals in southern Summit County.

The Foundation awarded $1,000 to support the Disaster Cycle program through the Greater Akron & Mahoning Valley Red Cross. This award provides support for disaster services, including financial assistance, food supplies, lodging, immediate mental health services and continued client management.

Tuscora Park Health & Wellness Foundation is a private and independent philanthropic organization and awards grants on a quarterly basis. For the next grant cycle, proposals are due January 15, 2021. The Foundation asks any grant applicant to first submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) before submitting their application. More information about the LOI process is available online at www.barbertoncf.org/grants. For those nonprofits interested in applying to Tuscora Park Health and Wellness Foundation, please download a grant application from www.barbertoncf.org/our-foundation/tuscora-park-health-wellness-foundation/ or contact Carrie Herman, Director of Community Impact for Barberton Community Foundation, at 330-745-5995 or email her at cherman@barbertoncf.org. Proposals must promote health and wellness opportunities to the residents of Summit and contiguous counties.

Barberton Community Foundation Announces Fourth Quarter Grants, New Board and Friends

Barberton Community Foundation’s Board of Directors met via Zoom on Thursday, November 19, to approve $89,224 in grants to 10 area nonprofits, to thank outgoing board members, to induct new board members, welcome the newest friends of the Foundation, and to approve the 2021 budget.

The City of Barberton was awarded $20,000 in matching funds for the Newton Park Improvement Project. Funding will be used to provide matching support for the Land and Water Conservation grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. The finished project will include significant improvements to Newton Park for storm water management, as well as a playground, soccer complex, walking trail, lighting, and parking.

The Foundation granted $15,000 to Red Oak Behavioral Health to support the Barberton Community Wellness Collaborative. This Collaborative consists of seven community behavioral health agencies which are working together to support student needs at Barberton Schools. The Collaborative’s goal is to treat the needs of the whole child (pre-K – 12^th grade students) and set them up for success.

Barberton Victim Advocacy Program received $15,000 to continue the services of a victim advocate at Barberton Municipal Court. The program is run by Victim Assistance Program, Inc. which provides support and safety to victims of crime, while informing them of their rights and guiding them through legal processes.

The Barberton Farmers’ Market Food Access Expansion program provided through Countryside received $9,500 in funding. The program provides tokens or vouchers to SNAP and WIC recipients which can be used to make purchases of fresh fruits and vegetables at Barberton Farmers’ Market.

The Foundation granted Child Guidance & Family Solutions $8,500 for their Toddlers & Preschoolers Succeeding (TAPS) Program. This program helps preschool teachers in childcare centers recognize and appropriately manage challenging child behaviors in the classroom, with the goal of reducing/eliminating expulsion from preschool.

Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank was awarded $7,500 for their 2021 Barberton Food Distribution efforts. Funding will support the direct distribution program of the Foodbank which is carried out by the Barberton Salvation Army, as well as a Foodbank food credit to Barberton Area Community Ministries (BACM).

The Foundation granted $7,500 to Magical Theatre Company for the Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports (PBIS) Video Project. This project builds on Magical’s partnership with Barberton City Schools by providing a series of videos for the elementary and middle schools, focusing on anti-bullying and the “three R’s” (respectful, responsible, and ready).

Girls on the Run Northeast Ohio received $2,500 to support their programming at Barberton Elementary West, Barberton Elementary East, and Barberton Middle School. GOTR has prepared programs for virtual participation that continue to promote their core mission of supporting healthy lifestyles in girls.

Barberton Girl Scouts, through Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio, was awarded $2,000. Funding will be used to assist families in Barberton who cannot afford the participation fee. There are 20 Girl Scout Troops in Barberton with 187 girls currently participating.

The American Red Cross of Greater Akron/Mahoning Valley received $1,724 for their Disaster Cycle Services. This program supports emergency disaster funding for families in Barberton.

The Foundation then approved the 2021 budget and concluded the meeting by inducting three new members to the Board of Directors.

The Foundation thanked Edna Boyle and Tina Linton for their service to the board. Edna has served on the Board of Directors since 2012 and Tina since 2013. Both have been instrumental on the Grants Committee and have provided valuable guidance over their terms.

The Foundation holds a 15-member board, with several members approved through Barberton City Council. With the transition of Michael Vinay away from the City, the Foundation approved Trevor Hunt to a board position with approval of City Council. The Foundation also welcomed Moriah Cheatham-Williams and Elizabeth Mayreis to three-year terms.

The Board approved Josh Gordon as Board Chair, Jason Slater as Vice Chair, Lynne Holcomb as Treasurer, and Jennifer Bidlingmyer as Secretary.

The Foundation would like to formally welcome the newest Friends of the Foundation: Joyce Coburn, Stuart Glauberman, Robert McDonald, Judge Todd McKenney, Denise Ratchford, Christopher Richardson, Bob Ryan, David Wynn, Susan Wynn, and Dustin Zuravel. They join current friends: Edna Boyle, Michael Chisnell, Mary Jo Goss, Tom Harnden, Paula Kallio, Kathy Maybin, and Melanie Vinay.

Barberton Community Foundation Announces Third Quarter Grant Partners

Barberton Community Foundation awarded $54,000 to five area nonprofits in the third grant quarter. Congratulations to our newest grant partners!

Barberton Parks and Recreation received $25,000 to support the continued work of the Parks Department. Funding will support programs and events such as the annual Mum Fest, Summer Concert Series, and Active Adult Center programing, as well as park maintenance and park improvements such as the addition of a pickle ball court and frisbee golf.

AxessPointe Community Health Centers, Inc. received $15,000 to support the expansion of their Food is Medicine Program to Barberton. AxessPointe is an integrated health hub helping underserved patients. The Food is Medicine program will address food insecurities and chronic health problems by providing healthy food, intervention, supplies, shopping tips and recipes for patients who are referred into the program.

The Foundation awarded OhioGuidestone $6,000 to distribute Telehealth Family Engagement Kits. These kits are used for in-home therapy for clients in Barberton. Providers are able to reference the kit’s materials during remote therapy, which has been shown to enable better engagement during sessions.

The Strong Start Program at Embrace Clinic & Care Center received $4,000 for program support. The Strong Start Program provides a mix of material support and a yearlong educational program for new families.

The Foundation granted Greenleaf Family Center $4,000 for their Adolescent Suicide Prevention Program (ASPP). The program focuses on mental health and wellness and suicide prevention for Barberton Middle School and Barberton High School students.

Barberton Community Foundation is changing to three grant cycles beginning in 2021. The deadlines are: February 1 for Education and Workforce & Economic Development; June 1 for Arts and Community; and October 1 for Health and Wellness. The Foundation asks any grant applicant to first submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) before submitting their application. More information about the LOI process is available online at www.barbertoncf.org/grants. If you are interested in applying for a grant from the Foundation, contact Carrie Herman, Director of Community Impact, at 330-745-5995 or email cherman@barbertoncf.org. Grant recipients must be nonprofit organizations and programs must benefit Barberton residents.

Tuscora Park Health & Wellness Foundation Announces Second Quarter Grant Partners

Tuscora Park Health and Wellness Foundation is pleased to announce the second quarter grant awards of 2020. The Foundation granted a total of $38,168 to five area nonprofit organizations serving Barberton and surrounding areas.

Embracing Futures, Inc. received $11,168 for their Orthodontic Care Program. This grant will fund the full cost of orthodontic care for two children. The program promises that children who complete treatment will receive straight and easy-to-care-for teeth, will have improved oral hygiene, and have increased confidence and self-esteem. Embracing Futures Inc. provides care for children with severe orthodontic problems who are growing up in economically disadvantaged families, and who have been turned down by Medicaid.

The Foundation awarded $10,000 to United Way of Summit County for their 2-1-1 Services for Barberton Residents program. 2-1-1 is a free, confidential, 24/7 information and referral helpline and website that helps residents find the health and social services they need. During 2019, 2-1-1 provided 3,863 referrals to Barberton residents including referrals for food, utility assistance, and housing.

Rape Crisis Center (RCC) was awarded $8,500 for their RCC Summit County Advocate program. Funding will support one full time advocate providing core services to survivors and co-survivors of sexual violence in Summit County. The RCC provides counseling, outreach, advocacy, education, and many other services to the community.

The Foundation awarded $5,000 to OPEN M for their Medical and Dental Clinic and Pharmacy. Funding will support the continued operations of this free clinic and pharmacy for uninsured, low income patients. Funding will also be used to purchase medical supplies, equipment, and medications needed to treat patients. OPEN M is located in Akron and is currently providing free telehealth visits.

Victory Gallop’s Rider Scholarships for Children with Special Needs program received $3,500. The program will support rider scholarships for children with special needs who are from economically challenged families. They will participate for 12 to 36 weeks and be in at least one horse show and be able to participate in a range of other activities offered by Victory Gallop, including indoor and outdoor riding, horse shows, barn days, fitness activities, an in-hospital equine visitation program, an Adopt-a-Horse program and other fun activities and parties for children and their families.

Tuscora Park Health & Wellness Foundation is a private and independent philanthropic organization and awards grants on a quarterly basis. For the next grant cycle, proposals are due July 15, 2020. The Foundation asks any grant applicant to first submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) before submitting their application. More information about the LOI process is available online at www.barbertoncf.org/grants. For those nonprofits interested in applying to Tuscora Park Health and Wellness Foundation, please download a grant application from www.barbertoncf.org/our-foundation/tuscora-park-health-wellness-foundation/ or contact Carrie Herman, Director of Community Impact for Barberton Community Foundation, at 330-745-5995 or email her at cherman@barbertoncf.org. Proposals must promote health and wellness opportunities to the residents of Summit and contiguous counties.

Barberton Community Foundation Announces Second Quarter Grant Partners

Barberton Community Foundation is pleased to announce our second quarter grants of 2020 totaling $49,084 to five area nonprofits serving Barberton.

Coleman Professional Services received $20,000 for the Student Success Initiative which assists Barberton Middle and High School students who are struggling with excessive absenteeism or disruptive behavioral challenges at school. The program utilizes a three-prong approach. It recognizes that excessive absenteeism and disruptive school behavior are challenges that have unique origins for every student and that interventions are only effective if they are individualized and catered to the holistic needs of each student. This initiative expands on a successful Truancy Mediation program conducted at the middle school from September 2019 through February 2020.

Boys and Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio received $10,000 for a pilot program at Barberton Elementary West. The program provides after-school enrichment for students by focusing on three key outcome areas: academic success, character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. This program has been offered at the clubs in Akron with notable results including improvements to math and reading levels, attitudes toward school and higher education, likelihood of volunteering, willingness of students to stand up for what they think is right, attitudes toward alcohol and tobacco use, improved eating habits, and physical activity.

The Foundation granted $5,000 to Stewart’s Caring Place: Cancer Wellness Center for their Services for Barberton Residents project. Stewart’s Caring Place provides comfort, care, and support, and promotes wellness and healing to anyone impacted by cancer. In 2019, 48 Barberton residents participated 97 times in programs and services including wig fittings, beauty services, integrative care services, legal consultations and support groups.

The Orthodontic Care Program organized by Embracing Futures, Inc. received $5,584 which will fund the full costs of orthodontic care for one child. The program promises that children who complete treatment will receive straight and easy-to-care-for teeth. Embracing Futures Inc. provides care for children with severe orthodontic problems who are growing up in economically disadvantaged families, and who have been turned down by Medicaid.

The Foundation awarded two separate projects for United Way of Summit County. 2-1-1 Information & Referral for Barberton Residents received $3,500. Funding will be used to support operating the 2-1-1 service, responding to at least 3,000 requests, and to secure at least 500 appointments for Barberton residents who are seeking emergency food. The Foundation also awarded $5,000 to Financial Empowerment Services for Barberton Residents. The program will support meaningful client progress in four areas: banking, credit establishment and management, increased savings and debt reduction. It will also give Barberton residents greater access to financial empowerment education and services. Due to COVID-19, anyone requiring services can visit https://www.uwsummit.org/FEC to schedule a phone call or virtual financial coaching.

Barberton Community Foundation awards grants on a quarterly basis. Proposals are due July 1, 2020 for the next grant cycle. The Foundation asks any grant applicant to first submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) before submitting their application. More information about the LOI process is available online at www.barbertoncf.org/grants. If you are interested in applying for a grant from the Foundation, contact Carrie Herman, Director of Community Impact, at 330-745-5995. Grant recipients must be a nonprofit and programs must benefit Barberton residents.

Youth Philanthropy Announces Grants

Youth Philanthropy is a Barberton High School student committee organized in partnership with Barberton Community Foundation. Every year, participating students award grants to nonprofits benefiting Barberton. Students work together as a grants committee, review grant proposals, develop questions for and interview grant applicants, then make grant award decisions. Youth Philanthropy receives $5,000 from Barberton Community Foundation each year for grant making. Students selected six nonprofit organizations to receive funding.

Barberton Area Community Ministries (BACM) received $1,470 for their program called Operation Reducing Senior Food Insecurities, which provides home delivered meals to seniors living in 44203 zip code.

Engineering the Future, a program at Barberton Elementary East, received $939.08 to purchase STEM enrichment carts for classroom use.

Soap Box Derby Club at Barberton High School received $938.33 to support food and transportation costs, and award plaques for students attending the Soap Box Derby Championship ceremony.

Students also funded Embrace Clinic & Care Center’s Safety First, Barberton Car Seats program for $705.06. This program provides convertible car seats to families in need.

Barberton Public Library received $539.98 for their program called VR for All @ Barberton Public Library. This grant funds the purchase of one virtual reality headset and case to be use by library patrons.

Students granted $407.55 to Ski Club at Barberton City Schools for transportation costs.

For their final meeting, students met on March 11 for a service day at BACM to pack 160 bags full of nonperishable food items for Operation Reducing Senior Food Insecurities.

Students pack bags of food for distribution at BACM

Barberton Community Foundation Announces 2020 First Quarter Grants

Barberton Community Foundation is pleased to announce our first quarter grants of 2020 totaling $27,192 to five area nonprofits serving Barberton.

Battered Women’s Shelter received $8,192 to fund the Barberton Domestic Violence Support Groups. The Battered Women’s Shelter leads the area in the prevention of domestic abuse by providing emergency shelter, advocacy, and education in an effort to break the cycle of abuse and promote peace in every family. Foundation funding supports three Barberton support groups throughout the year.

Victim Assistance Program, Inc. received $6,000 for their Barberton Victim Advocacy Program. Funding allows for a dedicated victim advocate at the Barberton courthouse to serve victims of crime and trauma. In 2019, the program served 240 residents. Victim Assistance provides crisis intervention, accompanies victims to court, and assists in safety planning.

The Foundation granted $5,000 to the National Inventors Hall of Fame, Inc. for their Camp Invention STEM Based Enrichment for Underserved Barberton Youth program. Camp Invention is a summer enrichment program for children grades K-6. Funding allows 22 underserved children to attended the camp. Students learn creative problem-solving, work readiness skills, and team building.

The Summit Bike Share, organized by the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition, received $4,000 for the replacement, maintenance, storage, and equipment needs of the bicycles. Approximately 150 people used the bikes in Barberton last year.

The Foundation granted $4,000 to the International Soap Box Derby for their Soap Box Derby STEM Education Initiative. This grant will allow 350 Barberton students to participate in hands-on Soap Box Derby STEM activities.

Barberton Community Foundation awards grants on a quarterly basis. Proposals are due April 1, 2020 for the next grant cycle. If you are interested in applying for a grant from the Foundation, contact Carrie Herman, Director of Community Impact, at 330-745-5995. Grant recipients must be a nonprofit and programs must benefit Barberton residents.

New Emergency Response Fund

Barberton Community Foundation has established an Emergency Response Fund to provide financial assistance to nonprofits responding to the broader social impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) in our community.
After Governor Mike DeWine’s announcement yesterday that all schools will close for three weeks, our community is asking an important question: how do we feed our children?

Many organizations are working to answer that question, including Barberton City Schools, where 77% of students qualify for free and reduced lunch. Superintendent Jeff Ramnytz stated that the schools will be organizing food drops at bus stops for families, and other organizations and businesses in town are stepping up as well.

“Barberton is made of resilient people who take care of their neighbors,” said Denny Liddle, Barberton Community Foundation’s board chair. “I am so proud and relieved that our city has an organization like the foundation that can respond quickly to meet our community where they are.”

How can you help? Click here to donate now.

If you are a nonprofit organization working to provide emergency food to insecure families, working in community health, or you are providing additional services needed to alleviate hardships suffered by Barberton residents, please reach out to us. Call us at (330)745-5995 or visit us at 460 W. Paige Ave. Or email our executive director Dr. Suzanne Allen, at sallen@barbertoncf.org.

Tuscora Park Announces First Grants of 2020

Tuscora Park Health and Wellness Foundation is pleased to announce the first grant awards of 2020. The Foundation granted a total of $44,362 to 11 area nonprofit organizations serving Barberton.
Organizations include: The Ben Curtis Family Foundation, Lake Anna YMCA, Cuyahoga Valley Countryside Conservancy, Stewart’s Caring Place: Cancer Wellness Center, Broken Chains Jail & Prison Ministry, Battered Women’s Shelter, Barberton Middle School, Ohio Guidestone, Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition, Prevent Blindness (Northeast Ohio Chapter), and Embrace Clinic & Care Center.

Ben Curtis Family Foundation’s Birdie Bag program received a $10,000 grant to purchase food and to cover truck expenses. The Ben Curtis Family Foundation focuses on fighting food insecurity by providing children with food over long weekends. Birdie Bags consist of nine meals including snacks and toiletry items. The Barberton program currently provides 1,100 students with food each month.

Lake Anna YMCA received $5,000 for the continuation of their CATCH in Barberton Schools Latchkey Afterschool program. Proven to prevent childhood obesity, the Coordinated Approach to Child Heath (CATCH) is run at both elementary schools for kids in the afterschool latchkey program. The program includes an onsite food demonstration program. A copy of the recipe, produce used in the recipe, and healthy tips are sent home with each child.

Cuyahoga Valley Countryside Conservancy received $5,000 for their Farmers’ Market Food Access Expansion Project. This grant supports staffing at the Anna Dean Farmer’s Market to provide services, operate programs, and increase outreach for healthy food programs including SNAP and WIC. Barberton’s market was the highest performing for use of these healthy food programs.

The Cancer Health & Wellness Program at Stewart’s Caring Place: Cancer Wellness Center received $5,000 to support programming needs. Stewart’s provides cancer support services to ensure access to care for those on a cancer journey. SCP served 1,700 people in 2019, and expect increased participation this year.

Broken Chains Jail & Prison Ministry has a mission to engage with formerly incarcerated men and women and to aid in their successful transition to the community. The Broken Chains Ministry Workforce Development & Lydia’s Home Recovery Program received $5,000 to support the purchase of a new van for use by the Lydia’s Home Recovery Program. Lydia’s Home is a six-bed opiate residential recovery program for women. It provides broad-based, structured recovery with a holistic continuum of care, including aftercare following graduation from the program.

Battered Women’s Shelter received $3,600 for their Child Safety Restraint Program. The program purchases car seats for domestic violence victims who are residing at the Battered Women’s Shelter and who are in need of safety seats for their children.

The “Calm to Avoid the Storm” project from Barberton Middle School received a grant for $3,326.11 to outfit a sensory room with equipment for students with special needs. Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a condition in which a student is overwhelmed by daily activities. This project presents a solution by providing training for staff and creating a sensory room for students.

TPHWF granted Ohio Guidestone $3,000 to support their Summit County Barrier Busters Program. This program provides support for people in recovery with emergency financial needs. Ohio Guidestone is a behavioral health organization operating in 30+ Ohio counties. They provide substance abuse treatment and prevention, mental health interventions, child and family counseling, workforce development, and foster care.

TPHWF granted Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition $2,000 for the Summit Bike Share program. In 2019, a total of 450 people used the Summit Bike Share program, with nearly half of users in Barberton, Summit Lake, and Kenmore. Funding supports replacing bikes and bike maintenance at the sites. Bicycles are available from May 1 to November 15.

Prevent Blindness, Northeast Ohio Chapter received $1,200 for their Vision Care Outreach Program. Funding supports the staffing, education, training, supplies, and equipment to build and maintain a voluntary system of vision care. The program focuses on providing services to uninsured or medically disadvantaged children, adults and seniors.

TPHWF granted Embrace Clinic & Care Center $1,200 to purchase supplies for their Steadfast Fathers Educational Program. This program is a men’s group for local fathers and provides tools for creating good relationships with their children and others. The group meets weekly for six weeks, and teaches principles from the book Steadfast Fathers.

Tuscora Park Health & Wellness Foundation is a private and independent philanthropic organization and awards grants on a quarterly basis. For the next grant cycle, proposals are due April 15, 2020. For those nonprofits interested in applying to Tuscora Park Health and Wellness Foundation, please download a grant application from www.barbertoncf.org/our-foundation/tuscora-park-health-wellness-foundation/ or contact Carrie Herman, Director of Community Impact for Barberton Community Foundation, at 330-745-5995. Proposals must promote health and wellness opportunities to the residents of Summit and contiguous counties.

NEWS & PRESS