May 21, 2008 – Mobile, Alabama – The Community Foundation of South Alabama (CFSA) announced today grants totaling $197,000 to support human services, at-risk youth programs, education, disaster preparedness and long term recovery efforts. During this time of crisis, The Community Foundation underlines the importance of strengthening philanthropic support for nonprofit organizations that assist the most vulnerable in our society.
In the area of at-risk youth, grants totaling $50 thousand were awarded from the Community Endowment undesignated fund to organizations working to address the critical needs of our young people. The largest grant was awarded to Goodwill Easter Seals of the Gulf Coast to provide GED instruction and leadership training to high school drop-outs thereby increasing their chances of obtaining employment and career success. Other projects that received funding include a juvenile redirection program designed to give a second chance to first time youthful offenders; as well as programs that provide tutorial assistance, literacy instruction, cultural enrichment, character development and mentoring services.
In conjunction with The CFSA Community Economic Development initiative, more than $141 thousand was awarded from the Recovery Fund to agencies providing disaster preparedness training, long term recovery services and social services to individuals impacted by hurricanes in southern Mobile County. Approximately $37 thousand was awarded to the Bayou Clinic that provides health care services to impoverished residents. The health clinic has continued to provide medical care to area residents despite the damage incurred by hurricanes and fire. Additional projects that received funding include Individual Development Accounts for hurricane victims, disaster preparedness training, health literacy and a psychosocial program for children.
Through its grant making, The Community Foundation of South Alabama has helped to strengthen the economic, social and cultural resources of our area for more than 30 years. “No community is immune to the current economic environment. Our goal is to improve the lives of the most vulnerable citizens by increasing their opportunities to become self sufficient,” said Ronald B. Melton, Chairman of The Community Foundation of South Alabama.
At-Risk Youth Grant Awards
Boy Scouts of America Mobile Area Council, Learning for Life - $10,000
Boys & Girls Club of South Alabama - $3,000
Crittenton Teen Services - $3,000
Goodwill Easter Seals of the Gulf Coast - $16,000
Dearborn Street Community Center/YMCA - $10,000
Toulminville-Warren Street United Methodist Church Family Literacy Center - $8,000
Long Term Recovery Grant Awards
Bayou Clinic, Inc. - $37,436
Boat People SOS, Inc. - $9,833
Lighthouse Apostolic Holiness Church Academy - $16,000
Lutheran Family and Children's Services - $30,000
Tri-Coastal Community Outreach - $22,750
United Way of Central Alabama, Inc. - $25,000
Youth Grant Allocation Board, Youth Mentoring Initiative Grant Awards
Junior League of Mobile - $2,700
Young Leaders of America - $3,600
About The Community Foundation of South Alabama
The Community Foundation of South Alabama (CFSA) is a nonprofit foundation that plays a key role in meeting the needs of Southwest Alabama through leadership and grants. In 2008, more than $3 million was awarded by the CFSA to nonprofit organizations to support programs that make life better in our community. CFSA provides funding to nonprofit organizations in an eight county region including Baldwin, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia, Mobile, Monroe and Washington counties. The CFSA builds lasting endowments to ensure grants are available to support the community forever. For more information, visit www.communityendowment.com.
The Community Foundation of South Alabama
212 Saint Joseph Street
Mobile, AL 36602
www.communityendowment.com
Contact: Stephanie Ryan
Phone: 251-438-5591
Email: communication@communityendowment.com
