February 13, 2013

Saginaw Community Foundation grants more than $45,000 to community programs and projects

The Saginaw Community Foundation granted $45,609.80 last quarter to support 12 programs and projects in Saginaw County.

“It is our goal to improve the quality of life in Saginaw County,” said Reneé Johnston, president and CEO of the foundation. “Each year, we infuse thousands of dollars back into the community. The grants from the past quarter are just one example of how we’re taking action to improve Saginaw County.”

This quarter, the Saginaw Community Foundation granted funds to Hospital Hospitality House (McNally & Emerson), CAN Council of the Great Lakes Bay Region, Saginaw Valley State University, Covenant HealthCare Foundation, Delta College, Operation Reach, Department of Human Services, Power of Dad, Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra, Saginaw Choral Society, BWIA-Michigan, Inc. and FIRST of Great Lakes Bay Region – Saginaw High Robotics Program.

Giving a voice to children in the courtroom

The foundation granted $5,000 to the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program offered by CAN Council of the Great Lakes Bay Region.

“CASAs are specially trained volunteers who provide a powerful voice in the Saginaw County court system for children who have been removed from their home because of abuse or neglect,” said Suzanne Greenberg, president/CEO of the CAN Council.

A CASA volunteer can help provide consistent and thorough information about these children’s circumstances by researching the case, identifying problems, attending hearings and recommending actions in the best interest of the child.

“In 2011, there were 246 children in Saginaw County foster care due to abuse and neglect,” Greenberg said. “We were only able to help 178 of these children. We need to recruit and train more volunteers to meet the needs of Saginaw County.”

Keeping infants safe

The Safe Sleep Cribs Initiative, implemented through the Child Protection Community Partners prevention program, will provide cribs to babies in Saginaw County whose families cannot afford them. A crib, one sleep gown and safe sleep education also will be provided to qualifying families. The Saginaw Community Foundation granted $5,000 to the program

“This initiative was developed in order to decrease the number of sudden unexpected infant deaths in Saginaw County due to unsafe sleep,” said Janet St. Onge, CP/CP coordinator. “While other areas of the country have seen a decrease in unsafe sleep deaths, Saginaw County has seen a steady rise. This is predominately among lower income families who cannot afford a crib. This program can mean the difference between life and death for Saginaw’s children.”

Helping families going through medical treatment

Hospital Hospitality House of Saginaw received a $2,500 grant from the foundation for its Family Assistance Program. The program provides lodging and accommodations at no charge to families who demonstrate a financial need while going through medical treatment in Saginaw.

“We have served more than 70,000 families over the years,” said Samantha McKenzie, executive director of HHH of Saginaw. “However, 30 percent of those families have not been able to cover the minimal donation of $20 per night that is asked in exchange for lodging and support services. We accept everyone who comes through our doors, regardless of their ability to cover these costs.”

In the 2010-2011 fiscal year, more than $42,000 in guest lodging fees were waived.

Grant applications for next quarter due May 1

The Saginaw Community Foundation awards grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, local units of government and religious institutions. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, as well as individuals, community groups, neighborhoods, businesses and youth groups if SCF or another nonprofit is used as a fiscal agent. Grant application deadlines are Feb. 1, May 1, Aug. 1 and Nov. 1.