Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Neighborhood Connections Grant Recipients, Fall 2010

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Neighborhood Connections Grant Recipients 
Round 16 - Fall 2010 
Listed below are grant recipients from our most recent funding cycle. Ninety-three groups and organizations were funded totaling $325,000.

Buckeye 
Arts of Peace received $5,000 to support their work with youth in the Buckeye community through their arts program. 

Delta Sigma Theta Inc. received $2,500 for their program, EMBODI, which was created to "uplift, embrace and challenge our young male youth through collaborative programming with experts in the community." 

East End Neighborhood House's program, Sistah's Helping Sistah's, was awarded $5,000 to establish Parent Training Workshops "to promote and support effective parent practices." Arts of Peace received $5,000 to support their work with youth in the Buckeye community through their arts program. 

Full Gospel Evangelistic Center received $2,500 to support their music instruction and performance program, "You Are Not Alone," for the benefit of children in the Buckeye neighborhood. 

Cedar Central 
The East 73rdStreet Block Club was awarded $5,000 to enhance the work they have already done with their Kaboom! Playground. Funds will be used for lighting, signage, maintenance, and to hire an instructor to work with youth on the street. 

JR Productions received $4,000 to introduce teens to media arts, including videography, video composition, video editing, and photo journalism. Partnering with Foluke Cultural Arts, the program is designed to provide hands on instruction for students. Working with students in Central. 

St. John AME received $5,000 to fund an after school tutoring programthat offers one on one assistance to students three days per week during the school year.

Clark Metro 
Saint Rocco School received $5000.00 for its Music Outreach to Seniors program. Students will work with a professional musician to develop performance skills and build self esteem, while participating in musical performances for Clark Metro area senior citizens. 

Cudell 
The Denison Avenue United Church of Christ received $5000 for the Denison Rising Hope Arts Program in the Cudell community. The funds will be used to purchase and install studio mirrors and buy tables and chairs to equip the multipurpose room for community activities, movement program and drumming classes. An inaugural event will be held to welcome the community into the new space.

MidEast Cudell Judo will receive $4065 to refurbish the dojo mat surfaces. The replacement mats will ensure the safety of participants and competitors during classes and tournaments. The club has existed for 32 years and is open to youth, seven years old to senior citizens. 

Wavenezia, Inc.of the Cudell neighborhood will again hold the Urban KutzHair and Health Fair. $2,500will be granted to support a health fair that includes free health screenings and consultations with health providers. Along with music, food and haircuts there will also be other community service providers to share their information. 

Detroit Shoreway 
"Building Good Self Esteem" will be held in Detroit Shoreway through A Touch of ClassYoung ladies ages 12 to 18 will participate in role playing, experiential learning, hands on activities and group discussions. They will address many issues including education, employment and self respect. A $2000 grant will be used to for guest presenters, field trips and supplies for projects. 

Detroit Shoreway's Bridge Brigadewas awarded $2000 for their community garden. The group intends to purchase gardening equipment and tools for gardeners to use, ensuring that all who are interested have the tools they need. Not only will the garden beautify a large swath of vacant land, it will provide healthy food and a place for neighbors to gather and socialize. 

Community Service Alliance(CSA) provides support and services to people moving out of homelessness. They will be reaching into the community to invite the neighborhood, area nonprofits and businesses in Detroit Shoreway to meet the residents. $5000 was granted to support a series of community meals to engage community stakeholders in relationship building with the CSA community members. 

The annual Community Holiday Party 2010will be held by the Gordon Square Residents Association. Over the last two years, attendance at this Detroit Shoreway event has increased. They expect the trend to continue due to economic challenges. A grant of $2000 was awarded to ensure that volunteers a able to give every young child who attends a gift bag. 

Inner City Youth Leadership Development is a project of Detroit Shoreway's Cub Scout Pack 109. Comprised of a diverse and low income group of boys (and parents) dedicated to helping boys become upstanding citizens and community leaders. A grant of $5000 will be used to ensure that every Scout is able to receive materials, awards earned and participate in all Scout activities. 

A diverse and creative group of concerned neighbors in the Detroit Shoreway area called Lots of Love will be implementing a pilot vacant lot beautification project. A rain garden will be installed, paths lain of reclaimed bricks and other materials from deconstructed properties and a chain link fence will receive some decorative elements to improve its appearance. The group received a grant of $3700 to begin this model project. 

The Renee Jones Empowerment Center is regularly staffed by volunteers who reach out to engage street workers to help them leave that lifestyle. $3700 was awarded to this Detroit Shoreway organization to continue to alleviate prostitutionand raise awareness on human trafficking in the Cleveland community.

Downtown 
The Downtown Farmers' Market at Public Square was funded $5,000 to start Cleveland Cooks, which will offer a series of free cooking classes to promote fresh, local food offerings hosted by "All-Star Chefs." 

Fish & Loaves received $2,390 to provide meals to the homeless in the downtown area of Cleveland. 

Fairfax 
Daughters of the Nile Drill Team located in the Fairfax area received $500 for the purchase of supplies for drill team competitions. The purpose of this program is to promote teamwork, confidence and leadership building skills for girls 9-18 years of age. 

Fairfax Inter-Organizational Network in the Fairfax neighborhood received a grant for $5000 to engage residents and organizations in a project aimed at addressing social inclusion. Residents and other community members will yield handmade “Fairfax Pride” quilts depicting a visual collage of the history and culture of the community. 

Muslim Womens Association was awarded $2529 to provide basic computer literacy classes for the Fairfax community. Instruction will be taught by members of the group with each member concentrating on a specific topic, for word, excel, power point and the internet. 

Glenville 
Ashbury Senior Computer Community Center received $5,000 to implement the Read to Succeed program that will help youth and their families (ages 9 through 13) to improve their reading comprehension while also building their leadership skills in the community. 

The Black Catholic Forum received $3,150 to host a Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebration on the grounds of St. Aloysius-St. Agatha Parish in Glenville. 

The Glenville Jazz Notes project will be implemented in the Glenville neighborhood. Formulated by Most Valuable Purpose (MVP), a professional jazz musician will work with youth and teach music lessons. $2000 was awarded to purchase instruments and after school snacks to youth in the program. 

The Glenville Summer Basketball League was awarded $5,000 to organize a basketball league for youth in the area. Over 200 youth participate in the program each summer. 

In the H.O.O.D. Foundation was awarded $4,000 to support their Each One, Teach One mentoring program. Funds from this grant will help fund field trips, food, leadership and team building workshops, and a youth summit at the end of the year. 

Keepers of the Culture and Northern Wind received $4,825 to host free self defense and health awareness classes for women and their children in the Glenville neighborhood. 

Hough 
Faith Community Supportive Services in the Hough was awarded $4000 for the “2nd Chance Youth Program.”  This educational program serves as an alternative to incarceration at the Juvenile Court Detention Center for at-risk youth. 

Neighborhood Solutions, Inc. in the Hough neighborhoodwas awarded $2175 to transform three vacant land banks into an urban vineyard.  Hands on training will be provided to individuals returning home from a period of incarceration thus providing work opportunities for the community. 

Nubian Link, Inc. in the Hough neighborhoodwas awarded $2840 for an Employment Educational Life Skills program designed to teach youth 12-15 years of age a sense of responsibility in doing constructive things outside of normal school hours.  The program will address self-esteem issues, enhancing social skills and developing a positive work ethic. Youth will develop work experiences within the community for which they will receive stipends. 

Ruth’s Journey Women Empowerment Movement in theHough neighborhoodwas awarded $1348 to provide a series of job fairs and job readiness workshops based in the community. The purpose of the workshops is to provide job skills to neighborhood residents while they fill potential job openings within the community. 

Ward 7 Safety Committee located in the Hough neighborhoodreceived $3761 for a Foot Patrol Neighborhood Paint project. The purpose of the program is to create awareness and reinforce safety within the neighborhood.  Vacant and boarded homes in the community have been hand selected for beautification.  Residents of all ages will have the opportunity to participate in painting the boards on vacant homes making them less susceptible to vandalism. 

Kamm’s Corners 
The Parent Teacher Council of the Riverside School in Kamm’s Corner received $2365.00 to help form the Riverside Kiwanis Builders Club Service Corp. Students in grades 6-8 will perform a variety of community service projects from yard maintenance to helping keep the neighborhood trash and litter free. This program will help build students’ character and develop leadership skills. 

The YMCA of Greater Cleveland –West Park/Fairview Branch received $3556.00 for use by its West Park Tsunamis Swim Team. The Tsunamis are a community swim team open to area youth ages 3-17. Funds will be used to purchase updated equipment that will enable youth to have a greater sense of pride in their swim facility. 

Lee Harvard 
The Lee-Harvard Merchant Association received $5,000 to build the organizational capacity of the association and ignite the efforts of their three workgroups. 

Lee-Seville-Miles Citizens Council was awarded $5,000 for their youth program, "See You at the Top!" The program will use the fundsto expose minority youth to sports such as down-hill skiing, rock-climbing, running and tennis.

Mt. Pleasant 
Coalition for a Better Life received $2,500 to put on a weekly Art 4 Peace after-school program for children of all ages and their parents.  Twice a week meetings will last throughout the school- year and include practice in drawing, painting, drama, craft-making, and a Rites of Passage class which will focus on cultural history, self-awareness, and the importance of family and community.  

The Melzer Avenue Street Club received $4,100 to provide a youth construction apprenticeship training in electrical work.  The program will focus on teaching job readiness, work ethic, small business development, and basic construction skills through on-the-job training with professionals and practice doing minor repair work in their neighborhood.  

Moonpuppy6Ink received $2,500 to purchase art supplies for the Tag-A-Long Arts & Crafts program.  The traveling art center will bring different generations together at the same table to create original crafts and works of art.  The process will build partnerships between youth and seniors and encourage positive and constructive ways to work with one another on projects people can be proud of.  

Real Action thru Civic Engagement received $2,720 for the Public Display of Art & Activism program.  This unique program will teach young people not only a variety of dance styles, but also how to use dance to release emotions, teach history, and promote healing in the community.  

Sanctuary Childcare and Enrichment Center received $1,200 to purchase equipment for their Playground for the People.  They will be transforming a vacant lot into a community park, providing a much needed safe recreation area for children and families in their Mt. Pleasant neighborhood. 

Thea Bowman Center received $4,500 for their after-school program Peace Through Action and Knowledge.  The program will combine directed physical activities, dance, yoga, and music with academic tutoring to offer a safe and engaging environment to young students.  Groups, led by both staff and trained youth assistants, will focus on enhancing physical and mental health, lowering stress levels, and improving academic achievement.  

Wake Up and Live Actors’ Studio received $3,000 to provide “A New You for a New Life” workshops that will address self-sufficiency and unemployment through creative entrepreneurship.  The program will engage young men and women in improving communication and interpersonal skills, adopting job-search and interview techniques, and 
promoting personal development through practice and training.  

North Collinwood 
Arts Collinwood received $5,000 for an Intergenerational/Mentoring Connections program as part of their Public Art Portfolio Project.  Funding will be used to bring a professional ceramic artist in for a four-week creative residency, where students will work cooperatively to design, produce, and install a public art project in a neighborhood park.  

Corsica Community Garden received $2,500 to expand their garden project to include more raised beds, shade trees for gathering areas, flowers, and new benches.  The expansion is part of an effort to strengthen a partnership with senior residents as Manor Care Nursing Home and encourage further neighborhood pride, participation, and cooperation.   

The Euclid Beach Adopt-A-Beach Team received $1,334 to purchase and install new trash and recycling bins as part of their clean-up and beautification efforts at Euclid Beach.  Volunteers will continue monthly-clean up efforts as the project seeks to promote valuing the community’s health and public spaces.    

New Life Gardeners received $5,000 to develop improvements on their public garden in the North Collinwood neighborhood.  Funds will be used to develop raised beds, create a resting and healing space for residents, install a wooden shed for shared equipment storage, and enhance overall beautification and use, critical in this blighted corner of the neighborhood.  

The North Collinwood Thundercats Youth Organization received $4,939 for the neighborhood’s All-Star Cheerleading Squad.  Funds will be used to purchase new uniforms and prepare the squad for community performances and competitions.  The on-going project will provide engaging activities for youth, promoting teamwork, collaboration, community involvement, and personal development. 

Ohio City 
Cleveland Artists Activo has been awarded $3600.00 to teach glass-blowing and life-skills to under-advantaged vocational high school students in the Ohio City neighborhood. 

Friends of GreenwoodPark received $1500.00 to assist with the planning of various community events to be held at Greenwood Park in Ohio City. The group will hold a series of family and youth centered activities including weekly ice cream socials during the summer and Halloween events. 

MetroHealth Friends of Mothers & Infants received $4870.00 for its stroller and portable crib program. The program will provide quality baby equipment to needy families of Ohio City.  

The Ohio City Merchants Association will receive $3,500.00 for a neighborhood beautification project. Funds will be used to purchase festive holiday decorations which will be displayed along the W. 25thStreet corridor. 

The Ohio City Newsletter Committee will receive $1650.00 to help increase the circulation of its Ohio City Newsletter. This free, resident published newsletter communicates vital information on community happenings and services. 

Support To At Risk Teens (START) was awarded $4940.00 to implement a youth leadership program. The program seeks to empower youth to create positive change in their communities. Teens will receive extensive training that will enable them to work with youth organizations throughout the city to improve the overall quality of programs aimed at Cleveland youth. 

Old Brooklyn –Brooklyn Centre 
The Brooklyn Centre Naturalists received $3,313 to design and plant a community garden in partnership with local community organization Art House.  The project will include an education program for 3rdgrade students about gardening and the local landscape, as well as an arts component led by project partner, Art House.  The year-round activities seek to forge partnerships in providing the community with opportunities for arts, education, family 
connection, and quality time through hands-on activities.  

The Old Brooklyn Bicycling Group received $4,025 to organize and host the Pedal for Prizes event in the Old Brooklyn neighborhood.  The event sends bicycle riders out with a map to collect raffle tickets from a variety of places that exemplify the neighborhood.  Prizes are awarded at the end of the day, but the real winners are the variety of bicyclers, merchants, civic groups, and families from all over Cleveland that get to learn about the area and enjoy what it offers.   

The Red Hat Rubies received $3,500 to enroll their participants in the local Senior Olympics. Funds will be used for transportation, t-shirts, transportation, and supplies for the older adults participating in the program. 

St. Clair Superior 
EMS Rams Youth Football was awarded $3,000 toward the cost of new uniforms and helmets.  

The Institute Life Everlasting received $2,500 to provide their Foods for Life Cooking classes in the St. Clair-Superior neighborhood.  Classes will encourage participants to take control of their health by demonstrating healthy cooking techniques, providing recipes, and exploring preventative health.  Beyond cooking, classes will help participants create better shopping habits and develop appropriate exercise routines.  

ICONS (Individuals Collectively Overcoming Negative Situations) received $2,500 for the "Transformation PLUS Intervention" program at East Technical High School during the 2010- 2011 school year. 

Lazarus Community Development Corporation was awarded $2,500 for their youth program, "Rise Conflict Resolution," in the St. Clair Superior neighborhood. 

St. Philip Neri's Senior Adult Program received $2,520 to support program activities for both senior citizens and the intergenerational Young Parent program. 

Shaker Square 
Forest City Church received $1,200 to purchase and install new trees as part of their landscaping and beautification project along South Moreland Boulevard in the Ludlow-Shaker Square neighborhood.  The community-building project brings together a diverse group of residents to celebrate and build upon community strengths.  
Visionary Development received $4,000 to create the Women of Vision Support and Self-Help Group.  The project will consist of weekly group sessions that promote a sense of self-worth and confidence in women who are in transitional living situations and those at risk of becoming homeless, incarcerated, abused, or excluded.  The project seeks to reunite families and empower the community through personal development, education, and support.  

Slavic Village 
Bring Back the 70s Block Club received $4,900 to create a pocket park on their street in the Aetna-Union neighborhood of Slavic Village. The park will include two stone seat walls, public art, plants, and trees. 

Broadway United Methodist Church in Slavic Village was awarded $4661 for a support activity program as an alternative to suspension.  The program will offer assistance to students ages 12-17 who need additional help with homework through the use of updated educational software.  Topics of discussion will include dealing with peer pressure, self-esteem, drug abuse and bullying.  

East 63rdStreet Block Club located in the Slavic Village area, received $2130 for a beautification project.  Plants will be purchased for the flower barrels at E. 63rd and Heisley as a friendly entrance into the neighborhood.  Supplies will be used for the clean up and luncheon provided for all volunteers.  The program is designed to encourage residents and businesses in the community to work together toward a common goal and instill a sense of civic pride. 

The Fullerton Avenue Block Club received $3,024 for their Building a Safe Community initiative.  The project’s goal is to strengthen neighborhood spirit and enhance policy-community partnerships.  The ongoing partnership will culminate in two community events, the Slavic Village Bike-a-Thon and a Night Out Against Crime.  

Jordan Community Resource Center located in Slavic Village, received $5000 to continue their “Woman 2 Woman Mentorship/Life Skills” programfor female past offenders.  Past offenders are matched with community volunteer mentors for assistance in family reunification, self-development, self-sufficiency, and relationship skills. 

Morgana Little League Baseball in the Slavic Village neighborhoodreceived a grant for $5000 to replace baseball equipment such as helmets, mitts and catcher’s equipment that is broken or in poor condition. The league provides months of positive summer activities for youth including self discipline, how to be a team player, good sportsmanship conduct and commitment. 

Slavic Village Skateboarding in the Slavic Village was awarded $4340 to implement and expand a skateboarding program to increase awareness and community leadership. The program encourages positive activity and provides an outlet to introduce the sport of skateboarding to the community in an open space.  Lessons are currently provided to 15 youth per week. 

The Union Community Garden received $4,900 to make improvements to their Slavic Village neighborhood’s Green Oasis in the City.  Funds will go towards building raised beds, installing park benches, creating walking paths, and expanding the garden’s overall capacity for production and as a community gathering place. The project promotes further involvement ofresidents of every age and ability and enhances the pride people have for their neighborhood.  

South Collinwood 
Children at Risk was awarded $5,000 to offer etiquette instruction to youth in the South Collinwood neighborhood. 

The Freedom Empowerment Program received $3,780 to host a “movie review” program that will build critical thinking skills in youth, improve communication skills, and build lasting relationships between youth and adults in the neighborhood. 

Care Assisted Living was awarded $3,707to support families and people with developmental disabilities. Funds will be used to hold support group conversations for families who care for individuals with developmental disabilities and provide workshops to promote and enhance the skill levels of people with disabilities. 

Stockyards 
The Produce Peddler received $4755.00 for its community health project. This innovative project will use an “ice cream” truck to deliver fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables to children in the Stockyards neighborhood. The project will also provide outreach to the community on nutrition, kid-friendly recipes, exercise, health screenings, community gardens and healthy living.  

The Village People Block Club was awarded $3985.00 to purchase snow removal equipment. Resident led safety patrols will keep sidewalks free of snow and help prevent slips and falls in this Stockyards neighborhood. 

Tremont 
The Mentor Castle Clark Block Club received $1237.00 to help improve the safety of their Tremont neighborhood. Funds will be used to purchase lighted door magnets which will help to visibly enhance the safety of the neighborhood. 

Union Miles 
Allen Chapel Missionary Baptist Church was awarded $5000 for an intergenerational literacy program in the Union Miles neighborhood.  Seventy-five children, grades K-12, will be tutored by seniors and parents in literacy, history, science, geography, and math. 

Garfield Memorial United Methodist Church received $4800 to expand their Union Miles Urban Reach tutoring and mentorship program.  The purpose of the program is to establish and strengthen relationships between students, parents and teachers.

K.N.O.W.L.E.D.G.E. Youth Organization located in the Union Miles area received$5000 to support the KNOWLEDGE Youth Core Team activities.  These youth leaders continue to connect with community leaders, educational institutions and the business community to create opportunities for civic involvement and activism. Participants will be active in the area’s 4-H Youth in Governance program, and the 9th Annual Community Awareness Connection Communities event. 

Nelson Avenue Street Club located in the Union Miles neighborhoodwas awarded $5000 to provide children with leadership workshops such as learning about social graces, networking and guest lecturers.  Children will also receive an opportunity to tour local landmarks such as the Cleveland Art Museum, Museum of Natural History and The Great Lakes Science Center.  Pens and notebooks will be provided for them to record their experiences and goals while enhancing their writing skills. 

Progress Street Club located in Union Mileswas awarded $1840 for a beautification project designed to strengthen the bond between residents and provide a new sense of neighborhood pride.  In May, 2011 American flags will line the East 116thStreet Corridor demonstrating patriotism while beautifying the community. 

Shaffer-Miles Community Garden in the Union Miles neighborhoodwas awarded $2800 for garden equipment. The equipment will enable the gardeners to become more self sufficient, increase food production and provide more donations to community residents, the Cleveland Food Bank and local pantries. 

University Circle 
East Cleveland Township Cemetery Foundation located in University Circle, received $3773 to install a gazebo that will include benches for visitors to sit and enjoy the park environment.  This project benefits the Little Italy neighborhood and all visitors to the cemetery. 

Mu Phi Epsilon was awarded $5000 toward a co-educational Dream, Believe, Achieve program committed to providing quality music and outreach to the University Circle community.  The purpose of the program is to promote leadership skills among high school students.  Participating students will be awarded small college scholarships based on their ability to combine personal skills and interests within the community. Emphasis will be placed on music and other expressive art forms. 

Westown 
The Halloran Park Summer Concert Club will be displaying banners along the streets of the Halloran Park in Westown. The banners will promote the annual concert series -days & times. They will receive $2000 to have the banners printed and installed for the2011 Summer Concert series. 

Active in the only public ice skating rink in Cleveland the Halloran Skating Club teaches residents of all ages to skate and sponsors an annual ice show. They have been grant $4500 to expand the skating program and provide speed skates to youth of the Westown neighborhood interested in trying the sport.

The Variety Village Block Club was awarded $1000 in support of their Solar Powered Motion Lights project. They will purchase and install solar powered lights to deter crime, boost a feeling of safety improving the quality of life in the Westown neighborhood. They hope that the will help to engage more residents to participate in the club and other neighborhood activities. 

Westown South Lorain Block club will receive a $2500 grant. Neighbors will come together to hold the Westown Winter Frolic event. Neighbors will come together to celebrate the holidays; make connections and share holiday gifts and fun. 

As a strategy to increase the visibility of businesses in Westown the West117th Street Merchants Association will be installing pole banners along W. 117th Street. Many of the merchants have been on the street for many years. $2000 was awarded to the Westown group to beautify the street and inform people traveling along the road about events and activities to promote the neighborhood and street.