$52,000 to LOGAN to expand its early intervention strategy, P.L.A.Y. (Play & Language for Autistic Youngsters) Project by adding an additional therapist. National statistics show that Autism Spectrum Disorders are now prevalent in 1 out of 150 children born today and increased inquiries at LOGAN's Regional Autism Center demonstrate the unmet need in our community.

$30,000 to The Public Education Foundation, Inc. to train additional teachers in the research supported LiPS and Wilson reading methods at Harrison, Madison and Wilson Primary Centers. All three of these schools are in need of additional intervention to avoid academic probation with regard to No Child Left Behind. These programs will target the grades K-4 and are designed for struggling readers and the at-risk students who fall into the lowest 30th percentile in reading and spelling. These programs will be modeled after the pilot at Hay Primary where adequate yearly progress gains have been documented.

$26,000 to Hope Rescue Mission for the Bridges out of Poverty Initiative. The funds will be used to present the "Getting Ahead in a Just Getting-By World" workshop for approximately 120 individuals living in generational poverty in St. Joseph County. Ten workshops will be held at various community locations in the next 18 months, providing people living in generational poverty with the knowledge and skills to help themselves build a financially secure future for themselves and their families. The workshops are an intense experience and commitment, challenging participants to investigate their own realities and create individualized action plans. The Bridges Out of Poverty Initiative is gaining momentum and is now a membership association of over 50 community organizations and individuals.