Spring 2008

$40,000 payable over three years to the Early Childhood Education Philanthropic Fund
These funds are earmarked for a significant effort to raise the quality of unlicensed registered ministries serving primarily African American children. Working with a national trainer as well as local consultants, caregivers will increase their knowledge and skills for nurturing young children. It is anticipated that the quality in registered ministries will begin to improve and that more caregivers from ministries will take advantage of other quality improvement opportunities through the Community Foundation’s larger early childhood initiative, Early Years Count.

$5,000.00 to Big Brothers/Big Sisters of St. Joseph County
Big Brother/Big Sisters will implement the L.E.A.D. program (Learning, Education, Advancement, and Direction) to address the acute problems faced by African American boys between the ages of 11-14. The goal is to foster a positive self-image among 15 youth and empower them as individuals and members of a community to proceed along paths to success. This initiative will recruit African American role models who will mentor the youth focusing on cultural and educational enrichment opportunities.

$2,250.00 to Boy Scouts of America LaSalle Council for Troop 419 of Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church
During 2008, Troup 419 is planning to offer scouts the opportunity to learn and explore nature, camping, fishing, hiking, survival skills, and wildlife education. Participating in these outdoor activities will begin to advance the boys through the ranks of the scouting program. Currently, Troop 419 is one of the only Boy Scout troops serving African American boys in the county. Between 15-20 boys in the troop have not had scout advancement opportunities offered due to limited outdoor actitives. It is expected that each boy will advance a minimum of one rank during the year by participating in planned activities and through following the scout advancement requirement criteria.