Smart choices distributes remainder of grant
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on October 24, 2010 1:50 AM
The second half of a $500,000 grant to benefit churches and community-based programs has been distributed by Smart Choices for Youth, Inc.
The Compassion Capital Fund, or CCF, grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
It was the first time in the 20-year history of Smart Choices that the agency was in a position to fund organizations serving communities in Wayne, Wilson, Sampson and Edgecombe counties.
Smart Choices managed the applications for the grants, which ranged from $5,000 to $15,000 each. The competitive process elicited a large response from the four counties, from churches and organizations addressing such issues as at-risk children, homelessness and the elderly.
In March, when grants were announced, 27 churches and organizations were chosen to receive the first round of $250,000 in funding, with the remaining $250,000 distributed in the fall.
Of that, nearly half went to 10 applicants in Wayne County.
Locally-funded organizations included Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church, Wayne Charitable Partnership, Inc., Philadelphia Community Church, Inc., BLINC Outreach, Ladies of Grace, Inc., Excel N Life, Inc., Academic Abundance, Inc. and Pediatric Play Therapy, LLC, Mental Health Association and The Legacy House.
"This grant is a great investment that will allow expansion of successful organizations," says Daryl Woodard, executive director. "These AFC funds are assisting organizations to deliver capacity-building services to faith-based and community organizations through the provision of training and technical assistance."
Smart Choices has provided monthly training and notifications to the 27 agencies chosen for the awards. Trainings will continue until March 2011.