Recent Grants Awarded 2008 COMMUNITY GRANTS JUNE The American Red Cross recieved a grant of $14,694 for restoration of their Emergency Response Vehicle. Dick Walters, chair of the Foundation committee that oversees grant requests commented, "The Red Cross step-van provides an important and unduplicated service in our county. It provides first aid coverage to 20 community events, such as the Mehock Relays, the MS Walk, and the Minority Health Fair. It is also used to respond to disaster situations." "The van is our most user-friendly vehicle. In disaster situations the van provides supplies to emergency workers as well as individuals in need. During the Shelby flooding the van traveled to individual neighborhoods to offer cleaning and other supplies," said Cookie Roberts, Health & Safety Director at the American Red Cross. The grant was made from the Edna K. Rex Fund, an unrestricted fund established to support current and emerging needs in Richland County. APRIL Mansfield/Ontario/Richland Health Department received a grant for $10,266 for a Prostate Cancer Screening Event to provide testing for men age 19-65 that do not have insurance. Mansfield Memorial Homes for Homemaker Home Health Program received a grant for $15,000 to pay for home health services that include personal care and housekeeping needs to assist the elderly throughout the county. Mansfield Memorial Homes for Rotary Adult Daycare program received a $15,000 grant. The program provides daily activities for the elderly for families and/or caregivers that work or need to take care of personal business.  Planned Parenthood of North Central Ohio for Cancer Prevention Services received a $5,000 grant to assist with screening tests for low-income women and those underinsured or uninsured. Volunteer of America for Transitional Housing Program received a $9,825 grant. The structured program provides socialization and behavioral skills training, community service opportunities, and job training for homeless men so that they can learn to be self-sufficient.   FEBRUARY Third Street Family Health Services received a $30,595 grant for the Third Street Pedodontic Project. A pediatric dentist will train the clinic’s chief dental officer in techniques for specialized, complicated procedures to increase services for infants and young children of low-income families.  This dentist will in turn train the other dentists at the Clinic. This pedodontic placement is a result of a long-standing collaboration between Third Street Health Services and The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. Granted from the Marion B. Bowers Fund and the Mary Mead Sturges and Robert Sturges Memorial Fund. Ashland University received a $5,000 matching grant for the Richland County Teacher Academy. The grant assists in covering the cost of tuition for Richland County teachers attending training in the area of personal finance instruction. The course will provide written curriculum and activities to help teachers integrate financial literacy into the high school core curriculum.  Ohio Senate Bill #311 will require such implementation by the year 2010. Teachers will receive continuing education credits for the course and/or credit toward a master’s degree. Granted from the Verdabelle Plank Miller Fund. 2007 COMMUNITY GRANTS DECEMBER The City of Mansfield received a $47,000 grant to restore and relocate the historic Blockhouse in South Park. The blockhouse will be completely dismantled; damaged timber replaced, and moved 200 feet to a higher location in the park. The restoration is scheduled to be completed by June 11, 2008 in time for the 2008 Mansfield Bicentennial Celebration. Granted from the Marion Draffan Wisdom Fund Raemelton Therapeutic Equestrian Center received a $10,008 for the Children At-Risk Program CARE for severely overweight children. The program will teach children who are too heavy to ride a horse, how to drive a horse-drawn carriage. The children will be educated about nutrition and exercise for their horses and about their own health and fitness by a MedCentral nutritionist. Granted from the Verdabelle Plank Miller Fund Catholic Charities received a $9,000 grant for Adult Advocacy Services. Volunteer guardians help adults 55 and older (who have been deemed incompetent through the courts) to manage health, household, and financial needs. Granted from the F. Wayne and Isabel Bogan Young Fund OCTOBER Renaissance Performing Arts received a $250,000 grant for its capital campaign to renovate and expand the theatre, as part of a $3.89 million construction project. The building project will improve patron amenities including a larger lobby, new and expanded restrooms, a full service elevator, and a convenient area for tickets and concessions. Granted from unrestricted funds at the Foundation. Shelby Helpline Ministries received a grant of $25,000 for emergency assistance for flood victims in their community. The grant will allow the ministries to help purchase large items essential to helping families return to their homes. Granted from the Charles R. Underhill Fund. Richland County Board of Park Commissioners received a grant of $32,000 to purchase Hemlock Falls, a scenic area with biologic, geologic, and historic interest. Its purchase is a collaboration with North Central Ohio Land Conservancy. Granted from the Land Preservation Fund for Richland County. INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE Area Agency on Aging received $30,000 providing the local match for the HEMEN program (Helping Elderly Maintain Essential Needs). The HEMEN program provides essential needs that keep the elderly in their own homes. Granted from funds at the Foundation directed for individual assistance. Catholic Charities received $35,000 to assist individuals with emergency rent, utilities, or prescription drugs. Catholic Charities provides assistance to individuals, couples, and families not eligible for assistance from Richland County Jobs and Family Services. Catholic Charities services an average of 70 people a day experiencing difficulties from job loss, illness or other unexpected events. Granted from funds at the Foundation directed for individual assistance. AUGUST The Center for Individual and Family Services received a grant of $7,500 to continue the  Psychiatric Enhancement pilot program. The program provides oversight and training by The Center’s child psychiatrist in cooperation with area pediatricians to address the need for adequate and timely treatment of children with mental health issues. It will reduce the long waiting list for treatment at the Center.Culliver Reading Center received a grant of $15,000 to hire a certified teacher to start the school year as part of the Pyramids Before & After-school program.  Habitat for Humanity received a grant of $20,000.  Payment will be made over two years; $10,000 immediately for this year’s construction of House Build #41; an additional $10,000 for the next house in 2008. Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center received a grant of up to $8,000 to place UCAN counselors in area schools for the 2007-2008 school year. Counselors encourage high school students to consider post secondary school and assist them in locating scholarships and financial assistance. Renaissance Performing Arts received a $1,500 grant to address the need to provide individual cello instruction for students in both Youth Orchestra and Junior Strings programs. Renaissance Performing Arts (RPA) received a matching grant up to $5,000 for repairs for the Wurlitzer organ. In order to receive the full amount of the grant, RPA will need to raise an additional $10,000 from the community. Richland Academy of the Arts received a two-part grant for the building repair project. A $10,000 grant will be awarded immediately for window replacement and repairs. A matching grant of up to $15,000 was awarded for roof repairs. The organization is required to raise additional contributions for the project by January 30, 2008. JUNE Ashland Regional Ballet received a grant for $34,908 for stage sets for the annual Nutcracker Performance. This three-phase project includes an initial grant of $25,908 for completion of Phase I. In addition, $1 for $2 challenge grant up to $9,000 is available to help leverage the funds needed to complete the project. The annual performance is a collaborative effort of The Renaissance Theatre, the Mansfield Symphony and Ashland Regional Ballet. Granted from the Katharine C. Bristor Fund and the Charles R. Underhill Fund. The Center for Individual and Family Services received a grant of $5,773 to provide start-up dollars for supplies, equipment, and materials for classrooms dedicated to serving the needs of emotionally disturbed students.  Formerly located in the Raemelton Building, the program will now be housed in one of the Mansfield City Schools elementary buildings. Granted from the Pauline S. Treisch Fund. The Mansfield Area Y received a grant of $6,401 for the Bellville Childcare Center. The grant will provide start-up dollars for supplies and equipment for a new outreach childcare program to help fill the need for professional childcare services in the Clear Fork area. Granted from the Herbert S. Jones Fund. Mohican School in the Out-of-Doors received a grant of $5,755 for the printing of the curriculum guides/workbooks used for their school residence camp programs.  School students attending the Mohican School receive the curriculum guide prior to their visit to use for preparation, use them as workbooks during the time they are at the camp, and use afterward for follow-up exercises at their home school. Granted from the David N. & Miriam G. Feiser Memorial Fund. The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) received a grant of $5,890 for complimentary tickets for their clients to attend a special concert aimed at reducing the stigma of mental illness.  As part of the Mansfield Symphony’s classical series set for October 2007, this concert highlights the works of Robert Schumann and Hector Berlioz, both composers who suffered from mental illness. Granted from the Ralph C. Lutz Fund. APRIL City of Mansfield received a grant of $12,500 for the Chamber District Park, an $81,000 collaborative project bringing a new recreation area to the neighborhood close to the center of downtown and bounded by Fifth Street to the north, Bowman Street to the west, Third Street to the south and Mulberry Street to the east. Humane Society of Richland County received a $1 for $2 Challenge Grant up to $50,000 over the course of two years for the construction of a new building that will enable an expansion of services to the community. Mansfield Community Playhouse received a grant of $4,981 for the purchase and installation of the Masking Drapes as part of an overall campaign for replacement of both the 35 year-old Grand and Masking drapes. Ohio Genealogical Society of Richland County received a Challenge Grant, $1 for every $4 of new monies raised, up to $50,000 for the building of a new Library. The Ohio Genealogical Society is the largest Society in the United States with Richland County membership representing 600. Raemelton Therapeutic Equestrian Center received $25,000 for “ridership scholarships” for children with mental and physical disabilities. Richland County Children Services Auxiliary received a $5,800 grant for renovation expenses in establishing a new facility for the distribution of clothing to needy school-age children of Richland County. INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE  Hospice of North Central Ohio received a grant of $2,500 for financial assistance for Richland County residents dealing with the issues of cancer. Mansfield Memorial Homes received a grant for $15,000 to pay for home health services that include personal care and housekeeping needs to assist the elderly to remain in their own homes. Mansfield Memorial Homes received a $15,000 grant for services associated with the Rotary Adult DayCare Program that provides daily activities for the elderly as their families and/or caregivers work or take care of personal business. Planned Parenthood of North Central Ohio received a $10,000 grant coupled with a Challenge Grant up to $10,000,  $1 for every $1 raised from new funding sources, for cancer prevention and cancer screening services.   FEBRUARY The Visiting Nurses Association of Mid-Ohio received a grant of $20,000 to be part of a national model to measure the impact of telemonitoring on home health care. VNA Healthcare Partners of Ohio is leading this cutting edge study through a partnership with Honeywell (HOMMED) and Case Western Reserve University. The pilot program will involve 49 Ohio counties in rural and urban areas. The Richland County Foundation will join the partnership with VNA of Mid-Ohio, purchasing four of the required ten monitors needed for the study. The pilot program will place monitoring devises in the homes of critical care patients with a diagnosis of congestive heart failure. Results of the program are expected to 1) Help keep patients in their homes 2) Cut costs by reducing services needed by patients and 3) Provide early detection and intervention to prevent the need for urgent care. As the only state launching this pilot, Ohio is leading the way for establishing best practice guidelines, protocols, and furthering research-based programs. The long range, nationwide plan will be to make telemonitoring systems available for many chronic conditions, effectively changing the face of home health care.   2006 COMMUNITY GRANTS Richland County Transit (RCT) Extra, and Elderly and Disabled Fare Assistance programs, were suspended in November because of a funding shortfall from the Ohio Department of Transportation. The programs will be reinstated for the remainder of the year with a grant of $2,000 from the Richland County Foundation. It will pay for half of the estimated service cost. The RCT Extra program is available to people with limited budgets for transportation needs to and from work. The Elderly and Disabled Fare Assistance program helps pre-qualified residents with transportation to work or medical facilities. Both programs use a local taxi company to provide transportation during hours outside normal bus operation. Riders pay one-half of the fare. The Center for Individual and Family Services, received a grant for $2,000 for their Psychiatric Enhancement Project. Richland County has a shortage of child and adolescent psychiatrists. The Center’s waiting list of 80-100 patients means a wait of nearly 8 months for an appointment. This pilot project will provide oversight and training by The Center’s child psychiatrist to area pediatricians and other physicians. It will allow more children at all levels of need to be helped. Funding for the program is a collaboration with Richland County Mental Health and Recovery Services, the Richland County Foundation and The Center.   HIV Community Services (formerly AIDS Task Force), received a grant for $15,000 to provide local support to people living with HIV in Richland County. In addition, the program will be providing information to help in early diagnosis and prevention. Funding from the Richland County Foundation is part of a challenge grant provided by the Marion Community Foundation. Plymouth-Shiloh Athletic Boosters received $30,000 to install the in-floor heating system in the new athletic field house at the new Plymouth-Shiloh High School. The new field house will benefit middle and high school girls and boys, and include locker rooms, showers, a weight room, and a large multi-purpose area. The facility will consolidate all activities within the high school perimeter, making the need to travel unnecessary. Fund raising efforts for a new field house began in 2001. Since that time there has been a large community effort to raise the $200,000 needed to build the field house. Receiving this grant will allow Athletic Boosters to complete the heating system and pour the cement floor before winter. Shelby Senior Citizens Center Inc. received a grant for $50,000 for last dollars to complete construction of the new Senior Center. Total cost of the center is $600,000. Shelby senior citizens do not have a community center and have been very supportive of the project. It will be available for gatherings of all kinds for all ages. A joint effort of community members and senior citizens will make the building self-sustaining. Richland County Newhope Center – Adult Services received a two-year grant of $90,000. Richland County Foundation will be one of the partners in a collaboration designed to provide on-the job training and employment in non-traditional roles for individuals with disabilities. The program was fashioned after a successful working model at Cincinnati’s Children Hospital Medical Center. Newhope students and adults will have the opportunity to learn new skills and become self-sufficient. Other partners in this pilot are MedCentral Health System, Pioneer Career and Technology Center, The Ohio State University at Mansfield and North Central State College. Crestview Local Schools – Family Outreach Coordination received a three-year grant of $20,000. The four-year old program was designed to improve school performance of children of at-risk families by coordinating social service agencies, health services and educational support they need to become self-sufficient and successful. Crossroads Center for Change – Operation Up to Standard received a grant of $14,684. Crossroads provides a safe residence for individuals released from prison. Within a structured environment and specialized counseling they are prepared to function on their own and become self-sufficient. The program provides a much needed service, at a cost saving to the county. The Richand Couunty Foundation is providing emergency, capital improvements to maintain required state standards for operation. Mansfield Art Center – Preserve our Legacy received a grant of $20,000 to complete a $405,000 building renovation and repair project. The 34-year old building is one of the few remaining “Modern” era buildings designed by internationally recognized architect, Don Hisaka. The Mansfield landmark showcases art exhibits and provides educational and outreach programs. Mansfield City Schools – Survey of Attitudes and Opinions was granted up to $17,000 for a professional survey of registered voters in district. The Foundation is joining in this community effort to improve communication and guide future efforts for an operating levy. The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, received $25,000 from the Richland County Foundation to complete the project. Co-chairs Norbert and Barbara Peiker, Betty Harris, Dr. James Harris and other community leaders brought together a diverse group of local people to create the memorial in downtown Mansfield’s Central Park. They have received support from churches, labor unions, area businesses, industry, individuals, civic groups, the City of Mansfield, the Richland County Commissioners and school children. A marble memorial and bronze statue will be in a landscaped park area and will compliment the existing memorials. It is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2006. The Mansfield Playhouse was awarded $2,000 in assistance to complete fundraising efforts to purchase a portable, theatrical dimming package. It will be used in partnership with Malabar Farm to provide a Dinner Theatre experience. The show as been performed to near sell-out audiences and is written by a local author about the Farm and infamous Richland County characters. The mobile lighting package will also be used in other local performances and at the Second Stage at the Mansfield Playhouse. The Ohio State University Extension Service received $5,000 from the Richland County Foundation to develop a Horticultural Program for Habitat for Humanities. The pilot program was developed to provide basic education to new home owners on the maintenance of the outside of their homes. Most Habitat for Humanities homeowners are first time home owners and do not have experience in landscape upkeep. The program will teach the fundamentals of lawn care and landscaping, equipment and repair, and the value of maintaining curb appeal to their home. Ohio State University extension will provide future funding for the project. A contract with MANCI will provide plants and trees for the program. Braintree was awarded $8,500 to participate in the Northeast Ohio Fund for our Economic future. This provided partial funding to a $120,000 project by a Richland County coalition. Through this coalition, Richland County will receive crucial exposure needed to attract hi-tech businesses and provided opportunities to tap into existing regional funding. Membership will result in free exposure to both state-wide and nationwide opportunities. It also provides subsidized promotion and marketing of our area, with the ultimate end result being business development and jobs. First Lutheran Church Childcare in Shelby was awarded $3,373 for Equipment and Program Enhancements, including a new child-sized classroom sink, a window air conditioner, and gross motor activity equipment suggested by the state of Ohio review. ABC Childcare was established in the late 1990’s to help answer the Shelby area’s need for quality childcare, including infant care. It now provides daycare as well as a latch-key program, both which have waiting lists. The Richland County Children Services was awarded $125,000 for their new Child Advocacy Center (CAC) at Ballgreen Farm.  The CAC will house the multidisciplinary team of Children Services, MedCentral Health Systems, city and county law enforcement, and the prosecutor’s office to better serve the needs of abused children. The CAC is essential for accreditation by the National Children’s Alliance and funding opportunities.  The need was demonstrated by the rising numbers of children suffering abuse (both physical, up 24% and sexual, up 34%) in Richland County. Dayspring, the county residential facility, was awarded $43,000 for the Transitional Housing program by providing support to renovate and update a 1920’s structure on their premise. Area Agency on Aging was awarded $10,000 for the ”Richland County Medicare Rx Assistance Program” in order to help senior members of the community understand the government’s Elderly Prescription Drug Assistance Program and make appropriate decisions. Mansfield Memorial Homes was awarded $10,500 to pay part of the purchase cost for an additional van for their “Meals on Wheels” program in order to provide for an additional 50 clients who need the daily service. Kids Connection of Ohio, Inc. was awarded $9,000 for their component of the 21st Century After-School Program at Ocie Hill Neighborhood Center.  Kids Connection program works with children who are severely emotionally disabled, have been referred by the city schools, and may have a history with the Juvenile Court system.   The Rehabilitation Service of NCO received $2,800 for the “Replacing Stigma with Art” program at the Oasis Club, a client-run social gathering place for people with mental illnesses.