As our community continues to face a tight economy and shrinking budgets, the Daily Record has established this feature that will each week chronicle the efforts of local nonprofit organizations. Bailey Publishing & Communications invites all members of the local non-profit community to submit
news, announcements, success
stories and any other information they believe would be of interest to our readers. Email to: [email protected].
We also encourage our readers to become more aware of the needs of these worthy organizations as they continue to provide valuable services with reduced resources.
Comcast grant for child
abuse prevention
The Monique Burr Foundation for Children Inc. has received a $10,000 grant from Comcast to fund “Speak Up Be Safe,” the foundation’s safety and child abuse prevention program taught in elementary schools in the Northeast Florida area and throughout Florida.
This is the second consecutive year that the organization has received the annually distributed grant, bringing Comcast’s total funding support to $30,000 to help prevent child abuse in Northeast Florida.
In 2010, the Monique Burr Foundation reached more than 19,000 children in Northeast Florida and the Tampa Bay area, addressing safety from all forms of child abuse, bullying and Internet dangers and providing tools for parents and school personnel.
The program is expanding state-wide as a collaborative effort with the Office of the Governor of the State of Florida, the State Department of Education, the State Department of Health, the Florida Department of Children and Families, Ounce of Prevention and other sponsors and partners.
“We are honored that Comcast has chosen our foundation to receive a grant for the second consecutive year,” said Lynn Layton, executive director for the Monique Burr Foundation for Children.
For more information about the Monique Burr Foundation, visit www.moniqueburrfoundation.org.
Information is also available on Facebook by searching for the Monique Burr Foundation for Children Inc. and on Twitter, @MBFjax.
March of Dimes grants available
The March of Dimes Florida Chapter is seeking applications for grants in Florida that will address unmet maternal and child health needs. The grants are one way the March of Dimes pursues its mission of preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.
“Our current grant priorities are to help women become as healthy as possible before making the decision to have a baby,” said Julie Samples, March of Dimes Florida Chapter Program Services Committee chairwoman.
“The key focus for the March of Dimes is improving the health and well-being of women both before and after they have a baby,” she said.
Information on the grant process, including the request for proposal and grant guidelines, can be found at www.marchofdimes.com/florida. The closing date for applications is Oct. 15 for a funding cycle that will begin in early 2012.
For additional questions
about the grant process, contact Lori Reeves at [email protected].
United Way sets new goal
United Way of Northeast Florida announced its 2011-12 Community Campaign giving goal of $25,529,574 – a more than $500,000 increase over last year.
Terry West, president and CEO of VyStar Credit Union, is the United Way 2011-12 campaign chairman.
“We have set some lofty goals this year and we need to start off strong and build on the momentum,” said West.
Virginia College at Jacksonville received the award for Highest Percent Increase with a 519-percent increase over last year. CSX received the award for Highest Dollar Increase with $127,222 new dollars added to the campaign. The Pacesetters were Hancock Bank; Virginia College of Jacksonville; the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta Jacksonville Branch; Reynolds, Smith & Hills; UWADA; NuStar Energy; Florida State College at Jacksonville; Vistakon; CSX; and VyStar Credit Union.
New Community Hospice
resale shop
Community Hospice of Northeast Florida is working on its newest upscale resale shop to serve and engage the residents of Clay County. Planned to open in November, the Community Hospice Thrift Shop will be at
680 Blanding Blvd. in Orange
Park.
“This prime location is just a few blocks north of our Community Hospice Administrative Office in Orange Park, in the heart of the area’s shopping corridor and a great place to shop, donate and volunteer. Get a bargain while spending for a good cause,” said Sherry Hogan, associate executive director for the Community Hospice Foundation, which is coordinating the operations.
All proceeds benefit Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, a nonprofit organization providing quality of life care for adults and children with advanced illness in the community since 1979.
Serving more than 1,200 patients each day in five counties, Community Hospice cares for more than 800 patients and their families each year in Clay County alone.
The 6,000-square-foot retail space will have departments for furniture and home décor, clothing and accessories for women, men and children, jewelry, artwork and collectibles, electronics and appliances, linens and housewares, books, holiday décor and patio and outdoor furnishings.
Individuals can help by donating gently used items today to help fill the new store with merchandise
for the grand opening and beyond. For large item pick-up, call 998-1718.
Community Hospice also is seeking volunteers from the area
to assist with store operations for
all shifts to cover expanded
store hours. Training is provided. Apply online at communityhospice.com/getinvolved/volunteer, or call 407-7064.