2013 GRANT RECIPIENTS

A total of $60,000 in grants were awarded by Operation Our Town during the 2013 grant cycle for the following proven prevention and treatment programs:

Altoona Area School District Foundation:  SOAR (Study, Overcome, Achieve, Reward)
Pilot project in its 5^th full year of operation, which identifies students who will receive financial assistance to pursue a post secondary education, given that they meet program guidelines and participate fully in the program.

Altoona Boxing Club:  Youth Boxing
Boxing club open to the public, for no charge, Monday through Thursday from 6:30-8:00pm to install discipline to both girls and boys, and to give the youth of Blair County a positive alternative to drugs and crime.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Blair County:  Youth Mentoring
Evidence-based one-to-one youth mentoring program offered to children of Blair County between the ages of 6 and 18, who are paired with a trained adult mentor to do a variety of activities, to confide in as a friend, and to serve as a role model.

Blair Co. Adult Parole & Probation Office:  Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Job Fair
Funding to help rehabilitate offenders by holding a job fair that would allow offenders an opportunity to be connected to many employers who are willing to hire them, which helps keep them from relapsing and allows them to become positive members of society.

Blair Co. Juvenile Probation:  Blair Co. Juvenile Drug Court
Evidence-based program, in which the Juvenile Drug Court Judge and a team comprised of representatives from treatment, juvenile justice, social services, schools, probation, counseling agencies, the prosecution, and the defense determine how best to address the substance abuse and related problems of the juvenile offender and his/her family.

Central Blair Recreation & Park Commission:  Summer Rocks Playground Program
An eight-week summer program for children ages 6-12 offered at Leopold Park, Valley View Park, and Evergreen Manors that provide various games and activities, arts and crafts, and field trips.

Garver Memorial YMCA:  After School Program
A nine-month program for children in kindergarten through age 13 that covers school homework help, physical and recreational activities, leadership skills, character development, and having fun through social play.

Gloria Gates Memorial Foundation:  After School Program
After-school and summer programs provided for children ages 5 through 12 in a daily structured setting held within the housing developments of Evergreen Manors, Fairview Hills, Logan Hills, and the 2^nd Avenue United Methodist Church.

Hollidaysburg Area YMCA:  Family Y-Nites
Offers their facilities to kids and their families on the first Saturday of each month of October through May and provides access to the swimming pool, gymnasium, crafts, games, and concessions.

Home Nursing Agency Community Services:  Nurse-Family Partnership
Evidence-based community health program that pairs vulnerable first-time mothers with a registered nurse home visitor to receive ongoing support and guidance throughout their pregnancy until the child reaches age two.

IDA Community Development Corporation:  Social & Supportive Services Office/Program
Funding to help connect Evergreen Manors residents with community resources and on-site programs, which will lead to self-sufficiency and empowerment with an anticipated outcome of an overall reduction in substance use and crime.

Joshua House:  Joshua House Programs
A faith-based nonprofit organization with a mission to build community in kids, teens, and young adults through athletics, education, and faith and provides after-school activities and mentoring opportunities for youth in Northern Blair County, specifically Tyrone.

Ski Gap Community Action Council:  Playground Project – Phase 1
Funding to be used towards Phase 1 of the Playground Project that will be constructed at the Ski Gap Community Center.

Stepping Stones for Life:  Equine Assisted Learning Life Skills Program for At-risk Youth
Provides a therapeutic farm environment where at-risk youth engage in life skills learning through adult/older youth mentors and horses and by participating in activities that provide them with order, purpose, and opportunity.

The ROCK:  After School Program
After-school program for children in Kindergarten through 12th grade held at the 2nd Avenue United Methodist Church, which includes a recreational period, classroom lesson time, creative development period, and a hot, nutritious home-cooked meal.