2018 Grant Recipients

2018 Grant Recipients


A total of over $53,000 in grants were awarded by Operation Our Town for the 2018 grant cycle to the following prevention programs:

Altoona Area Public Library:  De-tangle with Zentangle
Funding awarded will be used to purchase art kits for sessions held at the Altoona Area Public Library, Family Services’ Teen Center, and Barnes & Noble to serve students after school.

Altoona Area School District:  A.A.S.D. C.H.O.I.C.E.S. (Choosing Healthy Options In Character, Education, and Sports)
Funding awarded will be used for supplies, snacks, and incentives for this new after school program for students in grades 6-9, encouraging students to make better, healthier choices.

Altoona Area School District ELECT Program:  ELECT Program Workshops & Groups
Funding awarded will be used for nutritious meals and snacks for pregnant and parenting teens and their children at programming events and out of school visits.

Altoona Area School District Foundation:  Project SOAR (Study, Overcome, Achieve, Reward)
Funding awarded will be used for supplies and program materials for students that have been identified to receive financial assistance to pursue a post-secondary education, given that they meet program guidelines and participate fully in the program.

Blair Regional YMCA:  Family Y-Nites
Funding awarded will be used to help low-income families attend. The five themed events will serve kids and their families from October through June and provide swimming, arts and crafts, games, music, food, and local entertainment.

Booker T. Washington Revitalization Corporation:  Iuzzolino Park Revitalization
Funding awarded will be used toward materials for the revitalization of the park, ultimately aiming to result in more active use of the park by the community.

Central Blair Recreation & Park Commission:  Youth Sports Program Supplies & Equipment
Funding awarded will be used for new program supplies and equipment for their youth sports programs, including soccer, flag football, volleyball, t-ball, and basketball, which serve over 1,000 students each year.

Child Advocates of Blair County:  CHOICES Summer Program
Funding awarded will be used to purchase supplies and incentives for their summer program, which serves teen girls at Evergreen Manors and promotes healthy decisions.

Gloria Gates Memorial Foundation:  After School & Summer Program
Funding awarded will be used for supplies and incentives. This program serves children ages 5 through 12 in a daily structured setting held within the low-income housing developments of Evergreen Manors, Fairview Hills, and Logan Hills.

Hollidaysburg Area School District:  Safe Schools Hotline
Funding awarded will be used to offset startup costs associated with launching this new hotline, which aims to expand and offer the service to a broad number of students to report issues anonymously.

Joshua House:  Cross-Town Basketball
Funding awarded will be used for shirts, awards, snacks, and a pizza party. The program serves youth in 7th-12th grade and focuses on developing mentoring relationships with the players.

Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church:  Taking Control
Funding awarded will be used toward program supplies, as well as small scholarships for students that complete the program and successfully learn to take control of their decisions.

N.E.W.S. Worthy Network:  FAITH Foundation Recovery House Work Services Program
Funding awarded will be used for startup equipment and supplies needed to successfully launch the Work Services Program for women participating in the recovery house program.

Refuge Youth Network:  Wild Ones (Outdoor Adventure Trips)
Funding awarded will be used for supplies, food, and trip expenses. This program has a strong community emphasis on mentorship and building meaningful and lasting relationships with students in 7th-12th grade.

The Door Student Services:  The Door Gamers & Programmers Club
Funding awarded will be used to purchase materials and provide kits for students to learn skills that are practical and valuable to the community. This initiative aims to inspire students to pursue meaningful career opportunities and shed a positive light on their potential.

The Nehemiah Project:  Hope Community Redevelopment & Renewal
Funding awarded will be used towards supplies and equipment, which will help to build a stronger relationship with the Lower Fairview community and foster sustainable growth going forward.

The ROCK:  Reaching Out to Community Kids
Funding awarded will be used for food, athletic equipment, and teaching resources. The program serves children in Pre-K through 12th grade and includes a home-cooked meal, gym/physical activity, arts & crafts, and small groups for kids to share and learn in.

United Way of Blair County’s Family Resource Center:  Parents as Teachers Program and Make Parenting a Pleasure Parenting Class
Funding awarded will be used for program supplies for Parents as Teachers educational family home visits and group events, and educational materials for the Make Parenting a Pleasure curriculum.

Get Involved

You can help take back our neighborhoods by volunteering or financially supporting the work of Operation Our Town.

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