Lycoming County United Way Awards Venture Grants

As part of its role as a results-oriented, community problem-solver, Lycoming County United Way (LCUW) has announced the awarding of seven Venture Grants totaling $29,650. The Venture Grant Program provides time-limited grants for innovative services that meet priority and/or unique human service needs in Lycoming County. Funds for the awarded Venture Grants were made available through the organization’s annual campaign. The 2007 Venture Grant process was extremely competitive with 14 programs applying for $98,000 of funding.

“The Lycoming County United Way Community Building Committee was very impressed and excited about the 2007 Venture Grant applicants,” said Tim Mahoney, LCUW Board member and chair of the Community Building Committee. “This year’s recipients will provide creative programs for specific populations with a focus on achieving positive outcomes in the coming year.”

Programs to receive funding include:

Diakon Services – Girls on the Run Program

            An educational program that uses the power of running to help prepare girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living. This is an innovation prevention program for at-risk girls between the ages of 8-15 to eliminate high-risk behavior.

Advanced Care Planning of North Central PA

            A program to make facilitators available to promote advance care planning and give families the tools to make informed decisions about end-of-life care for their families and themselves.

The Learning Center – Health Literacy

            Program is designed to educate people with limited literacy levels on how to navigate the health care system, to be advocates for their own health, and promoters of the health for their families.

Children’s Development Center – Autism Program

            An intensive and comprehensive day care program for autistic children. This is an intensive therapeutic full-day program for children starting at age two. The program includes the child, family, teacher, therapist, and therapeutic support of those involved with the child.

West Branch Drug & Alcohol – Juvenile Treatment Court Program

            This program augments an existing program focusing on juveniles who have delinquency problems related to substance abuse. This portion of the program provides positive reinforcement and work with a mentor for successful completion of programmatic goals.

Lycoming-Clinton Head Start – Raising Great Kids

            This program is designed to increase parent involvement in their child’s education. It gives the parents the knowledge, skills, and confidence to increase their children’s literacy skills and overall school readiness.

CAPPA – Academic Enrichment Program

            Program is designed to work in partnership with Williamsport Area School District to become a part of the participant’s overall school experience – motivating each participant towards scholastic achievement, particularly in the areas of school attendance, reading, and mathematics.

Since its’ inception in 1990, more than $424,000 have been awarded through the Venture Grant program, benefiting more than 100 programs.