$12,055 Awarded to Local Nonprofit Organizations in 2012

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bucks County
The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bucks County is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring professionally supported, one-on-one mentoring relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. Each year, they host the community-based picnic for matched volunteers and children to spend time together, forge stronger bonds, and meet other matches. This year’s picnic will be “An International Experience – Countdown to the 2012 Olympics”.

Accepting the check is Ursula Raczak, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bucks County.
 

Child, Home & Community

Child, Home & Community sponsors early intervention programs designed specifically for teens facing unplanned pregnancy and parenting. The funds will purchase childbirth DVDs entitled, “Healthy Steps for Teen Parents” to supplement the educational activities for young parents provided by trained childbirth instructors during 12-week childbirth classes called “Focus on Motherhood”.

Accepting the check is Becky Van Dine.
 

Doylestown Business & Community Alliance

The Doylestown Business & Community Alliance is a volunteer organization that is committed to the beautification of Doylestown, promoting local businesses, increasing visitors, and maintaining the special ambiance of Doylestown. In 2003, four way-finding maps highlighting the Central Historic & Cultural District were installed. The grant will help fund the replacement of these outdated and worn out community guide maps.

Accepting the check is Linda Plank, board member of the Doylestown Business & Community Alliance.
 

Doylestown Historical Society

The mission of the Doylestown Historical Society is to commemorate and preserve the history of Doylestown. The funds will support the Barn Renovation Project, which will provide space to hold meetings, allow for a research and library area, and storage of archival materials.

Accepting the check is Stu Abramson, President of the Doylestown Historical Society.
 

NOVA – Network of Victim Assistance

NOVA, is the non-profit rape crisis and comprehensive crime victim services agency of Bucks County. NOVA’s mission is to support, counsel and empower victims of sexual assault and other serious crimes in Bucks County and work to prevent and eliminate violence in society through advocacy, training, and community education and prevention programs. The funds will help provide quality enrichment support and materials about child abuse and bullying to children, professionals, and parents in Bucks County.

Accepting the check is Mandy Mundy, Director of Education and Training at NOVA.
 

Philadelphia Junior ROTC

The Philadelphia School District Junior ROTC program serves approximately 2,200 cadets in 15 high schools. Their mission is to motivate young Americans to become better citizens. During the summer, cadets attend Junior Challenge Leadership Camp at Camp Odyssey in Boswell, PA to expose them to experiences that will help build character, self-discipline, courage, and selfless service.

Accepting the check is Keith Cianfrani, Lt. Colonial US Army (retired), Director of Army Instruction, Philadelphia Junior ROTC.
 

Bucks County 4-H, sponsored by Penn State Extension

Bucks County 4-H is a community of young people learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. 4-H enables youth to learn and practice life skills, complete community service, build self-confidence, and set and achieve goals. The grant will help fund the Teen Leadership Weekend Retreat which provides leadership education, self-confidence, and service learning workshops for fifty teens.

Accepting the check is Nancy Stephenson, Extension Educator, Buck County 4-H.
 

Potential Inc

Potential Inc. strives to assist individuals with autism reach their educational, social, and emotional potential. This program provides opportunities for our clients to develop social skills in small social groups, such as birthday parties, friends’ gatherings, sporting events, and concerts.

Accepting the check is Kristine Quinby, Executive Director, Potential Inc.
 

Robert James Leonard Foundation

The R. J. Leonard Foundation provides substantial fellowships for young adults in or aged out of foster care that are committed to continuing their education and finding a career to allow them to be self sufficient, productive and happy members of society.  The grant will help fund a 3-day intensive program that will focus on team building, leadership skills, health and wellness, current events, art, nature and the environment.

Accepting the check is Jo Leonard, Executive Director, the Robert J. Leonard Foundation.
 

Wrapping Presence of Doylestown

Wrapping Presence brings the holidays back into the lives of homebound long-term care residents so they can give with joy and dignity at holiday time. During the holiday season, volunteers set up shops, play vintage holiday music, pass out homemade cookies and help residents select gifts for their friends and family.

Accepting the check is Marne Kies Dietterich, founder, Wrapping Presence of Doylestown.