United Way’s Strong Neighborhoods Council Awards Over $67,000 in Neighborhood Improvement Mini-Grants to the Community
Terre Haute, IN – The United Way of the Wabash Valley’s Strong Neighborhoods Council is awarding over $67,000 in funding for Neighborhood Improvement Project mini-grants across the community. This is the first community investment for the council whose goal is to create positive impact for struggling working families in the Wabash Valley by investing in programs and initiatives that provide our community with safe, vibrant and inclusive neighborhoods.
The Neighborhood Improvement Project mini-grant program focuses on projects that are intended to enhance the “look and feel” of a neighborhood by addressing public safety, beautification projects, blight elimination, and/or government-service improvements or a combination of any of these categories. The Council is awarding 15 projects across the Wabash Valley with awards ranging from $1,500 to $5,000. The projects address a variety of areas and needs including creating neighborhood gathering areas, addressing safety concerns, and creating neighborhood beautification. Award winners include:
– 12 Points Patio – Creation of an outdoor gathering place for the neighborhood
– 12 Points Revitalization – Support of organizations IHCDA revitalization campaign and improvements
– Catholic Charities of Terre Haute – New paint, artwork, landscaping, and seating at Ryves Youth Center/Etling Hall and leadership workshop series in the neighborhood
– City of Sullivan – Ring Video Doorbell program for residents’ safety and security
– Collet Park Neighborhood Association – Dog park development in Collet Park
– Davis Park PTO – Mural creation, landscaping improvements, and clean-up days
– Forest Park Brazil – Landscaping and updates to the fountain wall
– Grace Community Church – Beautification of outdoor area
– Hungarian Hall – Rehab of Hall structure
– Lincolnsire-Woodshire Homeowners Association – Revitalization of neighborhood park
– REEF (Recycling and Environmental Education Foundation) – Raised beds in Clinton Community Garden
– MACC (Mothering as a Career Club) – Revitalization of Dobbs StoryWalk
– ReThink, Inc. – Enhancement to community gardens including seating and QR codes
– Ryves Optimist Club – New outdoor lighting at Ryves Youth Center/Etling Hall
– Terre Haute Area Association of Realtors – Lost Creek neighborhood area beautification
Carey LaBella, co-chair of the United Way’s Strong Neighborhood Council stated that, “We were excited to see the amount and variety of projects that applied for this program. It gives us hope that many across the community want to invest in the place we call home. Our Council is giving that opportunity to these 15 projects, but we look forward to offering more ways for others to build a stronger community in the future.”
Richard Payonk, Executive Director of the United Way of the Wabash Valley explained, “This council is working to bring residents and organizations together to build thriving neighborhoods where residents feel safe and connected to one another. This is important in our effort to lift up struggling working families because if you aren’t safe and happy with where you live it can make life even more challenging. We are excited to see these projects come to life, and experience their impact for years to come.”
