HOLLAND — The latest round of grants from the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area will help address a range of issues in the community.
Seven grants totaling more than $200,000 were announced Tuesday, Nov. 28. Grants will fund projects that support former foster youth, community development, accessibility and more.
“Our responsive grants support our vision of a thriving community for all who live and work in the Holland/Zeeland area,” said Yadah Ramirez, CFHZ director of community impact.
Grant Me Hope received $40,000 to support its efforts in transitioning the former Rock Island Restaurant into a dormitory style home called The Rock. It will provide “safe and supportive transitional housing” for male former foster youth.
The Rock will also provide programs to help residents learn skills and save money to transition into independent living.
More:Fundraising underway to build home for aged-out foster youth
Latin Americans United for Progress also received $40,000 to develop the LAUP Community Center. The organization is developing an empty warehouse connected to its office into a center for community events and increased program offerings.
The space will provide “a safe, trusted gathering place to give current and future generations of the Hispanic/Latino community opportunities to socialize, learn, and access resources and opportunities to thrive,” according to a press release.
A two-year, $35,000 grant to 3Sixty will support the launch of a leadership program in Holland’s Eastcore neighborhood. It will aim to equip residents with processes and tools to make sustainable change for themselves and their community.
“We believe our Eastcore neighborhood is full of assets just waiting to be leveraged for its flourishing,” Jake Norris, executive director of 3Sixty, said. “In supporting 3Sixty’s Place-Based Leadership Program, the Community Foundation of Holland/Zeeland is investing in the residents living here, and helping them shape the future of this neighborhood, together.”
Empowering Youth Global Connection will use a two-year, $32,900 grant to expand its cultural programming. Capacity for cultural appreciation classes will be expanded and EYGC will add a new life skills class for teens coming from immigrant or adoptive families.
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Accessibility at the Holland Museum will be addressed with a $23,733 grant. Funds will be used to install a hearing loop system, provide headsets for guided tours, update wayfinding signage and install ADA power door operators.
“Through this grant, we will be able to ensure that many more guests can enter our spaces with dignity, navigate them with clarity, and fully participate in the many educational opportunities that we offer,” said Joseph McCluskey, development and communications associate director at Holland Museum.
The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Holland will use a $20,000 grant to make entrance and safety improvements at its southside club. The project will give members and families a “safer and more dignified arrival and departure experience,” a press release said.
A grant of $9,800 to Hand2Hand will support a nutrition pack and backpack program. The organization will supply 1,857 students, ages 3-18, in the Holland and Zeeland area with a backpack and nutrition pack with nutrition information, a water bottle and healthy snacks.
— Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at [email protected].
