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Early Childhood Resource Center receives $204,910 grant for SPARK program

Tags: Early Childhood Resource Center , Outreach
Early Childhood Resource Center receives $204,910 grant for SPARK program

As reported by Cleveland.com, the Early Childhood Resource Center has received a $204,910 grant for its Supporting Partnerships to Assure Ready Kids (SPARK) program from the GAR Foundation. The program aims to help boost kindergarten readiness and enhance literacy skills. The center is the region’s state-designated Child Care Resource & Referral agency and is GAR’s principal partner for offering Supporting Teachers & Ready Students, a four-year early childhood professional development program. The center is planning to open an additional office in Akron next month.

The Early Childhood Resource Center, which is a ministry of the Sisters of Charity Health System, promotes the healthy development of young children by strengthening families, improving the quality of early learning experiences, increasing school and community readiness, and informing public policy.

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GAR Foundation announces $1.6 million in grants for Akron-area nonprofit organizations

The GAR Foundation awarded $1.6 million in grants to Akron-area nonprofit organizations at its May grant distribution meeting.

Awards include grants for summer learning at the YMCA and Boys & Girls Clubs for Akron Public Schools’ students.

“We are pleased to announce this support and provide funding for our nonprofit community and innovative partnerships, like the summer partnership strategy between the YMCA, the Boys & Girls Clubs and Akron Public Schools,” Christine Mayer, president of GAR Foundation, said in a news release. “Together, they will ensure that APS students have an enriching, engaging, fun summer, which they certainly deserve after the challenges COVID has brought.”

The Early Childhood Resource Center received a $204,910 grant for its Supporting Partnerships to Assure Ready Kids (SPARK) program. The program aims to help boost kindergarten readiness and enhance literacy skills. The center is the region’s state-designated Child Care Resource & Referral agency and is GAR’s principal partner for offering Supporting Teachers & Ready Students, a four-year early childhood professional development program. The center is planning to open an additional office in Akron next month.

The GAR Foundation also awarded grants to organizations that offer services and programs that align with its strategic areas of focus, including ArtsNow, Asian Services in Action and Community Legal Aid.

ArtsNow received a $125,000 grant for its work to enhance the arts and culture sector in the county. Asian Services in Action received $50,000 for operations with a goal of helping to support the needs of Akron’s immigrant population. Community Legal Aid received a $35,000 grant to offer affordable legal services to low-income Akron residents.

The full list of grant recipients:

  • Akron Area YMCA: $58,300 for summer programming with Akron Public Schools
  • Akron Art Museum: $125,000 for operating support
  • Akron Urban League: $25,000 for operating support
  • ArtsNow: $125,000 for operating support
  • Asian Services in Action: $50,000 for operating support
  • Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio-Akron: $85,000 for operations and $5,000 for summer programming with Akron Public Schools
  • Center for Applied Theatre and Active Culture: $7,500 for operating support
  • Community Legal Aid: $35,000 for operating support
  • ConxusNEO: $125,000 for operating support
  • Early Childhood Resource Center: $204,910 for SPARK program
  • Emmanuel Christian Academy: $50,000 for STEAM Academy Summer Enrichment
  • Family & Community Services: $60,000 for Mobile Meals operating support
  • Groundwork Ohio: $25,000 for operating support
  • GroundWorks DanceTheater: $30,000 for operating support
  • Junior Achievement of North Central Ohio: $50,000 for Akron Public Schools program support
  • Kenmore Neighborhood Alliance: $20,000 for operating support
  • Leadership Akron: $20,000 for operating support
  • Musical Arts Association: $50,000 for the Blossom Music Festival
  • Northeast Ohio Medical University Foundation: $20,000 for the Bench to Bedside program
  • Project Learn of Summit County: $60,000 for operating support
  • Shelter Care: $30,000 for Safe Landing shelter operating support
  • South Street Ministries: $35,000 for operating support
  • Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens: $30,000 for operating support
  • Stark State College Foundation: $50,000 for healthcare skill building
  • Students with a Goal: $30,000 for operating support
  • Western Reserve Historical Society: $35,000 for Hale Farm & Village operating support

 

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