2012 Grant Recipients

2012 GRANT RECIPIENTS


A total of over $80,000 in grants were awarded by Operation Our Town during the 2012 grant cycle for the following proven prevention and treatment programs:

Altoona Area School District Foundation:  SOAR (Study, Overcome, Achieve, Reward)
Pilot project in its 4th full year of operation, which identifies students who will receive financial assistance to pursue a post secondary education, given that they meet program guidelines and participate fully in the program.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Blair Co.:  Mentoring Program
Evidence-based one-to-one youth mentoring program offered to children of Blair County between the ages of 6 and 18, who are paired with a trained adult mentor to do a variety of activities, to confide in as a friend, and to serve as a role model.

Blair Co. Juvenile Probation Office:  Juvenile Drug Court
Evidence-based program, in which the Juvenile Drug Court Judge and a team comprised of representatives from treatment, juvenile justice, social services, schools, probation, counseling agencies, the prosecution, and the defense determine how best to address the substance abuse and related problems of the juvenile offender and his/her family.

Child Advocates of Blair County:  Teen Link Connection
Will support the All Stars Program, which is an evidence-based program for youth in 7th through 9th grade which provides a character-based approach to preventing high-risk behaviors such as substance use, violence, and premature sexual activity.

Child Advocates of Blair County:  Teen Power Day
An event held at Penn State Altoona that is targeted toward Junior High School youth from a variety of school districts that emphasizes the importance of healthy decision making, consequences of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol use, consequences of early sexual activity, and bullying.

Claysburg Kimmel Cares:  Strengthening Families Program 10-14
Evidence-based family skills training program found to significantly reduce problem behaviors, delinquency, and alcohol and drug abuse in children, and to improve social competencies and school performance.

Gloria Gates Memorial Foundation:  After School Program
After-school and summer programs provided for children ages 5 through 12 in a daily structured setting held within the housing developments of Evergreen Manors, Fairview Hills, Logan Hills, and a new site at the 2nd Avenue United Methodist Church.

Hollidaysburg Area YMCA:  Family Y Nites
Offers their facilities to kids and their families on the first Saturday of each month during the months of October through May to have access to their swimming pool, gymnasium, crafts, games, and concessions.

Home Nursing Agency Community Services:  Nurse-Family Partnership
Evidence-based community health program that pairs vulnerable first-time mothers with a registered nurse home visitor to receive ongoing support and guidance throughout their pregnancy until the child reaches age two.

Joshua House Community Center:  Joshua House Programs
A faith-based nonprofit organization with a mission to build community in kids, teens, and young adults through athletics, education, and faith and provides after-school activities and mentoring opportunities for youth in Northern Blair County, specifically Tyrone.

Stepping Stones for Life:  Summer Life Skills Program
Provides a therapeutic farm environment where at-risk youth engage in life skills learning through adult/older youth mentors and horses and by participating in activities that provide them with order, purpose, and opportunity.

The Family Resource Center of Blair Co.:  Community Education
Will support the Parents as Teachers Program, which is an evidence-based home visitation program that serves families with children prenatal to age five with personal home visits, parent group educational meetings, developmental child screenings, and community referrals to resource networking.

The ROCK:  After School Program
After-school program for children in Kindergarten through 12th grade held at the 2nd Avenue United Methodist Church, which includes a recreational period, classroom lesson time, creative development period, and a hot, nutritious home-cooked meal.  Will begin a new partnership with the Gloria Gates Memorial Foundation After School program to expand their impact in Altoona.

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693-3020