Holiday House SRQ's Megan Micale, executive director, and Sepi Ackerman, co-founder and executive president, say a grant would allow for 350 Title I students to receive school uniforms, shoes and a holiday experience.
Photo by Madison Bierl
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From foster care, to helping people who are coming out of incarceration, to creating culinary classes to assist with those with memory loss, local nonprofits work to meet the myriad of community needs.
On May 11 at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing, 23 of those nonprofits came to Gold Coast Eagle Distributing to showcase their commitment during Sisterhood for Good's annual Grant Expo.
Harbor58 mentor Annie Wilson called the event a positive and collaborative opportunity. She said it renews her hope and inspires her to see so many people with a "generous spirit" who are willing to help those in need.
"Being in a room where everyone is focused on serving others strengthens me to continue the mission to change the narrative for foster youth in our community," Wilson said.
Angela Massaro-Fain, the Sisterhood for Good founder and president, said 129 grant applications were received from area nonprofits his year. Out of those, 20 names were randomly drawn to participate in the expo while an additional three were drawn to provide speakers for the event.
"This event allows the nonprofits to showcase what their organization does for the community and how, if they receive a grant from Sisterhood, the money will be used," Massaro-Fain said.
Jodi Allen, a member of Sisterhood for Good since 2017, said she loves hearing from the nonprofits as each has a personal story. She always surprised by the number of new nonprofits.
"Meeting the agencies and hearing about their programs gives me the background I need when I’m voting on who receives our grants," Allen said. "I wish we could provide funds to all of them as their enthusiasm and passion is infectious."
This year, SFG will give out $150,000 in grants for the third year in a row. The grants ceremony will be held June 25 at 5:30 p.m. at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing.
Harbor58 Volunteer Mentor Annie Wilson tells Sisterhood for Good Founder and President Angela Massaro-Fain a grant would help fund an internship program.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Lindsey Ryan, the founder of nonprofit Miracle Minis, provides equine therapy to disabled and able-bodied children and adults.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Liz Brookins, who serves as co-chair for the grants committee for Sisterhood for Good alongside Valerie Walrin, says over 57,790 lives have been impacted by their grants over the past 15 years.
Photo by Madison Bierl
CEO Michael Richker and Treasurer Lee Brewer of Grasp, a nonprofit that supports people transitioning back into society after incarceration, homelessness or treatment, say they are diligent with funds they are given in order to help as many as possible.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Kelleye Jacob, database and development coordinator of Aviva Senior Living, tells Sisterhood for Good member Jodi Allen that grant money would assist in providing a culinary program for 58 or more residents at their facility.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Celia Kane, program director of Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice, shares how Our Mother's House, a 2-year transitional living program, assists single mothers.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Glo Reber, a member of Sisterhood for Good, learns about Aphasia Community Center from board members Becky Reese and Elyse Gordon.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Sarah Davis, founder and president of Jackson's Gift, says the nonprofit serves foster youth who have aged out of the system and have chosen to enlist in the United States military.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Acts of Love Ministries Founder Monica Satcher and her daughter, Zoe, say if a grant will support a new arm of the nonprofit that will help families and children who have unresolved trauma.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Becky Reese and Elyse Gordon, board members at Aphasia Community Center, say a grant from Sisterhood for Good could help run a food and nutrition program for people living with aphasia. Aphasia is a language disorder that impairs a person's ability to speak and understand, which commonly occurs suddenly after a stroke.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Antonia Rolle, president and CEO of Project 180, says if her nonprofit receives a grant from Sisterhood for Good, the money will go toward giving people coming out of incarceration support in maintaining medical, dental and vision insurance.
Madison Bierl is the education and community reporter for the East County Observer. She grew up in Iowa and studied at the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication at Iowa State University.
